17 For if I do this willingly, (A)I have a reward; but if against my will, (B)I have been entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What is my reward then? That (C)when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel [a]of Christ without charge, that I (D)may not abuse my authority in the gospel.

Serving All Men

19 For though I am (E)free from all men, (F)I have made myself a servant to all, (G)that I might win the more;

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 9:18 NU omits of Christ

17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward;(A) if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.(B) 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge,(C) and so not make full use of my rights(D) as a preacher of the gospel.

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

19 Though I am free(E) and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,(F) to win as many as possible.(G)

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