1 Corinthians 9:15

But. have used none of these things: and. write not these things that it may be so done in my case; for it were good for me rather to die, than that any man should make my glorifying void.

'But. have used none of these things' -i.e. accepting support from you. 'He doesn't go into detail about why he didn't. He did take support from others (1 Peter 1:5; 1 Peter 4:10; 2 Corinthians 11:7 ff) so he wasn't opposed to doing so in all circumstances. Which is exactly to the point! Depending on the circumstances, he would either forfeit or exercise his liberty.' (McGuiggan p. 129)

'I' -'Notice the change from the plural to the singular pronoun ('we'-1 Corinthians 9:12); having discussed the right which he and his co-workers had to support, Paul explained why he personally refused to exercise his legitimate right.' (Willis p. 293)

'I write not these things that it may be so done in my case' -'deals. deathblow to the suspicion which someone might be low enough to entertain, namely that Paul's secret purpose in writing these things is, after all, to get support from the people.' (Lenski p. 368)

'for it were good for me rather to die' -'I would sooner die than' (Mof)

'that any man should make my glorying void' -'No one shall make my boast an empty boast' (NEB)

Points to Note:

1. Paul's boast, wasn't in preaching the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16). Paul's "boast" appears to have been offering the gospel without charge (1 Corinthians 9:18); avoiding any hindrance to the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:12); which involved the "right" to forego his rights.

2. The language is strong and full of emotion here. Paul would rather die than live. selfish life. Paul would rather die, that force his "rights" upon others! To Paul (and all men and women of integrity), there is something worst that physical death, i.e. to bring discredit upon the cause of Christ, through one's own selfish choices.