Paul asks rhetorically what his reward is: offering the gospel 'free of charge' (adapanon, 1 Corinthians 9:18). The adjective combines alpha-privative with 'dapanē' (expense), meaning literally 'unexpensive' or costing nothing. Paul had the right to financial support but waived it, making the gospel free to recipients. This self-denial became his distinctive mark and reward—he could boast (rightly) that he never burdened the churches. The term's root meaning is 'sweet and costless'—Paul gave the sweetest message at no cost to hearers, though it cost him everything.