Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Corinthians 9:15-23

"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. 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. 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. What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the gospel. For though I was free from all [men,] I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more. And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law, not being without law to God, but under law to Christ, that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak: I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some. And I do all things for the gospel`s sake, that I may be a joint partaker thereof." — 1 Corinthians 9:15-23 (ASV)

It is the glory of a minister to deny himself, so that he may serve Christ and save souls. But when a minister gives up his right for the sake of the gospel, he does more than his charge and office demands. By preaching the gospel, freely, the apostle showed that he acted from principles of zeal and love, and thus enjoyed much comfort and hope in his soul.

And though he regarded the ceremonial law as a yoke removed by Christ, he nevertheless submitted to it, so that he might influence the Jews, dispel their prejudices, persuade them to hear the gospel, and win them over to Christ. Though he would transgress no laws of Christ to please anyone, he would still accommodate himself to all people, where he could lawfully do so, to gain some. Doing good was the focus and endeavor of his life; and to achieve this goal, he did not insist on his privileges.

We must carefully watch against extremes, and against relying on anything other than trust in Christ alone. We must not allow errors or faults in such a way that they hurt others or disgrace the gospel.