1 Corinthians 9:17

completes a chain of four explanatory γάρ s (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:17-21). To make his position clearer, P. puts two further contrasted hypotheses, the former imaginary, the latter suggesting the fact: (a) “For if I am engaged on this (work) of my own free will (ἑκών), I have reward (mercedem habeo)” sc. the supposed καύχημα of 1 Corinthians 9:16, the right to credit his work to himself (cf. Romans 4:2; Romans 4:4); not the future Messianic reward (so Mr [1360] and others), for ἔχω implies attained possession (see parls.), much as ἀπέχω) in Matthew 6:2, etc. For πράσσω, see note on 1 Corinthians 9:2. (b). “But” the contrasted matter of fact “if against my will (ἄκων = ἀνάγκῃ, 1 Corinthians 9:16), with a stewardship I have been entrusted”; cf. 1 Corinthians 4:1 f., 1 Timothy 1:12, etc. The οἰκονόμος (see note, 1 Corinthians 4:1), however highly placed, is a slave whose work is chosen for him and whose one merit is faithful obedience. In Paul's consciousness of stewardship there mingled submission to God, gratitude for the trust bestowed, and independence of human control (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:19; 1 Corinthians 4:3 f). The use πιστεύω in pass [1361] with personal subject and acc [1362] of thing (imitating vbs. of double acc.), is confined to Paul in N.T.; see Wr [1363], pp. 287, 326. To οἰκονομίαν πεπίστευμαι one tacitly adds, from the contrasted clause, καὶ μισθὸν οὐκ ἔχω : “Christ's bondman, I claim no hire for my stewardship; God's truth is enough for me”.

[1360] Meyer's Critical and Exegetical Commentary (Eng. Trans.).

[1361] passive voice.

[1362] accusative case.

[1363] Winer-Moulton's Grammar of N.T. Greek (8th ed., 1877).