1 Corinthians 9:17 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

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. Translate, 'If [as is the case: ei (G1487) prassoo (G4238), indicative] I be doing this spontaneously (without remuneration), I have a reward (1 Corinthians 9:18); but if not spontaneously (not without remuneration), I have a stewardship intrusted to me,' and so have no special claim to glorying or reward for that which 'necessity is laid on me' to do (Luke 17:10).