Don’t
you know that those who serve around sacred things eat from the things of the temple, and those who wait on the altar have their portion with the altar? Even so the Lord ordained that those who proclaim the Good News should live from the Good News.
1 Corinthians 9:13-14
1 Corinthians 9 [10.] or does he say it assuredly for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should partake of his hope. If we sowed to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your fleshly things? If others partake of this right over you, don’t we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right, but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the Good News of Christ. Don’t you know that those who serve around sacred things eat from the things of the temple, and those who wait on the altar have their portion with the altar? Even so the Lord ordained that those who proclaim the Good News should live from the Good News.
1 Corinthians 9 [15.] But I have used none of these things, and I don’t write these things that it may be done so in my case; for I would rather die, than that anyone should make my boasting void. For if I preach the Good News, I have nothing to boast about; for necessity is laid on me; but woe is to me, if I don’t preach the Good News. For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward. But if not of my own will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. What then is my reward? That, when I preach the Good News, I may present the Good News of Christ without charge, so as not to abuse my authority in the Good News. For though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.
Meaning:
In these verses, Paul is defending his right, and the right of other apostles, to receive material support from those to whom they minister.
Paul’s Defense of His Apostleship: In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul is addressing criticisms about his apostleship and his rights as an apostle. He speaks about the freedom and rights he has, but also how he willingly foregoes these rights to avoid hindering the gospel.
Comparison to Temple Service: Paul uses examples from Jewish temple practices to illustrate his point about the legitimacy of ministers receiving support.
- Key Elements of the Verses:
Service and Support in the Temple: Paul refers to the practice in the Jewish temple where those who perform sacred duties eat from the offerings brought to the temple. This was a well-understood practice in Jewish culture.
Ordination by the Lord: Paul emphasizes that it is not just his opinion, but that the Lord has ordained that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. This suggests divine endorsement of this practice.
Theological Significance
- Divine Provision for Ministers:
Old Testament Precedent: The Old Testament provides numerous examples of priests and Levites being supported through the offerings and tithes of the people (Numbers 18:8-20, Deuteronomy 18:1-5). This practice ensured that those who dedicated their lives to God’s service could focus on their spiritual duties without being burdened by the need to provide for their own material needs.
New Testament Continuity: Paul’s teaching shows continuity with this principle in the New Testament context. Just as priests in the temple were supported, so too should those who dedicate their lives to preaching the gospel.
- The Right to Support and Voluntary Sacrifice:
Rightful Claim: Paul asserts that apostles and ministers have a legitimate right to receive material support from those they serve. This is grounded in both Old Testament practices and the direct ordinance of the Lord.
Voluntary Sacrifice: Despite this right, Paul often chose not to exercise it to avoid any potential hindrance to the gospel. His willingness to sacrifice his rights for the sake of others sets an example of selflessness and dedication to the mission.
Applications for Our Lives
- Supporting Ministers and Church Workers:
Financial Support: As members of the Christian community, we have a responsibility to ensure that those who minister to us are adequately supported. This can include financial contributions, providing resources, and other forms of assistance.
Gratitude and Generosity: Recognizing the hard work and dedication of those in ministry should inspire us to be generous and grateful. Our support allows them to focus on their spiritual duties and continue to serve effectively.
- Balancing Rights and Sacrifice:
Understanding Rights: It’s important to acknowledge the rights of those who serve in ministry to receive support. This is a biblically grounded principle and ensures the sustainability of their work.
Emulating Paul’s Example: While recognizing these rights, we should also be inspired by Paul’s willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the gospel. There may be times when setting aside our rights for the benefit of others or the advancement of God’s kingdom is necessary.
- Living from the Gospel:
Dedication to Ministry: For those called to ministry, these verses affirm the legitimacy of receiving support. This should encourage ministers to dedicate themselves fully to their calling without undue concern for material provision.
Faith and Trust in God’s Provision: Ministers and church workers are reminded to trust in God’s provision, understanding that He has ordained that their needs will be met through the support of the community they serve.
Cross-References:
Numbers 18:8-9: "Yahweh spoke to Aaron, 'Behold, I have given you the charge of my wave offerings, even all the holy things of the children of Israel. I have given them to you by reason of the anointing, and to your sons, as a portion forever. This shall be yours of the most holy things, reserved from the fire. Every offering of theirs, even every meal offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs, which they shall render to me, shall be most holy for you and for your sons.'" This passage establishes the principle of priests and Levites receiving support from the offerings brought to the temple.
Deuteronomy 18:1-3: "The priests and the Levites—all the tribe of Levi—shall have no portion nor inheritance with Israel. They shall eat the offerings of Yahweh made by fire, and his portion. They shall have no inheritance among their brothers. Yahweh is their inheritance, as he has spoken to them. This shall be the priests’ due from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep, that they shall give to the priest the shoulder, the two cheeks, and the inner parts." This passage reiterates the provision for priests and Levites, highlighting their dependence on the offerings brought by the people.
Luke 10:7: "Remain in that same house, eating and drinking the things they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Don’t go from house to house." Jesus himself teaches that those who labor for the gospel deserve to be supported by those they serve, reinforcing the principle found in 1 Corinthians 9.
Conclusion: 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 highlights the rightful provision for those who dedicate their lives to preaching the gospel, drawing on the practices established in the Old Testament and affirmed by Jesus. Paul’s teaching emphasizes both the legitimacy of this support and the importance of being willing to forego rights for the sake of the gospel when necessary.
For us today, these verses call us to support our ministers and church workers generously and to recognize the balance between exercising our rights and making sacrifices for the kingdom of God. By doing so, we not only uphold biblical principles but also ensure the effective continuation of gospel ministry in our communities.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible