1 Corinthians 9:19

Although I was entirely free, yet, to win as many converts as possible, I made myself everyone’s slave.

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

In Context

18What is my reward, then? To present the good news free of all cost, and so make but a sparing use of the rights which it gives me.

20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews. To those who are subject to Law I became like a man subject to Law – though I was not myself subject to Law – to win those who are subject to Law.

Read all of 1 Corinthians 9

Cross References

Matthew 20:26Among you it is not so.

Romans 1:14I have a duty to both the Greek and the barbarian, to both the cultured and the ignorant.

Romans 15:2Let each of us please our neighbor for our neighbor’s good, to help in the building up of their character.

1 Corinthians 9:1Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen our Lord Jesus? Aren’t you yourselves my work achieved in union with the Lord?

1 Corinthians 10:33for I, also, try to please everybody in everything, not seeking my own advantage, but do what is best for others, so that they may be saved.

Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 9:16-19

The Apostle's Devotedness. ( a. d. 57.) 15 But I have used none of these things: 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. 16 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! 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. 18 What is… Read the whole commentary →

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