1 Corinthians 9:15-18, "But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel."

Paul did not always refuse gifts from the Christians, as Philippians 4:15-18 shows. However, he did not want to receive personal gifts when he was establishing a new church. He did not want the people to hear any appeal from him apart from God’s message (9:12). He did not want them to think that he just wanted money. God’s message was too important for Paul to declare anything else.

God had given Paul the right to receive his wages from the new Christians (9:14).

But God had also made Paul strong enough to do physical work. So Paul made tents to earn money for himself and his companions. When the new Christians wanted to give, Paul collected the money to help poor Christians in Judea (16:1-4).

Paul knew about a reward that is much better than money. It was that he could declare God’s good news freely, without a price (Isaiah 55:1-3; Revelation 22:17). Paul did not want to be like someone who was just carrying out his duties. It is an honor to be able to declare God’s message. It is an honor to do God’s work. It is an honor to see how God changes people’s lives by means of his good news.

Because Paul wanted that reward, he chose not to claim his rights.

Dear God, I am so grateful for the reward of being able to share the good news of the gospel!