15 But I have used none of these things . And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case ; for it would be better e for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one. 16 For if I preach the gospel , I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion ; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel . 17 For if I do this voluntarily , I have a reward ; but if against my will , I have a stewardship entrusted to me. 18 What then is my reward ? That, when I preach the gospel , I may offer the gospel without charge , so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel .
19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all , so that I may win more . 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew , so that I might win Jews ; to those who are under the Law , as under the Law though not being myself under the Law , so that I might win those who are under the Law ; 21 to those who are without law , as without law , though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ , so that I might win those who are without law . 22 To the weak I became weak , that I might win the weak ; I have become all things to all men , so that I may by all means save some . 23 I do all things for the sake of the gospel , so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:15-23
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:15-23
(Read 1 Corinthians 9:15-23)
It is the glory of a minister to deny himself, that he may serve Christ and save souls. But when a minister gives up his right for the sake of the gospel, he does more than his charge and office demands. By preaching the gospel, freely, the apostle showed that he acted from principles of zeal and love, and thus enjoyed much comfort and hope in his soul. And though he looked on the ceremonial law as a yoke taken off by Christ, yet he submitted to it, that he might work upon the Jews, do away their prejudices, prevail with them to hear the gospel, and win them over to Christ. Though he would transgress no laws of Christ, to please any man, yet he would accommodate himself to all men, where he might do it lawfully, to gain some. Doing good was the study and business of his life; and, that he might reach this end, he did not stand on privileges. We must carefully watch against extremes, and against relying on any thing but trust in Christ alone. We must not allow errors or faults, so as to hurt others, or disgrace the gospel.