But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
But I haven't taken advantage of any of these rights. And I'm not writing this because I want you to start paying me now, honestly, I'd rather die than have someone take away what I'm most proud of.
Paul would literally rather die than lose his pride in serving for free.
📚 Historical Context
In the first century, the Apostle Paul was writing to the Corinthian church, a diverse and often divided community in a bustling Greek city known for its commerce and moral challenges. Paul was defending his apostolic authority and explaining why he refused financial support from the church, even though it was a common expectation for teachers and leaders of that era to receive such provisions. This choice highlighted his desire to avoid any perception that his ministry was motivated by personal gain rather than the gospel's integrity.
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