What does "entrusted with a stewardship" mean in the context of this verse? Context of 1 Corinthians 9:17 • 1 Corinthians 9 centers on Paul’s right to receive material support as an apostle—and his choice to forego that right for the sake of the gospel. • Verse 17 contrasts two scenarios: – “If I preach voluntarily” — Paul would be free to accept or decline the task and could look for a reward. – “If not voluntarily” — even if he had no personal choice, “I am still entrusted with a stewardship.” Paul is highlighting that, choice or no choice, he has been given a divine trust he must discharge. Meaning of “entrusted with a stewardship” • The Greek term is oikonomia—literally “house-management,” the responsibility a manager has over someone else’s household. • Applied to Paul, it describes God placing the gospel in Paul’s care, authorizing him to manage, distribute, and guard it faithfully. • The phrase stresses obligation rather than privilege; Paul is under compulsion (v. 16) because the stewardship belongs to God, not to Paul. Core Elements of Paul’s Stewardship 1. Ownership: the gospel belongs to God; Paul merely administers it. 2. Responsibility: Paul must preach “not in word only” but in purity, accuracy, and love. 3. Accountability: a steward answers to the Master (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:4 – “it is the Lord who judges me”). 4. Faithfulness over reward: any earthly compensation is secondary to hearing “Well done” from Christ. Supporting Verses That Illuminate the Term • 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 – “This is how one should regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” • Galatians 1:15-16 – God “set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace…so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles.” • Colossians 1:25 – “I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known.” • Luke 12:42-44 – Jesus’ parable of the faithful manager, emphasizing readiness and loyalty to the Master’s charge. • Matthew 25:14-30 – Parable of the talents: servants are judged on how they managed what the Master entrusted. • 1 Peter 4:10 – “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” Practical Implications for Today • Every believer who has received the gospel now holds it in trust; we pass along what we did not originate. • Gifts, opportunities, and resources function like Paul’s apostleship—assigned by God for service, not self-promotion. • Faithfulness is measured by obedience and accuracy, not by personal preference or visible success. • Just as Paul relinquished certain rights to fulfill his stewardship, we hold loosely to personal rights when they hinder the gospel’s advance. • The ultimate evaluation of our stewardship will come from Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 5:10); that perspective fuels integrity and perseverance. |
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