What then is my reward? That, when. preach the gospel,. may make the gospel without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the gospel.

'What then is my reward?' -'he asks of one who is entitled to no reward. Since his apostolic ministry is his by divine appointment, given to him quite apart from his own choosing, his "pay" in such circumstances is to do something that was not imposed on him, namely, "that in preaching the gospel. may offer it free of charge." In one sense his "pay" is in fact to receive "no pay"!' (Fee p. 420)

Paul's reward did not lie in doing what he was bound to do; rather it existed in. matter of choice which was left up to himself.

'Well, if he doesn't get paid "for preaching", what does he get? What money can't buy! The joyful sense of satisfaction which comes from knowing he has acted with integrity.' (McGuiggan p. 129)

'without charge..so as not to use to the full my right in the gospel' -I can accept wages or. can refrain. In this matter. am under no constraint or obligation one way or the other, and to you,. use my liberty of choice by preaching the gospel free of charge. And now Paul will draw the strings of this chapter and chapter. together. For his voluntary giving up his rights-for the advancement of the gospel IS ON. PAR with their liberty in the matter of food. In both cases the paramount consideration is what will best promote the spread of the gospel!

'Thus his "reward", as his "boast", is to be found in the "weakness" of working with his own hands so as not to hinder the forward progress of the gospel.' (Fee p. 421)

'to use to the full my right' -And this is precisely what the Corinthians were arguing for. They wanted to be able to use, when they wanted, "every right" that was coming to them.

'Thus Paul illustrates in part the great principle he is proclaiming, namely, that by insistence upon his rights one may possibly endanger his success. Indulgence in. practice which he regards as innocent may destroy. man's influence over others.' (Erdman pp. 95-96)

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising

Old Testament