1 Corinthians 9:14-16
1599 Geneva Bible
14 So also hath the Lord ordained, that they which preach the Gospel, should live [a]of the Gospel.
15 But I have used none of these things: [b]neither wrote I 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 rejoicing vain.
16 For though I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to rejoice of: for necessity is laid upon me, and woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel.
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- 1 Corinthians 9:14 Because they preach the Gospel. It followed by this place, that Paul gat no living, neither would have any other man get, by any commodity of masses, or any other such superstitious trumperies.
- 1 Corinthians 9:15 He taketh away occasion of suspicion by the way, that it might not be thought that he wrote this as though he challenged his wages that was not paid him. Nay saith him, I had rather die, than not continue in this purpose to preach the Gospel freely. For I am bound to preach the Gospel, seeing that the Lord hath enjoined me this office: but unless I do it willingly and for the love of God, nothing is to be allowed that I do. If I had rather that the Gospel should be evil spoken of, than that I should not require my wages, then would it appear that I took these pains not so much for the Gospel’s sake, as for my gains and advantages. But I say, this were not to use, but abuse my right and liberty. Therefore not only in this thing, but also in all others (as much as I could) I am made all things to all men, that I might win them to Christ, and might together with them be won to Christ.
Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.