Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 9:15

"But I have used none of these things: and I write not these things that it may be so done in my case; for [it were] good for me rather to die, than that any man should make my glorifying void." — 1 Corinthians 9:15 (ASV)

In spite of all this evidence, Paul again states that he has not used these privileges. Nor is he writing this to get them to start supporting him, for he wants to be able to face his opponents at Corinth with the boast that he is unselfishly serving them and the Lord in the Gospel. If one considers only his preaching, that gives Paul no reason for boasting, since the Lord has laid on him the necessity of preaching (Acts 26:16–18). In further explanation, he cries out that God’s judgment would descend on him if he did not preach.