12 If others exercise this right over you, don’t we deserve it even more? Even so we did not exercise this right. On the contrary we would rather put up with anything than hold back the gospel of Christ.
13 Don’t you know that those who work in temples receive their meals from temple offerings, and those who serve at the altar receive their portion of the sacrifice on the altar? 14 In just the same way the Lord ordered that those who announce the good news should live from supporters of the good news. 15 But I have not made use of any of these provisions, and I’m not writing about this to suggest it should be done in my case. I’d rather die than to have anyone take away my pride in not having received any benefit.
16 I have nothing to boast about in sharing the good news because it’s something I feel compelled to do. In fact it’s dreadful for me if I don’t share the good news! 17 If I’m doing this work because of my own choice, then I have a reward. But if it wasn’t my choice, and an obligation was placed on me, 18 then what reward do I have? It’s the opportunity to share the good news without charging for it, not demanding my rights as a worker for the good news.