The Apostle Paul sought to win souls for Christ by declining to accept any compensation so that he would not give offense to anyone or an excuse to reject the gospel, which he was determined to preach without charge. His principle of life was that he should not obligate himself to anyone by accepting favours from anyone. He lived in such a way among the Corinthians that all were obligated to him because of his free services in preaching the gospel. He adopted this philosophy of life for the single purpose of winning as many to Christ as possible. [Zodhiates]

The Apostle Paul has, for the sake of the gospel, chosen to trust God for support instead of receiving support from the Corinthian church. He did not want to be misunderstood that he was preaching the gospel for any carnal material gain. Nothing of that sort. He was fulfilling a gospel debt he owed for the Christ who saved him.

The Apostle Paul’s motto for service is a willing heart regardless of reward. And for this, God is pleased. It was a work of faith, trusting God to take care of all things as he devotes his life and time and resources to serve his Lord Christ.

It is a stewardship, a sacred trust committed to him to fulfil this holy ministry. Jesus’ promise that He his authority and presence will go with His servants is most reassuring and also most real. Through the Acts of the Apostles from the time he was commissioned on the first missionary journey by the Holy Ghost, his Lord was there with him as the Master Strategist, Advocate and Protector. He survived thirst, hunger, stoning, diverse persecution and temptation.

The Apostle Paul felt a sense of duty to preach the gospel, evangelise the lost, not only because he is a believer, fulfilling the Great Commission but to fulfil his calling as Christ’s servant to the Gentile world. There is no boasting rather of duty for all that Christ has done to redeem his soul!

The Apostle Paul shares that he has not received support from the Corinthian church because he has chosen not to partake of the privilege accorded to God’s servants for their earthly need. He does so for the pure motive of advancing the gospel among the Corinthians.

Zodhiates said well, “He worked among them without the benefit of proper recognition. What is admirable about Paul among the Corinthians, however, was that in spite of their not recognizing and not properly deeming him as an apostle, he nevertheless did not desert them nor consider them unworthy of such a ministry.”

Barnes said well, “… they should have such a maintenance as to constitute a livelihood. They should be made comfortable, not rich. They should receive so much as to keep their minds from being harassed with cares, and their families from want; not so much as to lead them to forget their dependence on God, or on the people. Probably the true rule is, that they should be able to live as the mass of the people among whom they labour live; that they should be able to receive and entertain the poor, and be willing to do it; and so that the rich also may not despise them, or turn away from their dwelling.”

There is reward awaiting the faithful worker. He that sow in tears shall reap with joy. Indeed, he that ploughs should plough in hope. There is an eternal reward but also there is a reward for the faithful servant of God on earth. In the process of threshing of crushing, the straw is crushed and the grain is collected. Just like the worker who would receive his wages for his day’s labour, the man who ploughs and thresheth in God’s vineyard receives reward for his labour.