NOTES for Co1 9:16-19

It is very important for the apostle Paul to emphasize that he is doing only what he ought to do. How pleasant it would be to say that we do more than is required, that we exceed our spiritual quota, so to speak... The problem is that this never happens. Proclaiming the Gospel seems to us, if not heroic, then at least an undertaking worthy of every respect. But Paul says: no. It is simply a duty, and if I have fulfilled it, then everything is as it should be, and nothing more. This applies not only to proclaiming the Gospel, but to any ministry.

It follows, then, that there is no way for us to exceed the quota and earn a reward from God... We cannot. And this is His great mercy. Everything He bestows, He gives out of love. And from us He expects only acts of love in return, love that is selfless, like His own.