I do all this for the sake of the gospelPaul's dedication to the gospel is evident throughout his letters. In the context of
1 Corinthians 9, Paul discusses his rights as an apostle and his willingness to forgo those rights for the advancement of the gospel. This phrase highlights his commitment to spreading the message of Christ, even at personal cost. Historically, the gospel refers to the good news of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, a message that Paul tirelessly preached across the Roman Empire. His actions reflect Jesus' own sacrifice and mission, as seen in passages like
Philippians 2:5-8, where Christ's humility and obedience are emphasized.
so that I may share in its blessings
Paul's motivation is not only to preach the gospel but also to partake in the spiritual rewards it brings. The blessings of the gospel include salvation, eternal life, and a relationship with God, as outlined in passages likeRomans 1:16 andEphesians 1:3-14. Paul sees himself as both a messenger and a beneficiary of the gospel's promises. This dual role underscores the communal and personal aspects of faith, where believers are called to share the good news and also experience its transformative power. The concept of sharing in blessings can also be linked to the idea of fellowship in the body of Christ, as described in1 Corinthians 12, where each member contributes to and benefits from the whole.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, explaining his motivations and actions in spreading the gospel.
2.
CorinthA major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and significant cultural and economic influence. The church in Corinth faced various challenges, including divisions and moral issues.
3.
The GospelThe good news of Jesus Christ's death, resurrection, and offer of salvation to all who believe. Paul dedicated his life to preaching this message.
4.
The Corinthian ChurchThe recipients of Paul's letter, a group of believers in Corinth who were struggling with issues of unity, morality, and understanding of Christian freedom.
5.
Paul's MinistryThe broader context of Paul's missionary work, which involved traveling, preaching, and establishing churches across the Roman Empire.
Teaching Points
The Centrality of the GospelPaul’s life and actions were driven by the gospel. As believers, we should evaluate our priorities and ensure that the gospel remains central in our lives.
Sacrificial Living for the GospelPaul willingly made sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. We are called to consider what sacrifices we might make to further the gospel in our own contexts.
Sharing in the BlessingsThe blessings of the gospel are both present and future. Engaging in gospel work allows us to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from participating in God’s redemptive plan.
Unity and PurposePaul’s focus on the gospel serves as a unifying purpose for the church. We should strive for unity in our churches by aligning our goals with the mission of spreading the gospel.
Endurance in MinistryPaul’s example encourages us to persevere in ministry, even when faced with challenges, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 9:23?
2.How does 1 Corinthians 9:23 inspire us to share the gospel effectively?
3.What does "for the sake of the gospel" mean in our daily lives?
4.How can we become "partakers" in the gospel as Paul describes?
5.What sacrifices might God call us to make for the gospel's sake?
6.How does 1 Corinthians 9:23 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?
7.What does 1 Corinthians 9:23 mean by "for the sake of the gospel"?
8.How does 1 Corinthians 9:23 challenge personal sacrifice for faith?
9.What historical context influenced Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 9:23?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 9?
11.What does 'anathema' mean in the Bible?
12.What does "all things to all people" mean?
13.In 2 Corinthians 8:9, is the depiction of Jesus as 'poor' contradictory to other Gospel accounts portraying Him as well-provided for by followers?
14.In 1 Corinthians 9:19, Paul insists he has made himself a slave to everyone; how does this reconcile with the New Testament theme of freedom in Christ?What Does 1 Corinthians 9:23 Mean
I do all thisPaul writes, “I do all this,” pointing back to the choices he has just described (1 Corinthians 9:19-22).
•He willingly surrenders personal rights—like receiving support—to remove any obstacle (cf.1 Corinthians 9:12).
•He adapts his manner to Jews, Gentiles, and the weak without compromising truth (Acts 16:3; 21:26;1 Corinthians 10:33).
•Every action is deliberate; nothing is random. The apostle models a lifestyle that places kingdom effectiveness above personal comfort (Philippians 1:20).
for the sake of the gospelThe heartbeat of Paul’s ministry is “the gospel.”
•The good news of Christ’s death and resurrection is “the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16).
•Paul refuses to let traditions, preferences, or finances obscure that message (Galatians 1:6-9).
•In urging Timothy not to be ashamed of the testimony of the Lord, he echoes this same priority (2 Timothy 1:8).
Everything he does is calibrated to spotlight Christ, not himself.
so that I may sharePaul’s goal is not merely to preach but to participate fully in the fruit that the gospel produces.
•He longs for intimate fellowship in Christ’s sufferings and resurrection power (Philippians 3:10-11).
•He anticipates a “crown of righteousness” laid up for all who love His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).
•He views every convert as a personal joy and reward (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).
Sharing implies both present partnership and future inheritance.
in its blessings“Blessings” refers to every gracious benefit flowing from the gospel.
•The foremost blessing is salvation—deliverance from sin and wrath (Ephesians 2:4-5).
•It includes present spiritual riches: “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 1:3).
•It reaches into eternity—“an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4).
•Even earthly trials become blessings as we run “the race set before us” with Christ’s joy in view (Hebrews 12:1-2).
Paul’s sacrificial lifestyle positions him—and those he reaches—to enjoy these rewards to the fullest.
summary1 Corinthians 9:23 reveals Paul’s driving motive: every sacrifice, adaptation, and effort is motivated by the gospel. He sets aside personal privileges so the message of Jesus remains crystal clear. In doing so, he not only leads others to salvation but also enters more deeply into the present and eternal blessings that the gospel provides.
(23)
And this I do . . .--Better,
And all things I do for the gospel's sake: such being the reading of the best MSS. Here a new thought is introduced. From them for whom he labours, the Apostle turns for a moment to himself. After all, the highest reward even an Apostle can have is to be a sharer in that common salvation which has been brought to light by the gospel. With argument and illustration, St. Paul had vigorously and unflinchingly maintained the dignity and rights of his office. The pathetic words with which he now concludes show that in defending the dignity of his Apostolate he had not been forgetful of that personal humility which every Christian minister feels more and more deeply in proportion as he realises the greatness of his office.
Verse 23. -
And this I do. The better reading is,
and I do all things.For the gospel's sake. This is a wider feeling than even "for the elect's sakes" of
2 Timothy 2:10.
With you. The "you" is not expressed in the original, where we only have "a fellow partaker [
συγκοινωνὸς,
Romans 11:17] of it." But the word illustrates the deep humility of the apostle.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
I doποιῶ(poiō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.all [this]Πάντα(Panta)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3956:All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.for the sake ofδιὰ(dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.gospel,εὐαγγέλιον(euangelion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2098:From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.so thatἵνα(hina)Conjunction
Strong's 2443:In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.I may shareγένωμαι(genōmai)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.in its [blessings].αὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
Links
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NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:23 Now I do this for the sake (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) 
