"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 pre…" — 1 Corinthians 9:16

1 Corinthians 9:16 · KJV

“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!”

— 1 Corinthians 9:16

Verse 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 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.

1 Corinthians 9 — Context

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Cross References

Romans 1:14

I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

Jeremiah 20:9

Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But {his word} was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not {stay}.

Colossians 4:17

And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

Luke 9:62

And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Acts 26:16-20

But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

Acts 4:20

For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

Amos 3:8

The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?

Acts 9:6

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord {said} unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.