[Greek] ἀδάπανος (adapanos), [Latin] sin sumptus, [Latin] sin expensa: without expense, without charge, costing nothing, free, without payment; 1Cor.9:18
In Corinth Paul preached the gospel free of charge. He, along with Prisca and Aquila, provided for themselves as tent-makers in the agora (public grounds) in ancient Corinth (Acts 18:3)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means without expense, costing nothing, and not spending. Aristophane’s Peace 593 states “From thee call all blessings. Oh, much desired Peace! Thou art the sole support of those who spend their lives tilling the earth. Under thy rule, we had a thousand enjoyments at our beck.” Diodorus Siculus’ Library 10 states “Whenever any of the companions of Pythagoras lost their fortune, the rest would divide their possessions within as with their brothers. Such a disposition of their property they made, not only with their acquaintances who passed in their daily lives with them, but also with all who shared in their projects.”
New Testament: This term, found only once, means free of charge (without cost). Paul did not want the Corinthians to hear any appeal from him apart from God’s message. It all comes from God. Paul is compelled by Christ not to receive financial support. God’s message was too important for Paul to declare anything else. God does not require Paul to do this. Paul can support himself by his tent making skills. Paul knew that declaring God’s good news freely is a great reward in itself.
Scripture:
“What then is my recompense? That, when I preach, I offer the gospel free of charge so as to not to make full use of my right in the gospel.” 1Cor.9:18
Paul is compelled to preach the gospel free from financial support.
Conclusion:
Expense, sumptuous, sumptuously, expensive
Aristophanes makes reference to praying to a divine entity Peace for providing free blessings for those who till the earth. The Pythagoreans were a Pre-Socratic philosophical movement who advocated the sharing of resources. This group becomes an ancient fore-runnner to a communistic society.
In regard to the Corinthians, Paul advocated that preaching the gospel must be free of charge, without any obligations to providing donations. In Corinth, Paul along with Prisca and Acquila, provides for themselves as tent makers. However, in Galatia, Paul calls for the need for supporting ministry leaders.
The Greek term adapne means expense. The Latin term sumptus is the past predicate of the Latin verb sumere, meaning to borrow, by, spend, drink, consume, and take. Sumptuous means costly or very expensive.
As I don’t want to further consume your time, I will end this post.