Definition: What is my reward then? [Verily] that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 9:18. It’s a really important and complex passage about how Christians should live their faith. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: Paul is asking a crucial question: “What happens when I try to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others? What am I being rewarded for?” He’s essentially exploring whether his efforts to spread the gospel are truly beneficial or if he might be exploiting it. Let's unpack it word by word: “What is my reward then?” – This is a direct question, asking about the benefits of his ministry. “[Verily] that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge…” – This is where the key part lies. “Verily” means "Truly," so Paul is saying this is a very important point. He’s promising to do something extra – to share the Gospel (the good news about Jesus) freely and without any expectation of reward or payment. "...that I abuse not my power in the gospel." – This is the crucial part that points out potential problems. “My power” refers to his ability to preach, teach, and share the Gospel. Paul is warning that he could misuse this power if he’s only focused on personal gain or benefit rather than spreading God's message. So, what does it mean? Paul isn't saying he doesn't care about sharing the Gospel. He’s saying that his primary responsibility – to share the good news of Jesus – should be done without seeking rewards or personal gain. He wants to focus entirely on spreading the truth and helping others understand God’s love. Why is this important? This verse speaks to a timeless issue: how do we balance our desire to serve God with our desire for recognition and reward? It's about recognizing that true ministry is about serving others through love and truth, not about personal benefit. In short: Paul is emphasizing the importance of selfless service and prioritizing the Gospel itself over personal gain when sharing his message. --- Resources if you want to learn more: [1 Corinthians 9:18 - Bible Gateway](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/1 Corinthians+9%3A18) [Wikipedia - 1 Corinthians 9:18](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1_Corinthian_9:18) Do you want me to explain any of these points in more detail, or would you like to explore a specific aspect of this verse (like the context of Paul’s ministry)?