But if against my will, &c.— But if I do it merely because I am obliged to it, I only discharge an office which is committed to me: 1 Corinthians 9:18. For what then shall I be rewarded?—It is for this, that preaching the Gospel of Christ, I preach it gratis; and do not insist upon [or use] a claim, which the Gospel itself gives me. See Heylin, Wall, chap. 1 Corinthians 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 7:31. Some read the last clause,—That I use not the power I have in the Gospel.
Related Commentaries of 1 Corinthians 9:17
1 Corinthians 9:17-18
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.