1 Corinthians 9:16

For though. Literally, “for if.” Paul’s argument in vs. 16, 17 is difficult, and various interpretations have been given. Some supply the phrase “as others do” in the first part of v. 16, making the passage read, “For if I preach the gospel as others do [receiving pay from those to whom I preach], I have nothing to boast of.” Others see the statement more generally as if Paul said, “Simply the fact that I preach the gospel is no basis of glorying for me, for necessity is laid upon me.”

Nothing. Paul had suggested in v. 15 that he had grounds for glorying or boasting, but in this verse he makes it plain that there was nothing in the matter of his preaching the gospel that gave him any right to boast, because he was under compulsion to preach.

Necessity. Paul could not boast of that which he was compelled to do. All hope of reward must be connected with something that he did voluntarily, not under compulsion. That would show the real inclination and desire of his heart. By “necessity” he doubtless means his call to the ministry (see Acts 9:4-6, 17, 18; 13:2; 22:6-15, 21; 26:15-19), which he could not ignore and retain peace of mind or the favor of God.

If I preach not. Paul knew the penalty of silence. He knew that he was commissioned by God to proclaim the glad tidings of deliverance from sin, and that if he remained silent he would have no peace of mind, no happy, innocent communion with Christ. To remain silent would have meant denial of the charge given him by the Lord (see Acts 22:14, 15, 21; Rom. 11:13; 15:16; Eph. 3:7, 8).

All who are called of God to preach the gospel as ministers are unable to engage in any other line of activity and be happy or contented. If with a clear conscience and a peaceful mind a man can refrain from preaching, then he should on no account enter the ministry (see GW 437). The ministry of the gospel is the most responsible calling in the world, and only those who are willing to be guided by the Spirit of the Lord, and who respond to a sense of sacred duty, should enter it (see 3T 243). The true minister of Jesus Christ does not consider himself and his own convenience. He does not try to do as little as possible, or to limit his service to a certain number of hours each day; he is anxious to do more than appears necessary, because he loves the Lord and has an appreciation of the value of souls. He is impelled by an inward sense of urgency to seek and to save lost souls (see Jer. 20:9). What is true in connection with the ministry also applies to every follower of the Lord. Jesus has commissioned all who believe in Him to witness for Him (see Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8; DA 347, 348; 9T 19, 20). All who love the Saviour will respond to that commission by permitting the Holy Spirit to shine through them to all with whom they come in contact (see Dan. 12:3; Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:15).