What does 1 Corinthians 9:15 mean?
In the previous verses, Paul established firmly his right as a minister of the gospel to receive financial support from the people he serves. Using citations from both the Old Testament (1 Corinthians 9:9) and the words of Jesus (1 Corinthians 9:14), he's shown this is a reasonable, legitimate expectation. However, Paul makes clear to his readers that he has never claimed those rights for himself. He does not intend to start.Why? In verse 12, he said he would not ask for money from the Corinthians because he did not want to put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. He apparently did not want anyone to shy away from the gospel because they thought he was preaching it only for the sake of a financial reward.
Now he gives a new reason for not claiming any right to be paid by the Corinthians. He wants to keep on "boasting." In fact, Paul says that he would rather die than to lose his grounds for boasting about preaching the good news of the free grace of God in Jesus Christ free of charge of his own free will.
Is this a self-glorifying boast? Is Paul demonstrating selfish pride by refusing to take any money from those he serves? No. As the following verses will show, Paul feels free to boast about preaching the gospel without financial payment because that is the only thing he can give that is of his own free will. His calling comes from God, as does his ability to carry it out. Only turning down payment from those he serves is truly his to give (1 Corinthians 9:16–18).
First Corinthians 9:1–18 describes Paul's case for why he, as an apostle, has the right to ask for financial support from the people he serves, including the Corinthian Christians. Though he could demand, Paul refuses to insist on his right. He doesn't want anything to get in the way of someone hearing the gospel. He must preach the gospel; he has no choice. But Paul wants to be able to boast about offering the gospel free of charge even though he has the right to ask for financial support. This passage establishes that believers have an obligation to support those who serve through ministry. This message is made more valid since Paul is not benefitting from his own argument.
Paul encourages Christians to willingly give up their ''rights'' for the good of those who are weak in their faith. Paul shows that he, too, has given up his rights, including the right as an apostle to receive financial support from those he serves. Instead, he boasts that he serves the Corinthians without any compensation, even at great cost to himself. Paul describes himself as an athlete competing for the prize of a crown in eternity. His point is for believers to pursue godliness, and the good of others, with that kind of commitment.
