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Scott's Reference Library
1 Corinthians 9:16 through 1 Corinthians 9:23 (NIV)
16Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to
preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17If I preach voluntarily, I
have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed
to me. 18What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may
offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it.
19Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to
win as many as possible. 20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To
those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not
under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21To those not having the law
I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am
under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22To the weak I
became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all
possible means I might save some. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel,
that I may share in its blessings.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
VERSES 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.