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Priscilla: I Corinthians 9:15-27
The Rights and Sacrifices of the Apostle Paul in His Service – Part 2

Dear God, my Beloved Father, today I offer You my meditation on the Word of God in I Corinthians 9:15-27, regarding the rights and sacrifices of the Apostle Paul in his ministry.

15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

Verse 15: The Apostle Paul did not write to the Church in Corinth to impose an obligation on God’s people to provide for his physical needs or give him financial support, as he had the right to demand it. Rather, he wrote to teach them of their duty to those who teach the Word of God to them. The Apostle Paul boasted about preaching the Word of God free of charge, as commanded by the Lord. He would rather die than demand that God’s people provide for his physical needs, which could cause offense.

16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

Verses 16 and 17: The Apostle Paul is a person who has seen the Lord Jesus Christ. He was personally chosen and sent by Christ to preach the Gospel to all people. If Paul preaches faithfully and fulfills his ministry, he will receive a reward from the Lord. However, if he does not fulfill his duty to preach the Gospel, the Lord will still hold him responsible. It will be a great sorrow for him if he does not preach the Gospel, as he will be held accountable by the Lord. Therefore, the Apostle Paul has nothing to boast about regarding his preaching of the Gospel. He knows that if his preaching is effective in bringing many people to salvation, it is because of God’s grace, not because of his eloquence or ability.

18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

Verses 18 and 19: The Apostle Paul speaks of the reward of joy in serving the Lord when he preaches the Gospel of Christ without charge. He does not use his teaching of the Word of God to exploit his authority and seek material gain for himself. Although the Apostle Paul is free in all respects, he has chosen to make himself a servant to all people. He hopes that through preaching the Gospel, he may bring many of them to the salvation of God.

20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

Verse 20: The Apostle Paul wanted to live in harmony with those who followed Judaism so that he could have the opportunity to preach the Gospel and bring the truth to them. He lived like a Jew, obeying their laws and customs as long as doing so did not contradict the Word of God. He also lived like a Jew under the law, observing the laws of the Old Testament written by Moses, such as circumcision, keeping the feasts of the Old Testament, and avoiding unclean foods of the Old Testament’s time. However, he did not do these things for the purpose of receiving salvation from the Lord.

21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

Verse 21: “Them that are without law” refers to people who are not followers of the Jewish faith. When Paul says he became “as without law,” he means that he did not follow all the customs of the Mosaic law when living among Gentiles. However, he still kept the Ten Commandments of God and did not violate the laws of God.

22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

Verses 22 and 23: The Apostle Paul had compassion for new believers who had little knowledge of God’s Word. He used the Word to teach them a new way of living, so they could grow strong in the Lord and become good disciples of Christ. With unbelievers, he did everything he could, sacrificing himself and enduring hardships while preaching the Gospel, in order to bring salvation to as many people as possible. Therefore, the Apostle Paul was a participant in the salvation of the Gospel.

24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.

25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Verses 24 and 25: The Apostle Paul encourages God’s people to live a holy life in Christ, overcoming all temptations like victorious runners in a race who receive a prize. Those who want to win the prize in the race must discipline themselves before the race, spend time in training, avoid foods that could harm their health, and abstain from things that could hinder their preparation for the race.

The Apostle Paul makes it clear that the glory of a perishable wreath that athletes strive for by enduring hardship and giving their best on the day of competition is nothing compared to the glory of the eternal prize that God’s people receive. Therefore, God’s people must also discipline themselves in all things, living a holy life, avoiding food sacrificed to idols, refraining from sexual immorality, and keeping their bodies as a temple of God, free from defilement. For if anyone cannot endure hardship, they will not share in the reign of Christ. If anyone is not holy, they will not see God, which means they will not receive the reward of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Verses 26 and 27: Paul compares his life to a race, like a battle. He endured hardship like a good soldier of Christ, overcoming all temptations and disciplining his body severely to make it obedient to his spirit. Paul remained faithful, finishing the race and completing the good fight of faith with a pure conscience, achieving much for the Lord’s work.

Father, please grant me all the graces I need so that I can keep striving to live a victorious life in Christ. Thank You, Father. Amen!

In the grace of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Priscilla Christian Huynh
05/11/2023