1 Corinthians 9:16-23

Paul Sacrificed To Serve

Paul was commanded to preach the gospel (Acts 26:16-20). As one who had obtained mercy, he had to proclaim mercy. He was not able to glory in simply being a faithful steward. Since he was commanded to preach the gospel, there was no reward in being simply faithful in keeping that command. If he had done it without being commanded, he might have had reason to glory. Paul did not want to misuse his right, so he did not accept any money. This gave him a reward for his labors. Later Paul apologized because this seemed to have hurt the church (1 Corinthians 9:16-18; 2 Corinthians 12:13).

Paul gladly gave up his right to support so that he might convert more. In fact, he was willing to give up anything so long as it was not sinful. McGarvey says, "Paul observed the Jewish distinction as to meat (1 Corinthians 8:13); and honored their feasts (Acts 20:16); and classed himself among their Pharisees (Acts 23:6); and even had circumcision administered (Acts 16:3), where it did not interfere with the liberty of Gentiles. (Galatians 2:3-5.) All of these were innocent concessions to and harmless compliance with the law." He was unbending in his strict compliance with gospel requirements, however.

Next, Paul explained that he could live as one outside the law of Moses, or a Gentile, in order to win Gentiles to the Lord Jesus (Romans 2:12-16). He did not force the law of Moses upon them. Lipscomb writes, "Paul adapted himself to the habits and modes of thought of the Gentiles; quoted their poets (Acts 17:23) and did not urge on them the ceremonies and 'works of the law' but 'by the hearing of faith' (Galatians 3:9)." He goes on to explain the sense in which Paul was without law, stating, "The death of Jesus on the cross had made him free from the law of Moses (Colossians 2:24), and brought him under the 'law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus' (Romans 8:2.)" The previous chapter explained how he avoided hurting the weak. Paul would have yielded to anyone's wishes, so long as they were not sinful, in order to gain the hearing of another soul (1 Corinthians 10:33; 2 Timothy 2:10). He sacrificed all this to save others and himself (1 Corinthians 9:19-23; 1 Timothy 4:16).