Anybody Anyone Better Boast Boasting Case Concerned Death Deprive Die Effect Empty Full Glorifying Glorying Ground Hope Myself None Object Pride Provision Rather Rights Secure Thus Undergo Vain Void Writing Written
9:15 But I have used none of these things: {10} neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for [it were] better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
(10) He takes away occasion of suspicion by the way, that it might not be thought that he wrote this as though he was demanding his wages that were not payed him. On the contrary, he says, I had rather die, than not to continue in this purpose to preach the Gospel freely. For I am bound to preach the Gospel, seeing that the Lord has given and commanded me this office: but unless I do it willingly and for the love of God, nothing that I do is to be considered worthwhile. If I had rather that the Gospel should be evil spoken of, than that I should not require my wages, then would it appear that I took these pains not so much for the Gospel's sake, as for my gains and advantages. But I say, this would not be to use, but rather to abuse my right and liberty: therefore not only in this thing, but also in all others (as much as I could) I am made all things to all men, that I might win them to Christ, and might together with them be won to Christ.
9:15 But I have used none of these things. They had neither sustained him, nor did he now write to them to have them do so. Nay, he was fully resolved not to change his course. It were even better for him to die than to do so.
9:15 It were better for me to die than - To give occasion to them that seek occasion against me, 2Cor 11:12.
9:15-23 It is the glory of a minister to deny himself, 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 looked on the ceremonial law as a yoke taken off by Christ, yet he submitted to it, that he might work upon the Jews, do away their prejudices, prevail with them to hear the gospel, and win them over to Christ. Though he would transgress no laws of Christ, to please any man, yet he would accommodate himself to all men, where he might do it lawfully, to gain some. Doing good was the study and business of his life; and, that he might reach this end, he did not stand on privileges. We must carefully watch against extremes, and against relying on any thing but trust in Christ alone. We must not allow errors or faults, so as to hurt others, or disgrace the gospel.
Anybody Better Boast Boasting Case Concerned Death Deprive Die Empty Far Full Glorifying Glorying Good Ground Hope Object Part Provision Rather Rights Secure Undergo Use Used Void Write Writing Written
Anybody Better Boast Boasting Case Concerned Death Deprive Die Empty Far Full Glorifying Glorying Good Ground Hope Object Part Provision Rather Rights Secure Undergo Use Used Void Write Writing Written
