23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
23 I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.
23 I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!
23 Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:23
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.