1 Corinthians 9:18

Reward. A reason for Paul’s attitude in this regard may be found in his early antagonism toward Christ and His followers, his miraculous conversion (see Acts 7:58; 8:1, 3; 9:1-6), and the high responsibility entrusted to him (see 1 Cor. 15:8-10; Eph. 3:7, 8; 1 Tim. 1:15, 16). He was acutely conscious of the great wrong he had done in persecuting the followers of Jesus, even though he sincerely believed that by so doing he was carrying out God’s will (see 1 Tim. 1:13). The mercy by which Paul obtained forgiveness for his misguided opposition to the gospel is graphically illustrated in the words of Christ to the Father concerning the men who crucified Him (see Luke 23:34). Sincere repentance for wrongdoing enables God to pardon the repentant sinner (see Acts 2:37, 38; 3:19).

Paul recognized that the merciful treatment given him by the Lord and the great trust placed in him by the specific call to the apostolic office made him the recipient of favors of which he was utterly unworthy and could never repay (see 1 Tim. 1:11, 12, 14, 16). He gladly accepted the commission so graciously given him, and freely acknowledged his indebtedness to preach the gospel to all men (see Rom. 1:14, 15; 1 Cor. 9:16). Overwhelmed with grateful love for Jesus, he gave himself to the joyful task of taking the message of salvation to all, Jews and Gentiles. He felt urged to renounce the lawful provision made for his support (see vs. 13, 14). He did not wish to have his joy in the work interfered with by the acceptance of payment for that which was for him a labor of love. He was determined that his privilege of unselfish service should not be taken away from him (v. 15). It was ample reward for Paul that he was considered by his Lord to be worthy of the high calling of the gospel ministry, and that he was permitted to demonstrate his unselfish love for the Saviour by laboring for souls at his own expense, without being a burden to the church.

Without charge. That is, without soliciting funds from his converts for his support.

Abuse. Gr. katachraomai, “to use up,” “to use to the full,” or simply, “to use,” as doubtless here, for Paul was not claiming or receiving partial support. The word need not be construed in a bad sense. Paul repeatedly asserted his authority to claim support from the believers (see vs. 4, 5, 11, 12), but he does not plan to exercise his right. To do so in his case would be a hindrance to the gospel and would deprive him of his coveted reward of offering salvation, without any kind of charge or fee, to all whom he addressed (see v. 12).

It cannot be argued from Paul’s statements in vs. 15-18 that ministers of the gospel should necessarily labor with their hands at some trade or other for their support and not expect the churches to provide for them. The apostle was careful to make plain that his own attitude was the exception rather than the rule (see vs. 5-7, 9). God has definitely instructed His church concerning His plan for the support of His ministers (see v. 14; AA 338-341).

Power in the gospel. That is, Paul’s authority or right when preaching the gospel to claim support from his converts.