In chapters 1-2, Paul dealt with the content of the message of Christ. Here he speaks of the character of the messenger of Christ. He also answered any thought in Corinth that he had no right to write what he had done.
v1-2: Paul's apostolic authority was being questioned, an issue pursued further in the second letter. Some had said, "I am of Cephas" (1.12), for he walked with Christ; they respected his experiences (answered 2 Cor 5.16; 12.7); other said, "I am of Apollos"; they respected his eloquence (answered 2.4). We should be careful about why we accept or reject others, John 7.24.
Paul pointed to the seal of his apostleship, namely the very existence of the Corinthian church, 2 Cor 10.18.
v3-6: Paul and Barnabas had sacrificed certain 'rights', and put aside material comforts, eating, drinking, marriage, work; they did this for the sake of the gospel (v12). Paul does not criticise those who do not do the same, for God gives grace for each one.
v7-11: Those who serve should be supported by the Lord's people. This is illustrated from everyday experience (v7) and from the law (v8-9, 13), also quoted in 1 Tim 5.17-18. Paul could have demanded support; after all he had begotten them through the gospel (4.15); but he refused to use that right lest he hinder the gospel (v12). This is a contrast with those who demand money for salvation, or for prayers, or for release from purgatory; in these ways the example of Christ and of Paul is blatantly ignored.
v14: The Lord's command was that those who served in the gospel must be supported. Such support must come from the churches, as part of their sharing in the work.
v15: Paul wrote about these issues, not to gain money from the Corinthians, but simply to teach truth. Paul asserted his right to forego his rights.
v16-18: Privilege and pleasure; God had called Paul to proclaim Christ, and to plant churches. Paul had to do that, and his reward was in obedience, and in seeing God fulfil His plan through him. "Without charge"; meaning bringing no extra burden, whether financial or legalistic.
From this point, having explained his relationship with the church, Paul explains his behaviour towards unbelievers.
v19-23: Having spoken of his rights, and not claiming them, Paul goes further- he has decided to become the servant of all, to reach and preach.
The Christian is the Lord's freedman (7.22), free from all men. But witness by words is not enough; Paul made himself a servant to all, showing submission and respect, forsaking his own rights and preferences, and not judging others. This is illustrated in his attitude towards Jews (Acts 13.17, "our fathers"), and towards Gentiles (Acts 17.22). Paul identified as far as he could with religious and irreligious.
In all this he remained subject to the law of Christ (v21), for no amount of identification could take him into disobedience. He did it all for the sake of the gospel, that "I might save some".
James Hudson Taylor, pioneer missionary to China said; 'If we really wish to see the Chinese as we have described, let us as far as possible set before them a true example. Let us in everything not sinful become Chinese that we may by all means "save some." Let us adopt their dress, acquire their language, seek to conform to their habits and approximate to their diet as far as health and constitution will allow. Let us live in their houses, making no unnecessary alterations in external form and only so far modifying their internal arrangements as efficiency for work absolutely requires.' (quoted in To China with Love, by Pat Barr.)
v24-27: "Do you not know?" Paul's final argument, for self discipline. Corinth was famous for its Olympic Games, and athletes were afforded special status. The illustrations used here would have been readily understood.
v24: The need for personal discipline, not personal rivalry. We are seeking to reach a target, not seeking to beat others. We should therefore encourage others to seek and to reach the target.
v25: The athlete is moderate in all things; we must prepare ourselves constantly for service; Prov 30.8, give me neither poverty nor riches.
v26: The boxer needs to act clearly, quickly, and accurately; proper training sharpens his reactions. Don't waste punches, be effective; for the Christian study and training are essential.
v27: The body itself has to be brought into subjection. Again real effort is required; since the body can become involved in sins, we must take proper and practical steps, so as not to be disqualified. "Disqualified" refers to metals being rejected as unsuitable, and having failed a test.
A crown that will last for ever; such is our prize, much greater than the much-esteemed Olympic honours. Such should motivate us to serve the Lord.