1 Corinthians 9:23

Gospel’s sake. This reveals the motivating principle that guided Paul in everything he did. He was so conscious of the reality of the love of Jesus, the verity of His resurrection power, and the truth of God’s mercy to the repentant sinner that he was inspired with an undying passion to save men at all costs to himself. This is the experience of all who are regenerated by the Holy Spirit and come into intimate fellowship with Jesus (see Acts 1:8; 2:17, 18, 21; 4:13; SC 72, 73). Self disappears from the life of him who has fallen in love with the Saviour. He lives only to do the will of God (see Gal. 2:20).

Partaker thereof. This is the climax of the apostle’s hope, that he might have the joy of sharing the reward of eternal life with those for whom he had labored and suffered. In this statement can be seen the same fervent love for his fellows that animated Moses, who did not wish to be saved if Israel would not be pardoned and restored to divine favor (Ex. 32:31, 32); and the unspeakable love of Jesus. Heaven would lose much of its joy without the presence of those for whom He died (John 14:3; 17:24; cf. MH 105).