1 corinthians 9:15 - But I have used none of these things, and I don’t write these things that it may be done so in my case; for I would rather die, than that anyone should make my boasting void.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 corinthians 9:15" mean?
This verse from 1 Corinthians 9:15 is part of Paul's larger discussion about his rights as an apostle and how he chooses to forgo exercising them for the sake of the Gospel. Let's break it down:
"But I have used none of these things..." - Paul is referring back to the preceding verses where he argues that apostles, like other workers, have the right to be supported financially by those they serve. He lists several examples (soldiers, farmers, shepherds) who receive payment or benefits from their work. He, as an apostle, has the right to receive financial support from the Corinthian church for his ministry. However, he has not taken advantage of that right.
"...and I don’t write these things that it may be done so in my case..." - He is emphasizing that he isn't writing this argument to pressure them into financially supporting him now. His motive isn't to get them to start paying him. The reason he's writing about his rights as an apostle isn't because he wants them to support him.
"...for I would rather die, than that anyone should make my boasting void." - This is the key to understanding the whole verse. What is Paul boasting about? His unpaid service to the Corinthians. He has freely given them the Gospel without being a burden to them financially. This is a significant point of pride for him, as it demonstrates his selfless dedication and love for them. He is saying that he would rather die than have someone nullify, invalidate, or take away this "boast" (his unpaid labor).
In essence, Paul is saying:
> "I could demand financial support from you as an apostle. I am not writing this to convince you to start supporting me. I value my freedom from financial obligation so much that I would rather die than give up the right to boast that I served you without charge."
Why is this important to Paul?
Credibility: By not accepting financial support, Paul avoids any suspicion of ulterior motives. He doesn't want anyone to think he's preaching the Gospel for personal gain. This strengthens his credibility as a true apostle and messenger of Christ.
Example of Self-Sacrifice: He wants to set an example of self-sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. He is willing to suffer hardship and forgo his rights to ensure that the Gospel is presented without any barriers or hindrances.
Avoidance of Stumbling Blocks: By not accepting support, he removes a potential stumbling block for new believers or those who might be skeptical of his motives.
Paul's stance demonstrates his commitment to spreading the Gospel at any cost. His "boast" isn't prideful in a negative sense, but rather a legitimate point of pride stemming from his dedication to serving others without expecting anything in return.
1 corinthians 9:15 - But I have used none of these things, and I don’t write these things that it may be done so in my case; for I would rather die, than that anyone should make my boasting void.
What does "1 corinthians 9:15" mean?
This verse from 1 Corinthians 9:15 is part of Paul's larger discussion about his rights as an apostle and how he chooses to forgo exercising them for the sake of the Gospel. Let's break it down:
"But I have used none of these things..." - Paul is referring back to the preceding verses where he argues that apostles, like other workers, have the right to be supported financially by those they serve. He lists several examples (soldiers, farmers, shepherds) who receive payment or benefits from their work. He, as an apostle, has the right to receive financial support from the Corinthian church for his ministry. However, he has not taken advantage of that right.
"...and I don’t write these things that it may be done so in my case..." - He is emphasizing that he isn't writing this argument to pressure them into financially supporting him now. His motive isn't to get them to start paying him. The reason he's writing about his rights as an apostle isn't because he wants them to support him.
"...for I would rather die, than that anyone should make my boasting void." - This is the key to understanding the whole verse. What is Paul boasting about? His unpaid service to the Corinthians. He has freely given them the Gospel without being a burden to them financially. This is a significant point of pride for him, as it demonstrates his selfless dedication and love for them. He is saying that he would rather die than have someone nullify, invalidate, or take away this "boast" (his unpaid labor).
In essence, Paul is saying:
> "I could demand financial support from you as an apostle. I am not writing this to convince you to start supporting me. I value my freedom from financial obligation so much that I would rather die than give up the right to boast that I served you without charge."
Why is this important to Paul?
Credibility: By not accepting financial support, Paul avoids any suspicion of ulterior motives. He doesn't want anyone to think he's preaching the Gospel for personal gain. This strengthens his credibility as a true apostle and messenger of Christ.
Example of Self-Sacrifice: He wants to set an example of self-sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel. He is willing to suffer hardship and forgo his rights to ensure that the Gospel is presented without any barriers or hindrances.
Avoidance of Stumbling Blocks: By not accepting support, he removes a potential stumbling block for new believers or those who might be skeptical of his motives.
Paul's stance demonstrates his commitment to spreading the Gospel at any cost. His "boast" isn't prideful in a negative sense, but rather a legitimate point of pride stemming from his dedication to serving others without expecting anything in return.