1 Corinthians 9:18

What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while concluding his argument on apostolic rights, immediately before declaring his voluntary limitation of those freedoms to win others.

The words — The Greek misthos (reward) and euangelizomenos (in evangelising) frame his inquiry about compensation and his active preaching. Paul states his reward is simply offering the gospel without charge, thereby refraining from exercising his apostolic rights.

The thread — This theme of preaching without financial support recurs in 2 Corinthians 11:7, while the tension between Christian liberty and practical limitation echoes 1 Corinthians 8:9 and 1 Corinthians 10:33.

Why it lands — The text demands that readers prioritize unimpeded access to the gospel over personal entitlements. It requires a practical rejection of self-interest in favor of removing obstacles for others.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

Cross-references

2 Corinthians 11:7 Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge?
1 Corinthians 8:9 Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
1 Corinthians 10:33 as I also try to please everyone in all I do. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, that they may be saved.
1 Thessalonians 2:6 Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.
2 Thessalonians 3:8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
2 Corinthians 12:13 In what way were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!
1 Corinthians 7:31 and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
1 Corinthians 9:6 Or are Barnabas and I the only apostles who must work for a living?
2 Corinthians 4:5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
Romans 14:15 If your brother is distressed by what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother, for whom Christ died.