1 Corinthians 9:20 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

The apostle takes occasion from what he had before discoursed to mention some other instances of his self-denial and parting with his liberty for the benefit of others. I. He asserts his liberty (1 Cor. 9:19): Though I be free from all men. He was free-born, a citizen of Rome. He was in bondage to none, nor depended upon any for his subsistence; yet he made himself a servant to all, that he might gain the more. He behaved as a servant; he laboured for their good as a servant; he was careful to... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 9:15-23

9:15-23 But I have claimed none of these rights. I am not writing this to claim that these privileges should be extended to me. I would rather die than let anyone make ineffective my boast that I take nothing for my work. If I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about in that. I do it because necessity is laid upon me. Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! If I do this of my own choice I do deserve a reward. But if I do it whether I like it or not, it is because I have been... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:20

And unto the Jews I became as a Jew ,.... That is, in religion; or with respect to some religious observances peculiar to the Jews, for he himself was really a Jew by nature; who became as one unto them in this sense, when he for their sakes circumcised Timothy at Derbe, or Lystra, purified himself at Jerusalem, shaved his head at Cenchrea, observed their sabbath, and abstained from some sorts of food forbidden in the law; and his end in so doing was, not to confirm them in such usages, but... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 9:20

Unto the Jews I became as a Jew - In Acts 16:3 , we find that for the sake of the unconverted Jews he circumcised Timothy. See the note on Acts 16:3 . To them that are under the law - To those who considered themselves still under obligation to observe its rites and ceremonies, though they had in the main embraced the Gospel, he became as if under the same obligations; and therefore purified himself in the temple, as we find related, Acts 21:26 ; (note). After the first clause,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:1-21

The leading characteristics of a truly great gospel minister. "Am I not an apostle? am I not free?" etc. Taking these verses as a whole, they illustrate some of the leading characteristics of a truly great gospel minister, and I offer the following remarks:— I. The greater the minister of Christ, the MORE INDEPENDENT OF CEREMONIAL RESTRICTIONS . Paul was one of the greatest, if not the greatest, ministers of Christ that ever existed. He was an apostle, and had "seen... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:1-27

The rights and the self denial of an apostle. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:15-23

Self denying ordinance of St. Paul. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:15-23

Reasons for this self denial. The rights had been resigned, the power to use his privileges had been unused, and the obligation, self assumed, was to be perpetual. Did any one suspect otherwise? "Better for me to die" than this matter of boasting should be taken from me. No ground for boasting existed in the mere preaching of the gospel; but he could claim and did claim that, in renouncing his right to a support and making other exceptional sacrifices, he was entitled to the boast of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:15-23

St. Paul an exception. He wishes it to be understood that he does precisely what he thinks to be right, but does not wish the peculiarity of his conduct to be made a model for others. There are things in life concerning which each man must make his own individual stand, upon which he may find himself compelled to take an individual and exceptional line. And he may do this without opposition to others, without making himself in any way objectionable. St. Paul found sufficient reason for the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Ministerial pliancy and adaptation. In great natures we sometimes meet with a remarkable combination of firmness and yielding. To do a great work in this world, a man needs a powerful will, a resolution not easily moved, at the same time that he displays a flexibility of disposition, and a readiness to adapt himself to different characters and to changing circumstances. Without the determination which approaches obstinacy, he will not keep the one aim before him; without the pliancy needed... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 9:15-23

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:20

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 9:20

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:1-21

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:1-27

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:15-23

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:15-23

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:15-23

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

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