In I Corinthians 8:1-13, the Apostle Paul made a clear case for believers to surrender the exercise of their own rights for the sake of brethren who were weaker in the faith. In so doing, we are required to be mindful of others and to put their welfare above our own. In chapter 9, Paul uses his own experience and practice as an example of such self-surrender to reinforce to his audience that this admonition was not merely rhetorical.
Paul reminds them that he was an apostle and, consequently, he has the right to their financial support and care. “Am not I an apostle…are ye not my work in the Lord…have we not power (authority) to eat and drink…have we not power (authority) to forbear working?” (I Corinthians 9:1-7) He continues by appealing to the Old Testament law. “For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn” (I Corinthians 9:10)
His work among them as an apostle merited their giving to support his material needs. He adds, “If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal (earthly) things?” (I Corinthians 9:11) Finally, he concludes that the “Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel” (I Corinthians 9:14).
However, even though he has proven his right to their support, he affirms to them “But I have used none of these things” (I Corinthians 9:15). He did not resort to any of these rights and privileges as an apostle to secure support from them. It was this example of his own refusal to exercise his rights that Paul wanted to set before the Corinthians. In so doing he emphasized to them that the ministry of the gospel was far more important than enjoying these rights.
Paul testified “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 them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law…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” (I Corinthians 9:23).
The ministry of the gospel is far superior than the enjoyment of any right or privilege. Paul used his own example to teach the Corinthians this precious truth. There is an eternal perspective in this practice that we should be careful to copy in our own lives.
From the Chaplain 