15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast. 16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.
1 Corinthians 9:15–17
Semantically similar passages
2 Thessalonians 3:8–10
8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate. 10 For even whil…
Romans 1:13–15
13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, how often I planned to come to you (but have been prevented from visiting until now), in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. 14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-…
2 Corinthians 11:6–8
6 Although I am not a polished speaker, I am certainly not lacking in knowledge. We have made this clear to you in every way possible. 7 Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 8 I robbed…
1 Thessalonians 2:5–7
5 As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! 6 Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it. 7 On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursi…
1 Corinthians 9:26–27
26 Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. 27 No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Philippians 1:16–18
16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains. 18 What then is the issue? Just this: that in…
2 Corinthians 12:5–7
5 I will boast about such a man, but I will not boast about myself, except in my weaknesses. 6 Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears fr…
2 Corinthians 11:29–31
29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief? 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is forever worthy of praise, knows that I am not lying.
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