1 Corinthians 9:18
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.
Original Language Analysis
τίς
What
G5101
τίς
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 24
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μισθός
reward
G3408
μισθός
reward
Strong's:
G3408
Word #:
6 of 24
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
εὐαγγελιζόμενος
when I preach the gospel
G2097
εὐαγγελιζόμενος
when I preach the gospel
Strong's:
G2097
Word #:
8 of 24
to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel
θήσω
I may make
G5087
θήσω
I may make
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
10 of 24
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Χριστοῦ,
of Christ
G5547
Χριστοῦ,
of Christ
Strong's:
G5547
Word #:
14 of 24
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
εἰς
that
G1519
εἰς
that
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
17 of 24
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐξουσίᾳ
power
G1849
ἐξουσίᾳ
power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
20 of 24
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:6Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.1 Corinthians 10:33Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.1 Corinthians 8:9But take heed lest by any means this liberty of your's become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.2 Corinthians 4:5For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.1 Corinthians 7:31And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
Historical Context
Ancient religions often involved transaction: sacrifices purchased divine favor, mystery initiations required fees, and philosophers charged for wisdom. Against this backdrop, Paul's free gospel was revolutionary. It declared that God's favor cannot be bought, that grace is gift, not transaction. This embodied the gospel's essence and disarmed critics who accused Christians of greed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does preaching "without charge" make Paul's reward greater than accepting payment?
- In what ways does free gospel preaching mirror the nature of grace itself?
- How can ministers today balance accepting legitimate support (v. 14) with Paul's concern to avoid hindering the gospel (v. 12)?
Analysis & Commentary
What is my reward then? If preaching under compulsion yields no reward (v. 16-17), how can Paul have a misthos (μισθός, "wage, reward")? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, Paul's reward is the joy of offering the gospel adapanos (ἀδάπανος, "without expense, free of charge"). He glories in removing financial barriers, making salvation accessible to the poorest slave or beggar.
That I abuse not my power in the gospel. The Greek katachraomai (καταχράομαι, "use to the full, exploit") can mean either "make full use of" or "abuse." Paul chooses not to exhaust his apostolic rights, preserving them unused like a benefactor who gives without taking. This free offering mirrors God's grace—the gospel is a gift, not a commodity. By refusing payment, Paul embodies the message: salvation is free, grace is unearned, and God's love cannot be purchased. His lifestyle preaches before he opens his mouth.