1 Corinthians 9:17

Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

فَلَو كُنْتُ أنَا الَّذِي اختَرْتُ هَذِهِ الخِدْمَةَ بِنَفْسِي، لَكُنْتُ أستَحِقُّ مُكَافَأةً. لَكِنْ لَيْسَ لِي خَيَارٌ، فَأنَا أقُومُ بِمَهَمَّةٍ كَلَّفَنِي بِهَا اللهُ.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Paul is saying that whether he preaches the gospel willingly or not, his task remains to spread it. He explains that if he does it by choice, he earns a reward; but even if he doesn't want to, he still has been given the responsibility of sharing the good news.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a toy that can make other kids happy when they play with it. Paul is like someone who has this special toy (the gospel), and whether he wants to share it or not, he knows he should give it to others because it makes them happy. If he chooses to do it on his own, great! But even if he doesn't want to, he still feels it's important to share the toy anyway.

Historical Background

1 Corinthians was written by Paul around AD 53-54 to the church in Corinth, a city known for its diverse religious practices and moral complexities. The letter addresses various issues within the community, including disputes over leadership roles and responsibilities.

Living It Out Today

Consider a scenario where an employee at a tech company is asked to lead a new project they're not excited about but know could help others. Even if they don't want to take on this responsibility, their experience and knowledge make them uniquely qualified. They can choose to embrace it willingly or do it out of obligation, but the impact remains significant.

Topics

• gospel
• responsibility
• reward
• obligation
• missionary work
• evangelism

Related Verses

• Romans 1:9
• Ephesians 3:8
• 2 Timothy 4:5
• John 20:21
• Acts 26:16

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Paul mean by 'reward'?

Paul refers to a reward as the positive outcome or blessing one receives when willingly performing an act that benefits others, such as preaching the gospel. This can include spiritual fulfillment and recognition within the community.

How does this verse apply to non-preachers?

The principle in this verse applies to any role where a person has been given responsibility. Whether someone chooses their task or it is imposed, fulfilling that duty with integrity remains significant.

What kind of 'dispensation' does Paul refer to?

Paul uses the term 'dispensation' to describe the management or stewardship of a divine trust. In this context, he sees his role in preaching the gospel as managing God's message and sharing it with others.

How might this verse affect someone's decision-making?

This verse encourages individuals to consider their responsibilities seriously, even if they are not initially enthusiastic about them. It can motivate one to embrace duties with a sense of purpose, knowing there is value in fulfilling those roles.