I Corinthians 9: Rights, Responsibilities, and Running the Race
Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?
If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,
Have we not power to eat and to drink?
Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
In I Corinthians 8, Paul concluded by stating his willingness to forgo his right to eat certain foods if it meant preventing a brother or sister in Christ from stumbling. Now, in I Corinthians 9, he expands on this principle, using his own life as an example. He addresses the issue of apostolic rights, particularly the right to financial support, and explains why he often chooses not to exercise those rights. This chapter provides a powerful illustration of balancing personal freedoms with the needs of others and passionately pursuing the gospel. It also uses the metaphor of athletic training to highlight the importance of discipline and focus in the Christian life. This chapter is not just about Paul's choices; it's an invitation for us to consider how we use our own freedoms and resources to advance God's Kingdom.
The Authority and Rights of an Apostle (I Corinthians 9:1-6)
Paul begins by firmly establishing his credentials as an apostle. He poses a series of rhetorical questions to the Corinthian church: "Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my workmanship in the Lord?" (I Corinthians 9:1). These questions, expecting an affirmative response, underscore his authority and the legitimacy of his ministry. The very existence of the Corinthian church, founded by Paul, serves as a testament to his apostleship. They are, as he puts it, "the seal of my apostleship" (I Corinthians 9:2).
Having established his apostolic standing, Paul then addresses the rights that come with it. He asks, "Do we not have the right to eat and drink? Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, and as the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?" (I Corinthians 9:4-5). Paul and Barnabas, however, chose not to exercise these rights, supporting themselves through their own labor. This raises the question: Why should they be denied the support that other spiritual leaders receive? Paul's willingness to forego his rights serves as a powerful example to the Corinthians, encouraging them to consider the needs of others above their own desires.
Justifying the Right to Support (I Corinthians 9:7-14)
Paul uses a series of compelling illustrations to demonstrate the validity of his claim to financial support. He draws on examples from everyday life: soldiers who don't pay for their own food, farmers who eat from their crops, and shepherds who drink the milk from their flocks (I Corinthians 9:7). These examples highlight the principle that those who labor deserve to share in the fruits of their labor.
He then appeals to the Law of Moses, citing the command not to muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain (I Corinthians 9:9; Deuteronomy 25:4). Paul argues that this law, while seemingly about animals, has a broader principle: those who work should be rewarded. "Is it only for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop" (I Corinthians 9:9-10). This highlights how God cares for those who work, and emphasizes that those engaged in Christian ministry have the right to receive compensation for their labor.
Paul further emphasizes this point by referencing the Old Testament priests who received a portion of the temple offerings (I Corinthians 9:13; Numbers 18:8-32). He concludes by stating, "In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel" (I Corinthians 9:14; Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7). This reinforces the idea that those who dedicate their lives to ministry have a legitimate right to be supported by those they serve.
Why Paul Forwent His Rights (I Corinthians 9:15-18)
Despite having a clear right to financial support, Paul explains why he chose not to exercise it in Corinth. He declares, "But I have used none of these rights, nor am I writing these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void" (I Corinthians 9:15). Paul's primary motivation was to avoid hindering the gospel in any way. He didn’t want anyone to falsely accuse him of engaging in ministry for profit.
Paul emphasizes that his preaching of the gospel is not something he boasts about, but rather a responsibility laid upon him. "For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" (I Corinthians 9:16). He sees himself as entrusted with a mission, compelled by God to proclaim the good news to the world. His reward, therefore, is not financial gain, but the joy of seeing lives transformed by God. "What then is my reward? That when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel" (I Corinthians 9:18).
Becoming All Things to All People (I Corinthians 9:19-23)
Paul expands on his willingness to limit his freedoms for the sake of the gospel. He states, "For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more" (I Corinthians 9:19). This illustrates his commitment to reaching as many people as possible with the message of Christ.
He describes how he adapts his behavior to connect with different groups: "and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (I Corinthians 9:20-22). This doesn't mean compromising his moral convictions, but rather understanding and relating to people in their own contexts to effectively communicate the gospel.
Paul's ultimate goal is to share in the blessings of the gospel himself, and to help others experience those blessings as well. "Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you" (I Corinthians 9:23). He subjugates his personal preferences to the gospel, knowing that one day God will reward sacrificial service and love.
Running the Race with Purpose (I Corinthians 9:24-27)
Paul concludes the chapter with a powerful analogy of athletic training. He urges the Corinthians, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it" (I Corinthians 9:24). This calls for intentionality and focus in the Christian life. We are not simply going through the motions; we are running with a purpose, striving for a reward.
He emphasizes the importance of self-control and discipline: "And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown" (I Corinthians 9:25). Athletes undergo rigorous training to win a temporary prize, while Christians strive for an eternal reward.
Paul applies this analogy to his own life, stating, "Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (I Corinthians 9:26-27). He recognizes the need to maintain spiritual discipline, ensuring that he remains focused on his mission and avoids being disqualified from receiving his reward. This is a sobering reminder that even those who lead others must remain vigilant in their own faith.
Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?
If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,
Have we not power to eat and to drink?
Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
In I Corinthians 8, Paul concluded by stating his willingness to forgo his right to eat certain foods if it meant preventing a brother or sister in Christ from stumbling. Now, in I Corinthians 9, he expands on this principle, using his own life as an example. He addresses the issue of apostolic rights, particularly the right to financial support, and explains why he often chooses not to exercise those rights. This chapter provides a powerful illustration of balancing personal freedoms with the needs of others and passionately pursuing the gospel. It also uses the metaphor of athletic training to highlight the importance of discipline and focus in the Christian life. This chapter is not just about Paul's choices; it's an invitation for us to consider how we use our own freedoms and resources to advance God's Kingdom.
The Authority and Rights of an Apostle (I Corinthians 9:1-6)
Paul begins by firmly establishing his credentials as an apostle. He poses a series of rhetorical questions to the Corinthian church: "Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my workmanship in the Lord?" (I Corinthians 9:1). These questions, expecting an affirmative response, underscore his authority and the legitimacy of his ministry. The very existence of the Corinthian church, founded by Paul, serves as a testament to his apostleship. They are, as he puts it, "the seal of my apostleship" (I Corinthians 9:2).
Having established his apostolic standing, Paul then addresses the rights that come with it. He asks, "Do we not have the right to eat and drink? Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, and as the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?" (I Corinthians 9:4-5). Paul and Barnabas, however, chose not to exercise these rights, supporting themselves through their own labor. This raises the question: Why should they be denied the support that other spiritual leaders receive? Paul's willingness to forego his rights serves as a powerful example to the Corinthians, encouraging them to consider the needs of others above their own desires.
Justifying the Right to Support (I Corinthians 9:7-14)
Paul uses a series of compelling illustrations to demonstrate the validity of his claim to financial support. He draws on examples from everyday life: soldiers who don't pay for their own food, farmers who eat from their crops, and shepherds who drink the milk from their flocks (I Corinthians 9:7). These examples highlight the principle that those who labor deserve to share in the fruits of their labor.
He then appeals to the Law of Moses, citing the command not to muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain (I Corinthians 9:9; Deuteronomy 25:4). Paul argues that this law, while seemingly about animals, has a broader principle: those who work should be rewarded. "Is it only for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop" (I Corinthians 9:9-10). This highlights how God cares for those who work, and emphasizes that those engaged in Christian ministry have the right to receive compensation for their labor.
Paul further emphasizes this point by referencing the Old Testament priests who received a portion of the temple offerings (I Corinthians 9:13; Numbers 18:8-32). He concludes by stating, "In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel" (I Corinthians 9:14; Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7). This reinforces the idea that those who dedicate their lives to ministry have a legitimate right to be supported by those they serve.
Why Paul Forwent His Rights (I Corinthians 9:15-18)
Despite having a clear right to financial support, Paul explains why he chose not to exercise it in Corinth. He declares, "But I have used none of these rights, nor am I writing these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void" (I Corinthians 9:15). Paul's primary motivation was to avoid hindering the gospel in any way. He didn’t want anyone to falsely accuse him of engaging in ministry for profit.
Paul emphasizes that his preaching of the gospel is not something he boasts about, but rather a responsibility laid upon him. "For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" (I Corinthians 9:16). He sees himself as entrusted with a mission, compelled by God to proclaim the good news to the world. His reward, therefore, is not financial gain, but the joy of seeing lives transformed by God. "What then is my reward? That when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel" (I Corinthians 9:18).
Becoming All Things to All People (I Corinthians 9:19-23)
Paul expands on his willingness to limit his freedoms for the sake of the gospel. He states, "For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more" (I Corinthians 9:19). This illustrates his commitment to reaching as many people as possible with the message of Christ.
He describes how he adapts his behavior to connect with different groups: "and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some" (I Corinthians 9:20-22). This doesn't mean compromising his moral convictions, but rather understanding and relating to people in their own contexts to effectively communicate the gospel.
Paul's ultimate goal is to share in the blessings of the gospel himself, and to help others experience those blessings as well. "Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you" (I Corinthians 9:23). He subjugates his personal preferences to the gospel, knowing that one day God will reward sacrificial service and love.
Running the Race with Purpose (I Corinthians 9:24-27)
Paul concludes the chapter with a powerful analogy of athletic training. He urges the Corinthians, "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it" (I Corinthians 9:24). This calls for intentionality and focus in the Christian life. We are not simply going through the motions; we are running with a purpose, striving for a reward.
He emphasizes the importance of self-control and discipline: "And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown" (I Corinthians 9:25). Athletes undergo rigorous training to win a temporary prize, while Christians strive for an eternal reward.
Paul applies this analogy to his own life, stating, "Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (I Corinthians 9:26-27). He recognizes the need to maintain spiritual discipline, ensuring that he remains focused on his mission and avoids being disqualified from receiving his reward. This is a sobering reminder that even those who lead others must remain vigilant in their own faith.