1 Corinthians 9:15 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

But Though my right to a maintenance, as an apostle, be established by the precepts both of the law and of the gospel; I have used none of those things During my abode among you, as you well know; neither have I written these things that If, according to my purpose, I should ever visit you again; it should be so done unto me But only to teach you how to use your Christian liberty. For it were better for me to die To suffer the greatest want, even to starving; than that any man should make my glorying That I have preached the gospel freely; void By drawing me to require a maintenance. In other words, to give occasion to them that seek occasion against me. For, though I preach the gospel And that ever so clearly and fully, faithfully and diligently; I have nothing to glory of Being, after all, but an unprofitable servant, and having done no more than was my duty to do, Luke 17:10; for necessity is laid upon me By Christ's appearing to me, and commanding me to preach, and I must either preach it or perish: and to preach it merely to escape damnation, is surely not matter of glorying. Yea, wo is unto me if I preach not the gospel For me to decline a work assigned me by so condescending an appearance of Christ, when, with the most malicious rage, I was persecuting and endeavouring to destroy his church, would be an instance of ingratitude and obstinacy deserving the most dreadful and insupportable punishment. For if Or rather, if indeed, I do this thing Namely, preach the gospel; willingly Without reluctance, and from an obedient mind. In preaching the gospel willingly, the apostle evidently included his preaching it from such a conviction of its truth and importance, and from such a principle of love to God and regard for his glory, and love to mankind and concern for their salvation, as enabled him to do it with cheerfulness, alacrity, and joy. I have a reward Prepared for me according to my labour; that is, I shall obtain that distinguished reward, which, in the life to come, will be bestowed on them who turn many to righteousness, and who in that work undergo great hardships. This was Paul's case, who, in his voyages and journeys among the Jews and Gentiles, exposed himself to innumerable dangers and sufferings, with much bodily fatigue. But if against my will As I said before; a dispensation is committed unto me And I must of necessity fulfil it. What then is my reward What is that circumstance in my conduct for which I expect a peculiar reward from my great Master? Verily Surely this; that when I preach I may make the gospel without charge May communicate it to my hearers free of expense; that I abuse not To any low and secular purpose; my power in the gospel Or carry it beyond its due bounds.