16 For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach.v Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward;w if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.x 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge,y and so not make full use of my rightsz as a preacher of the gospel.

Paul’s Use of His Freedom

19 Though I am freea and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone,b to win as many as possible.c 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews.d To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law),e so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the lawf (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law),g so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak.h I have become all things to all peoplei so that by all possible means I might save some.j 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.