1 Corinthians 9:19

I brought myself under bondage

(εμαυτον εδουλωσα). Voluntary bondage, I enslaved myself to all, though free. Causative verb in -οω (δουλοω, from δουλος). The more (τους πλειονας). Than he could have done otherwise. Every preacher faces this problem of his personal attitude and conduct. Note κερδησω (as in verses 1 Corinthians 9:20; 1 Corinthians 9:21; 1 Corinthians 9:22, but once ινα κερδανω in 1 Corinthians 9:21, regular liquid future of κερδαινω) with ινα is probably future active indicative (James 4:13), though Ionic aorist active subjunctive from κερδαω is possible (Matthew 18:15). "He refuses payment in money that he may make the greater gain in souls" (Edwards).