Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 9:16

"For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel." — 1 Corinthians 9:16 (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.