Note 8 at 1Co 9:12: Paul related that he suffered because of this decision not to take any personal gain from the Corinthians. In 1Co 4:11-12, Paul specified what some of these sufferings were. There were times he was hungry and thirsty, without proper clothing, without a permanent dwelling place, and buffeted by the devil in unexplained ways, because of this action.

Note 9 at 1Co 9:12: Here, Paul gave the reason behind his decision not to take any personal offerings from the Corinthians. He didn't want his receiving finances from the preaching of the Gospel to be a hindrance to anyone receiving his message. No doubt there were some individuals back then, just like there are now, who thought all preachers were in it for the money. Paul took that argument away from them. However, in 1Co 9:15-18, he also revealed another reason for this course of action: He wanted to receive a special reward from the Lord for preaching the Gospel freely.