1 Corinthians 9:17
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πράσσω
I do
G4238
πράσσω
I do
Strong's:
G4238
Word #:
5 of 12
to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,
μισθὸν
a reward
G3408
μισθὸν
a reward
Strong's:
G3408
Word #:
6 of 12
pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad
ἔχω·
I have
G2192
ἔχω·
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 12
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
Galatians 2:7But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;1 Corinthians 3:8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.Colossians 1:25Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;1 Corinthians 4:1Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.Matthew 10:41He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.Isaiah 6:8Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.Jeremiah 20:9Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.Nehemiah 11:2And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.1 Corinthians 3:14If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.1 Chronicles 29:5The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?
Historical Context
Greek oikonomia referred to household management, especially by a trusted slave who oversaw the master's estate. This steward had authority but no ownership—he managed resources on behalf of another. Paul uses this metaphor to describe his apostolic calling: God entrusted him with the gospel (1 Thess 2:4), and Paul must distribute it faithfully. Unfaithfulness means divine judgment (1 Cor 4:1-5).
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing ministry as stewardship (not ownership) protect against pride and abuse?
- What is the difference between voluntary service (deserving reward) and compulsory duty (fulfilling obligation)?
- How does Paul's "unwilling" preaching (divine compulsion) paradoxically result in greater devotion than voluntary service?
Analysis & Commentary
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: If Paul preached voluntarily—a freely chosen profession rather than divine compulsion—he would deserve the reward of material support (the misthos, μισθός, "wage" of v. 18). But Paul does not preach willingly in that sense; he preaches under apostolic commission. But if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. The Greek oikonomia (οἰκονομία, "stewardship, administration") denotes management of someone else's household or estate.
Paul is a steward, not an owner—entrusted with the gospel treasury but not free to dispose of it as he pleases. Like Joseph managing Potiphar's house or a slave managing a master's affairs, Paul must faithfully discharge his commission whether he feels like it or not. This removes personal glory from preaching itself. His reward (v. 18) comes not from preaching (that is mere duty) but from the manner of preaching: freely, without financial burden on new converts.