1 Corinthians 9:16
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
1 Corinthians 9:16
Paul speaks with earnest necessity: if he preaches, obligations press upon him; he can’t abandon the task even under threat of judgment. The phrase “woe is unto me” echoes prophetic language, signaling serious responsibility and divine accountability. He’s not asserting compulsion as coercion; rather, he’s recognizing that preaching the gospel is a gracious, urgent vocation God has entrusted to him. He’s dealing with a possible motive: preaching to earn approval or gain—he refutes self-glorification and asserts that the duty itself compels him.
This verse highlights divine call and human responsibility. The gospel commission imposes a burden and a privilege: to declare God’s truth and live in a way that makes that message credible. It also distinguishes vocation from personal ambition. The sense of “necessity” underscores a divine imperative that transcends personal preference.
If you sense a God-given burden to share truth, you understand Paul’s seriousness. It can encourage Christians to persist in sharing their faith despite obstacles, labeling the task not as optional but as essential. For pastors and teachers, it speaks to fidelity in preaching even when it’s inconvenient or costly—your motivation should be faithfulness to the gospel, not personal gain.
Cross-References: Romans 1:14-16; 2 Corinthians 11:7-9; Jeremiah 20:9