15
But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void.
16
For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!
17
For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.
18
What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.
19
For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;
20
and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law;
21
to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law;
22
to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23
Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
24
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
25
And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
26
Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.
27
But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.