1 Corinthians 9 23

1 Corinthians 9:23 kjv

And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

1 Corinthians 9:23 nkjv

Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

1 Corinthians 9:23 niv

I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

1 Corinthians 9:23 esv

I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

1 Corinthians 9:23 nlt

I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

1 Corinthians 9 verses

1 Corinthians 9 23 Meaning

This verse encapsulates Paul's overarching motive for his adaptive ministry approach described previously. He declares that all his self-renunciations and cultural flexibility are undertaken for the sake of the gospel, aiming to participate fully in its ultimate blessings and rewards alongside those who embrace it through his efforts.

1 Corinthians 9 23 Context

Chapter 9 of 1 Corinthians finds the Apostle Paul defending his apostolic rights while simultaneously explaining why he chose to forego them. He argues that as an apostle, he has the right to financial support from those he ministers to, much like a soldier or farmer receives sustenance for his labor (1 Cor 9:7-14). However, he insists that he has not exercised this right (1 Cor 9:15-18) to avoid hindering the spread of the gospel. He then broadens this principle in 1 Cor 9:19-22, demonstrating his willingness to "become all things to all men"—adopting diverse cultural and social practices, so long as they do not compromise truth—to reach different groups (Jews, Gentiles, the weak). Verse 23 serves as the summary and overarching purpose statement for this entire discussion of relinquishing rights and employing adaptive evangelism, setting the stage for his subsequent exhortation to discipline oneself like an athlete (1 Cor 9:24-27) for the imperishable prize.

Historically, Corinth was a vibrant, multicultural Roman city renowned for its commerce and diverse religious practices, including pagan cults and philosophical schools. The Isthmian Games, a major athletic event, were held nearby, making Paul's athletic metaphors deeply resonant with his audience. In this setting, Paul's flexible approach was crucial to bridging the many cultural divides, demonstrating that the gospel transcended specific societal norms, without ever being watered down.

1 Corinthians 9 23 Word analysis

• Now this: (τοῦτο - touto) Refers back to the immediately preceding extensive examples of Paul's self-emptying and adaptability (1 Cor 9:19-22). It emphasizes that his specific methods of ministry are deliberate choices.
• I do: (ποιῶ - poio) An active, present verb, signifying that this is Paul's consistent and intentional practice. It highlights his purposeful action rather than passive observation.
• for the gospel’s sake: (διὰ τὸ εὐαγγέλιον - dia to euangelion)
  • dia: A preposition indicating "on account of," "because of," or "for the sake of."
  • to euangelion: "the good news" or "the gospel," referring to the divine message of salvation through Jesus Christ. This phrase establishes the supreme, foundational motivation for all of Paul's ministerial choices and sacrifices. The priority is solely the spread and impact of God's saving message.
• that I may be partaker: (ἵνα γένωμαι συμμετόχος - hina genomai symmetochos)
  • hina: A conjunction introducing a purpose clause, "in order that," "so that."
  • genomai: "to become," "to come into being." Implies experiencing or entering a new state or sharing in something.
  • symmetochos: "a fellow partaker," "co-sharer," "one who has a share with another." This compound word signifies a deep, shared participation and inheritance, indicating not just an external observation but an internal experience.
• of it: (αὐτοῦ - autou) Refers directly to "the gospel." Paul seeks to share in the inherent blessings, power, and ultimate reward that the gospel brings.
• with you: (ὑμῶν - hymōn) This is the genitive case of "you" (plural). In this context, it signifies a shared spiritual inheritance and blessings with those who have responded to the gospel. Paul desires to share in the divine fruit of the gospel alongside the believers, recognizing a communal spiritual benefit.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Now this I do for the gospel’s sake": This phrase directly links Paul's practical ministerial decisions to his overarching evangelistic imperative. It signifies that every action is a calculated strategic effort, wholly driven by the priority of effectively disseminating God's good news to all. This motive transcends personal preference or worldly advantage.
• "that I may be partaker of it with you": This explains the profound, personal spiritual motivation and anticipated reward for Paul's self-sacrificing labors. His dedication is not selfless to the point of deprivation; rather, by facilitating the gospel's spread, he secures his own participation in its eternal blessings and triumphs. The inclusion of "with you" highlights a communal and unified aspect of salvation, where both the evangelist and the evangelized share in the glorious benefits of God's grace, making their spiritual journey interconnected.

1 Corinthians 9 23 Bonus section

• Paul's example in this verse illustrates the principle of ministerial agility and strategic humility: adapting methods without compromising the message.
• The desire to "partake of it with you" shows Paul's deep identification with those he ministered to, emphasizing the unity of believers in receiving the gospel's benefits.
• This verse can be understood as an apostolic expression of Christ's teaching about losing one's life to find it (Matt 16:25). By foregoing his earthly rights and privileges, Paul was investing in an eternal spiritual return, experiencing the gospel's richness more deeply.
• It counters any potential misconception that Paul’s renunciation of rights implied a superior, isolated piety. Instead, he sought to be interconnected with the shared spiritual blessing that the gospel brings to all believers.

1 Corinthians 9 23 Commentary

In 1 Corinthians 9:23, Paul distills his philosophy of ministry: everything he does—including relinquishing his rightful support and adopting various cultural expressions—is primarily driven by a profound commitment to the advancement of the gospel. His aim is not solely altruistic, but also deeply personal and spiritual: he desires to be a genuine "partaker" of the very blessings, power, and ultimate reward that the gospel brings, alongside those whom he has reached. This underscores that true spiritual labor in God's kingdom results in a shared inheritance, demonstrating that investing in the gospel yields an eternal dividend for both the laborer and the recipients. This commitment reveals that the core purpose of all Christian conduct, especially in ministry, must revolve around the saving message of Christ and the ensuing eternal life for a community of believers. Paul's actions exemplify living for an imperishable reward, emphasizing spiritual outcomes over earthly comforts.