20 And G2532 unto the Jews G2453 I became G1096 as G5613 a Jew, G2453 that G2443 I might gain G2770 the Jews; G2453 to them that are under G5259 the law, G3551 as G5613 under G5259 the law, G3551 that G2443 I might gain G2770 them that are under G5259 the law; G3551
21 To them that are without law, G459 as G5613 without law, G459 (being G5607 not G3361 without law G459 to God, G2316 but G235 under the law G1772 to Christ,) G5547 that G2443 I might gain G2770 them that are without law. G459
22 To the weak G772 became I G1096 as G5613 weak, G772 that G2443 I might gain G2770 the weak: G772 I am made G1096 all things G3956 to all G3956 men, that G2443 I might G4982 by all means G3843 save G4982 some. G5100
23 And G1161 this G5124 I do G4160 for G1223 the gospel's G2098 sake, G1223 that G2443 I might be G1096 partaker G4791 thereof G846 with G4791 you.
24 Know ye G1492 not G3756 that G3754 they which run G5143 in G1722 a race G4712 run G5143 all, G3956 G3303 but G1161 one G1520 receiveth G2983 the prize? G1017 So G3779 run, G5143 that G2443 ye may obtain. G2638
25 And G1161 every man G3956 that striveth for the mastery G75 is temperate G1467 in all things. G3956 G3303 Now G3767 they G1565 do it to G2443 obtain G2983 a corruptible G5349 crown; G4735 but G1161 we G2249 an incorruptible. G862
26 I G1473 therefore G5106 so G3779 run, G5143 not G3756 as G5613 uncertainly; G84 so G3779 fight I, G4438 not G3756 as G5613 one that beateth G1194 the air: G109
27 But G235 I keep under G5299 my G3450 body, G4983 and G2532 bring it into subjection: G1396 lest that by any means, G3381 G4458 when I have preached G2784 to others, G243 I myself G846 should be G1096 a castaway. G96
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 9
In this chapter the apostle seems to answer some cavils against himself.
1Cr 9:1-2
Blessed Paul, in the work of his ministry, not only met with opposition from those without, but discouragement from those within. He was under reproach; false brethren questioned his apostleship, and were very industrious to lessen his character and sink his reputation; particularly here at Corinth, a place to which he had been instrumental in doing much good, and from which he had deserved well; and yet there were those among them who upon these heads created him great uneasiness. Note, It is no strange nor new thing for a minister to meet with very unkind returns for great good-will to a people, and diligent and successful services among them. Some among the Corinthians questioned, if they did not disown, his apostolical character. To their cavils he here answers, and in such a manner as to set forth himself as a remarkable example of that self-denial, for the good of others, which he had been recommending in the former chapter. And,
1Cr 9:3-14
Having asserted his apostolical authority, he proceeds to claim the rights belonging to his office, especially that of being maintained by it.
1Cr 9:15-18
Here he tells them that he had, notwithstanding, waived his privilege, and lays down his reason for doing it.
1Cr 9:19-23
The apostle takes occasion from what he had before discoursed to mention some other instances of his self-denial and parting with his liberty for the benefit of others.
1Cr 9:24-27
In these verses the apostle hints at the great encouragement he had to act in this manner. He had a glorious prize, an incorruptible crown, in view. Upon this head he compares himself to the racers and combatants in the Isthmian games, an allusion well known to the Corinthians, because they were celebrated in their neighbourhood: "Know you not that those who run in a race run all, but one obtaineth the prize? v. 24. All run at your games, but only one gets the race and wins the crown.' And here,