1 Corinthians 9:1-14
Q.1. What credentials did Paul make in his claim of apostleship? Were the apostles married? What rights did Paul forego? Why? What was Paul’s case for enjoying the fruits of our labours? – (1 Cor.9:1-7)
Paul claimed apostleship, because he had met the risen Christ and had proven his authority through the establishment of the church at Corinth (1 Cor.9:1 c.f. 2 Cor.12:1-4). Indeed, he claimed – … for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord (1 Cor.9:2). Paul implied that the other apostles, including Peter, were all married men (1 Cor.9:5). However, Paul wrote that he neither had his own wife, nor lived off the fruits of his ministry (1 Cor.9:4-6). He did support the principle of God’s workers being able to partake of the proceeds of the ministry. He pointed to these precedents – Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock? (1 Cor.9:7). It is acceptable to be remunerated in the ministry.
Q.2. On what principle should God’s servants be remunerated? Why the did Paul forego these rights? Did Paul expect others to follow the example of Barnabas and himself? – (1 Cor.9:8-14)
Paul further strengthened the case, by quoting from the Scriptures – 8 … Or does not the Law also say these things? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing.” Did God say this because He was concerned about oxen? (1 Cor.9:8-9). Paul purposely recorded – If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ (1 Cor.9:12). Paul did not want anyone to conclude that he was profiteering from the Gospel. He was far more concerned about highlighting the surpassing value of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He further reminded his readers of the provision that God had made for the priesthood to be supported by the tribes of Israel and concluded – So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel (1 Cor.9:14).