Key Verse Spotlight
1 Corinthians 9:16 — Meaning and Application
Understand how this verse speaks to what you're facing—and how to apply it today
King James Version
" 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 in Context
Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:
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.
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From This Chapter
1 Corinthians 9:1
"Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?"
1 Corinthians 9:2
"If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord."
1 Corinthians 9:3
"Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,"
1 Corinthians 9:4
"Have we not power to eat and to drink?"
1 Corinthians 9:5
"Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?"
1 Corinthians 9:6
"Or I only and Barnabas, have ➔ not we power to forbear working?"
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