(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 my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
The imagination cannot furnish to itself a more beautiful picture of disinterestedness, than is here set forth of the Apostle Paul. He was not arguing for himself, for he would rather have died, than that it should have been said, he preached for filthy lucre sake. But he was contending for others. He felt distress that any of God's faithful ministers should lack the bread that perisheth, while dispensing the bread that endureth to everlasting life. But, as to himself, he sought not profit, but usefulness to souls. Oh! what a contrast to those who receive, but not give; who mind earthly things, and not heavenly. Paul knew that he served a bountiful Master, and that his Lord would not suffer him to want, while giving out to his people. But he that looks at the profit, and regards not the fold, will have a woeful account to render in, when the Chief Shepherd appears!