A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Corinthians 9:17

"For if I do this of mine own will, I have a reward: but if not of mine own will, I have a stewardship intrusted to me." — 1 Corinthians 9:17 (ASV)

Of mine own will (εκων)

--not of mine own will (ακων). Both common adjectives, but only here in N.T. save εκων, also in Ro 8:20. The argument is not wholly clear. Paul's call was so clear that he certainly did his work

willingly and so had a reward (see on Mt 6:1 for μισθος); but the only

reward that he had for his willing work (Marcus Dods) was to make the gospel

free of expense (αδαπανον, verse 18, rare word, here only in N.T., once in inscription at Priene). This was his μισθος. It was glorying (καυχημα, to be able to say so as in Ac 20:33f.).

I have a stewardship intrusted to me (οικονομιαν πεπιστευμα). Perfect passive indicative with the accusative retained. I have been intrusted with a stewardship and so would go on with my task like any οικονομος (steward) even if ακων (unwilling).