The Rights Of a Person Who Labors

I Corinthians 9:1–10
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People in the Corinthian Church were questioning Paul’s authority and rights as an apostle, so he gave his credentials (vv. 1-10). Paul saw and talked with the resurrected Christ who called him to be an apostle (Acts 9:3-18). Changed lives within the Corinthian Church were the evidence that God was using Paul (vv. 1-2). He pointed out that there were many things that he was free to do but which he abstained from doing for the sake of the Church. He was well aware of Christian freedom, but equally aware of Christian responsibility. Paul used himself as an illustration of giving up personal rights. He had the right to hospitality, to be married, and to be paid for his work (vv. 3-6). But he willingly gave up these rights to win people to Christ.

Jesus said that workers deserve their wages (Lk 10:7). Paul echoed this thought and urged the church to be sure to pay their Christian workers (vv. 7-10). Although Paul himself had not taken any money from the Corinthians, he defended his right and that of other Christian ministers to receive financial support from those to whom they minister. He compared the minister with a soldier, a vine dresser, and a shepherd (v. 7). Such are not expected to support themselves by some outside work. If any should say that these were just human illustrations, and that Paul was speaking as a man, he said that the law of God taught the same principle. Deuteronomy 25:4 is quoted, indicating that the ox which treaded out the grain was not to be muzzled. In other words, the true Christian minister should be supported by the people to whom he ministers.

Application

It is our duty to see that those who serve us in the ministry are fairly and adequately taken care of. Lord, help me to be a person who is looking for ways I can support missionaries and good Bible teaching ministries around the world.

I Corinthians 9:1-10 (English Standard Version)

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