1 CORINTHIANS 9:16 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!”
Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! — Paul's preaching is anankē (necessity, compulsion). The woe (ouai) expresses the internal drive: not to preach would be a violation of his being. The verb deon (it is necessary, obligatory) indicates divine pressure, not personal choice. Thus, boasting about preaching is impossible—he does what he must.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 9:16
“For if I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; for woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward: but if not of my own will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. What then is my reward? That when I preach the Gospel, I may make the Gospel of Christ without charge, so as not to use to the full my right in the Gospel.” What do you say? Tell me. “If you preach the Gospel, it is nothing for…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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