Monday, October 19, 2026

#1682 1 Corinthians 10 Part 1 Knowing Vs. Obeying

 




For I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our fathers were all under the cloud and all passed through the sea; 2 and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 and all ate the same spiritual food; 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them, and the rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, with most of them God was not well-pleased. For they were struck down in the wilderness. 6 Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.

7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and stood up to play.” 8 Nor let us act in sexual immorality, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. 9 Nor let us put Christ to the test, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. 10 Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have arrived. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man, but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10: 1-13 LSB

1 Corinthians 10: 1-13 Common to Man

Wayne Barber observes that in chapter 10 we "are going to talk about a caution to the strong... the whole context... beginning in chapter 8, is to the strong, those who understand, who have experienced, who have had the high privilege of the things of God. And once we have understood and God has allowed us to experience the Word of God in our Christian walk and we are labeled "the strong," we have a greater responsibility...The responsibility is always heavier upon them. The apostle Paul has been talking about sports (1 Cor 9:24-27) No athlete,who is running to win the prize, wants to be disqualified and taken out of the race. The apostle Paul is saying that the Christian life is like a race from beginning to end. Just like an athlete, no Christian who has experienced the things of God, who understands the Word of God, wants to be taken out of the action and benched. He wants to be where God can use him. He wants to be a vessel through which God can do His work. (cf 2 Ti 2:21) When an athlete stops making the choices of self-denial, it is at that point he becomes disqualified. But in the Christian life it is the same way. Being saved and experiencing the things of God does not necessarily guarantee you are going to be used of God. In other words, the way you started is the way you continue and finish. That is what Paul is trying to get across in making his comparison of the athlete and the runner. His whole context is to the strong, to those who understand, to those who have experienced the grace of God. He says, “You guys need to understand something. You are about to be disqualified. You are not mixing love with your knowledge, therefore you have become arrogant. That is his whole context back in chapter 8. So he says to all of us who have experienced being used of God, those of us who have experienced the grace of God and the understanding of His Word, “Now listen, you continue to learn the discipline of denying self. It never stops, because if you stop and choose the other way, you will be benched and somebody else will take your place. You are not indispensable. You are dispensable when it comes to being used in the Christian life.” Well, because of this, in chapter 10 Paul brings a caution to the believers, trying to shock them back into reality, and so he brings up the nation of Israel and gives a warning. To those who have experienced (the privileges of God - see their "privileges" in 1 Cor 1:2, 4-5, 7, 9) look out. Israel was a nation that experienced the privileges of God, but a nation who by their own choosing, chose the way of the flesh rather than the way of God and missed out on all the things that God had prepared for them. Paul says, “Believers, don’t you do the same thing. Learn from Israel.” - PA

V. 1 Under the cloud and all passed through the sea - So with Barber's back drop let us proceed. Israel was brought out of bondage in Egypt, experienced God in the wilderness, the Shekinah glory, the cloud by day that became fire by night and kept their outward enemies at bay. Paul is speaking to the Corinthians who think themselves strong and mature. He is telling them, "this is nothing new, you are not the first to receive knowledge of God, to experience the things of God." Israel was set apart by God to be a light and beacon to the nations, and though they willfully chose not to glorify God, to return to the idolatry of Egypt, yet God is still glorified in His justice against their sin. This is the warning to the Church today. 

…19And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, 20so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other. 21Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove back the sea with a strong east wind that turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided,… Exodus 14: 19-21


V. 2 And all were baptized into Moses - This brings up a picture of baptism, in most minds, of being dunked in the water, but this is not the picture here. It is more about the who, and they were baptized into the leadership of Moses, as Christians are baptized into the leadership, headship of Christ. They were identifying with Moses' relationship to God as their mediator as well. He brings them the law of God on the stone tablets. It is the covenant of do this and you shall live, and they all agreed to it.

…28Then they heaped insults on him and said, “You are His disciple; we are disciples of Moses. 29We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this man is from.” 30“That is remarkable indeed!” the man said. “You do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes.… John 9: 28-30


…2He was faithful to the One who appointed Him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3For Jesus has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4And every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything.… Hebrews 3: 2-4

…2Certainly not! How can we who died to sin live in it any longer? 3Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.… Romans 6: 2-4


26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.… Galatians 3: 26-28

Vs. 3-4 And the Rock was Christ - Look back at Exodus 14 above. Throughout the OT we hear mentions of the Angel of the Lord (Angel means Messenger), and here the apostle identifies Him as Christ. 

MacArthur explains "God used a boulder (petra) to provide water for Israel on one occasion. (IN OTHER WORDS IT THIS WAS NOT A ROCK CONTINUALLY ROLLING BEHIND ISRAEL) But the spiritual rock which followed them throughout their journeys was not that small boulder but the great rock of Christ. That supernatural rock protected and sustained His people and would not allow them to perish. Old Testament believers did not have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, but even during the Exodus they had the sustaining presence of the preexistent Messiah, the preincarnate Christ, caring for and fulfilling the needs of His people. The point of all these affirmations is to recount the privileges of Israel, the assets of her deliverance." (Bolding added) - PA

Meaning of the Term: The Hebrew word malák simply means "messenger". However, unlike standard angels who refer to God in the third person, this specific figure regularly speaks in the first person as Yahweh ("I AM") - Covenant Baptist Theology

11Just then the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, “Abraham, Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 12“Do not lay a hand on the boy or do anything to him,” said the angel, “for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.” 13Then Abraham looked up and saw behind him a ram in a thicket, caught by its horns. So he went and took the ram and offered it as a burnt offering in place of his son.… Genesis 22: 11-13


20Behold, I am sending an angel before you to protect you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. 21Pay attention to him and listen to his voice; do not defy him, for he will not forgive rebellion, since My Name is in him. 22But if you will listen carefully to his voice and do everything I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.… Exodus 23: 20-22


Vs. 5-6 Nevertheless - God was not pleased with most of them, though they had been physically set apart, removed from Egypt together, heard the law together, knew what God's commandment was, yet even seeing the miraculous they still turned to follow other gods and their own lusts. Those two things are so cojoined, what a man desires and his idea of God, which becomes a god. Men will always prefer the god of their choosing, the idol that doesn't talk back to them about the life they want to lead, that prefers the sacrifices and burnt offerings over obedience. They play down the true God, and in the end worship something of their own invention, calling it God. From atheist to Mormons to Satanist, it's all the same. In that Theocracy in the wilderness the repercussions for their actions were often immediate. Many died for breaking covenant, and the apostle points out that they were an example for us. God has not changed; he still hates sin, is still opposed to it, and will still reward it with it's due wages. Going to church on Sunday, singing in the choir, does not dilute the offense of your sin; it only heightens it, as you are supposed to be part of the people of God, the light in this present darkness, and God will not be mocked. The early church had been given a very clear sign and example this in Ananias and Sapphira.

1Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back some of the proceeds for himself, but brought a portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold some of the proceeds from the land?…
…4Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!” 5 On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened. 6Then the young men stepped forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.…
…7About three hours later his wife also came in, unaware of what had happened. 8 “Tell me,” said Peter, “is this the price you and your husband got for the land?” “Yes,” she answered, “that is the price.” 9“How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Peter replied. “Look, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”…
…10At that instant she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11And great fear came over the whole church and all who heard about these events. 12The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon’s Colonnade.… Acts 5: 1-12


Vs. 7-8 Nor let us be idolaters - Just because you don't have a wooden idol in your house doesn't mean you don't have an idol. It is anything you put above God and what He says. For some it is working out, some video games, some food, some success, their wife, their children; fishing could even possibly become an idol for some. Paul also here again, as earlier, addresses the issue of sexual immorality, and how God dealt with it in the old testament. In this particular church recall from earlier that not only was it going on but they still were going about boasting and thinking, "how mature we are." This is one of the first disqualifying things to ministry, and if you are not dealing with that at the thought level then you are not maturing. 

…19I know your deeds—your love, your faith, your service, your perseverance—and your latter deeds are greater than your first. 20But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21Even though I have given her time to repent of her immorality, she is unwilling.… Revelation 2: 19-21

Vs. 9-11 Upon whom the end of the ages have arrived - The things that happened then will be pertinent for our understanding all the way till the end. 

…15For the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God. Otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth. 16Do not test the LORD your God as you tested Him at Massah. 17You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has given you.… Deuteronomy 6: 15-17


V. 12 Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he falls - Some of these falls have been felt through the whole forest, and seen by those who live outside, and they laugh because it makes light of the sin against which some preached and the world embraces lovingly. Paul is cautioning the strong again, take a measure of yourself, humble yourself, use Christ as the bar, and know that your boasting proves the opposite of what you say.

…17The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life. 18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19It is better to be lowly in spirit among the humble than to divide the spoil with the proud.… Proverbs 16: 17-19


…19You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” 20That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. 21For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either.… Romans 11: 19-21


V. 13 Will provide the way of escape - No unusual temptation, they all have their most base element, whether lust of the flesh, pride of life. It comes down to this, do you actually, or when will you actually believe the God Who you say you believe in. 

Wuest A testing time or a temptation has not laid hold of you with the result that these have you in their grip, except those to which mankind is continually subject. But God is faithful who will not permit you to be tested nor tempted above that with which you are able to cope, but will, along with the testing time or temptation, also make a way out in order that you may be able to bear up under it. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission)

Zodhiates Absolutely no testing has overtaken you which does not pertain to mankind, but God is trustworthy who absolutely will not permit you to be tested beyond what you are able to endure, but will, together with the testing, provide the way out. - PA

…8If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word is not in us.… 1 John 1: 8-10

14If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it. 15If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. 16And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—… John 14: 14-16

…7You hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you: 8‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. 9They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’ ”… Matthew 15: 7-9



























































Sunday, October 11, 2026

#1681 1 Corinthians 9 Part 2 Shadow Boxing

 

                                        J.C. Ryle


15 But I have used none of these things. And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case, for it would be better for me to die than have anyone make my boast an empty one. 16 For if I proclaim the gospel, I have nothing to boast, for I am under compulsion. For woe is me if I do not proclaim the gospel. 17 For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. 18 What then is my reward? That, when I proclaim the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my authority in the gospel.

19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. 20 And to the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews. To those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law. 21 To those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. 23 So I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. 25 Now everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. 26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9: 15-27 LSB

1 Corinthians 9: 15-27

15. But I have used none of these things - Paul has just gone through a list of qualifications that make him equal to those apostles who are receiving support from the church, but he himself has chosen to set this right aside and remain a tent maker. Let this be understood as well, all the other apostles shared the gospel freely too, and were often repaid by the hearers with beatings and imprisonment. This was never a pay to pray, for we all received the gospel freely and should give the gospel in the same manner. Paul's continuation in labor, in working all night so that he may travel and preach during the day, has put even more weight upon his words for other pastors. It is a support that is first and foremost of a free will, then before handing out money or goods we must evaluate the recipient and what the money is going to. Paul receives gifts at different times when God has laid it upon the hearts of his brothers and sisters, but he is not on the payroll with any consistent salary, which has given him a lot of breadth in this matter. In Exodus those working on the tabernacle were actually men of integrity, who, once realizing they had more then they needed, asked Moses to tell the people to stop bringing in money for the work. Stewardship works both ways.

…5and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD has commanded us to do.” 6After Moses had given an order, they sent a proclamation throughout the camp: “No man or woman should make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” So the people were restrained from bringing more, 7since what they already had was more than enough to perform all the work.… Exodus 36: 5-7


V. 15b - 18 And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case - It's not like false humility that fishes for a compliment regardless of how one's words play themselves down. He actually has more vested here. It allows him to speak more freely on behalf of others, working with his hands removes a stumbling block for those who have been burnt by the snake oil salesmen, and it is the boast of his ministry, not arrogantly, but that I have had the privilege to give in such a manner. It also has kept him from becoming complacent so that when he is sick, in prison, and has received gifts, he can see the hand of God and not coming to rely on a steady income has probably brought him to his knees more frequently. These gifts connected the givers to Paul's suffering, and came from the motivation of love rather than the compulsion of fear or pressure.

MacArthur adds that "He was not using subterfuge, hoping that, despite his protest, they would begin to pay him. He had never taken pay from those he served and he never intended to. Nor was he now asking for that in a disguised way." - PA

…16For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. 17Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account. 18I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.… Philippians 4: 16-18

…13In what way were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong! 14See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?… 2 Corinthians 12: 13-15

Vs. 19-20 I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more - Paul put the needs of others first, so that even his liberty was to deny himself  his liberties in order to win more. I have a first world problem that I am always so concerned about my rights, but not equally as eager to pray for and forgive those who have infringed upon them. Paul's willingness to set lesser things aside makes it easier to teach concerning all things. If someone feels or believes that they can't eat pork then that is not the greatest thing they lack in their understanding. It is not the end of the world and bacon is not my gospel, so when Paul is with the Jews he lives as they live. When with the gentiles he does the same and protects them from Judaizers who would demand that they be circumcised and come under the ceremonial law. 

1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery. 2Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.… Galatians 5: 1-3

V. 21 Though not being without the Law of God but under the Law of Christ - The moral law still stands, but we have all failed regarding it, and those who are saved are saved through Christ's keeping of the law and his atoning work on the cross. Paul and Peter interject lines like this to defend against those false teachers who would lead people into antinomianism.

…31I cling to Your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame. 32I run in the path of Your commandments, for You will enlarge my heart. 33Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I will keep them to the end.… Psalm 119: 31-33


17Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. 18For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19So then, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do likewise will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever practices and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.…
20For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 21You have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘Anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.… Matthew 5: 17-22




…15Consider also that our Lord’s patience brings salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom God gave him. 16He writes this way in all his letters, speaking in them about such matters. Some parts of his letters are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. 17Therefore, beloved, since you already know these things, be on your guard so that you will not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure standing.… 2 Peter 3: 15-17

MacArthur on law - To keep from being misunderstood, he makes it clear that he is not talking about ignoring or violating God’s moral law. The Ten Commandments and all of God’s other moral laws have, if anything, been strengthened under the New Covenant. For example, not only is it sin to commit murder but also to be inordinately angry with your brother or to call him a fool. Not only is adultery sinful, but so is lust (Matt. 5:21–30). Love does not abrogate God’s moral law but fulfills it (Rom. 13:8, 10; cf. Matt. 5:17). None of us in Christ is without [outside] the law of God, but rather are under the law of Christ. Every believer is under complete legal obligation to Jesus Christ—even though love, rather than the externalities of the law, is to be the guiding force. (MNTC-1 Cor) - PA

Vs. 22-23 To the weak I became weak - Again laying aside his liberties. When someone is teaching me something that I don't understand yet then I always ask for the kindergarten version. There is nothing wrong with admitting you do not know or don't quite understand something, and it is far worse to pretend that you do understand only to leave and act in error. Paul takes the time to gently clarify and explain from every angle for those who don't understand, but then goes a step further for the weak and gives up his rights and privileges in order to win more people for the gospel. Everything he does is to reach a broader audience, to tell more people, not by way of compromising the gospel, but self sacrifice.

…13I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry 14in the hope that I may provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them. 15For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?… Romans 11: 13-15

1That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our own eyes, which we have gazed upon and touched with our own hands—this is the Word of life. 2And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us. 3We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And this fellowship of ours is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.… 1 John 1: 1-3

Vs. 24-25 They then do it to receive a corruptible crown - Runners at the Olympic games would receive a wreath that would wither, but for this temporary ornament they would discipline themselves, bringing their bodies under submission. I have often marveled at UFC fighters cutting weight during fight camp and especially that last push right before weigh ins. Some of the drops are extreme when you think of someone who normally walks around at 220 pounds trying to make weight to fight at 185. I could stand to lose 60 myself right now, but getting there is difficult and keeping it off isn't easy either. Paul is competing for something much more glorious than a trophy, longer lasting than gold or silver, and is willing to make sacrifices to do so. 

Vs. 26-27 I box in such a way, as not beating the air - It is for a purpose, he buffets his body, he trains in order to engage, not for looks or a game, but he brings his body into subjection to be prepared. A fighter spars so that he can feel what it is like to get hit so that he does not freeze up in the ring. He is training his body to respond differently then it normally would, engaging his mind to push through pain, to not freeze up or curl away from his opponent. Our battle isn't against flesh and blood, but the outside influences that attack our bodies, like hunger, or slanderers, or bullies, should not dictate how we respond, nor do they excuse our responses. God tells us how to live as Christians and so we must be righteous regardless of what people say about us, or whether we are sick or hungry. I have often found myself to be a much lesser man than I thought once trouble has come to me. Paul is testing himself and preparing himself for this in advance. Paul prays for justice, confronts sin and false teachers, but he also lays aside personal comfort and shares the gospel even when it leads to prison or death. 

…11Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.… Ephesians 6: 11-13

…27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.… Colossians 1: 27-29




































































Wednesday, October 7, 2026

#1680 1 Corinthians 9 Part 1 The Worker Is Worthy Of His Wages

 




Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we not have authority to eat and drink? 5 Do we not have authority to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6 Or do only Barnabas and I not have authority to refrain from working? 7 Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not consume the fruit of it? Or who shepherds a flock and does not consume the milk of the flock?

8 Am I speaking these things according to human judgment? 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 it is threshing.” Is God merely concerned about oxen? 10 Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. 11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? 12 If others share this authority over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this authority, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple, and those who attend regularly to the altar have their share from the altar? 14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel. 1 Corinthians 9: 1-14 LSB

1 Corinthians 9: 1-14

We just left off with Paul speaking to the Corinthians, answering their questions about their liberty in Christ and the setting aside of their freedoms for the sake of weaker brothers. From commentaries and sermons I can see that this is a difficult passage for preachers to speak on, except for those charlatans who are only about filling their purses. We are all aware of such, and so when the subject of money comes up in church we should not lay aside past experiences, but should listen carefully and proceed with discernment. We are all called to be stewards of the things that God has given us, and so rightfully we should be concerned with the stewardship of those we would support in the ministry. For some pastors it is a difficult subject to approach because they are aware of the many abuses regarding money that have occurred in the name of Christ. They do not want the association, and I don't blame them, but it is part of God's word and needs to be addressed. When you look at this passage in context you will actually see it is quite beautiful, for here we see Paul's example of what he had just taught them about laying aside your rights and privileges. The apostle will prove that he didn't just teach about these things, but here is the example of doing so in his own life. 

1This is a trustworthy saying: If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task. 2An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not dependent on wine, not violent but gentle, peaceable, and free of the love of money.… 1 Timothy 3: 1-3

…6An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, having children who are believers and who are not open to accusation of indiscretion or insubordination. 7 As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach— not self-absorbed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. 8Instead, he must be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.… Titus 1: 6-8

…18For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,… Philippians 3: 18-20

V. 1a Am I not free - He is free in Christ as well, and should be able to enjoy the same privileges as his peers.

V. 1b Am I not an apostle - This was Paul's calling, his peer group, and so the answer is the affirmative, acknowledging that he shared the same vocation as Peter and the other Apostles. 

V. 1C Have I not seen Jesus our Lord - For those that doubted his claim to Apostleship, his opposers, he asserts the basis of the claim, that he had seen the risen Lord, one of the qualifications of being an Apostle. I believe the apostolic era ended with the apostles, and that people who make that claim about themselves now should be rebuked and seen for the false teachers that they are. 

An apostle by definition had to have seen the resurrected Jesus Peter declaring "Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us– beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us–one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” (Acts 1:21-22) Paul insists that he did not merely see a vision of Jesus, but an authentic appearance of the post-resurrection Jesus.

Acts 9:3-6 As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.”

1 Corinthians 15:8 and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. - PA

V. 2 At least I am to you - He was sent out as an apostle to the gentiles, and to this very people, the Corinthians, whom he now addressed. They had witnessed the signs of his apostleship. He had shared the gospel and many had believed. They were a place of his planting where the Holy Spirit had moved.

Utley - A seal in the ancient world was a warm blob of wax into which a signet ring was pressed to seal a letter or package. It was an assurance that the contents had not been opened; it showed who owned the contents; and it showed the genuineness of the contents, that it was sent by the right person. This type of seal became a metaphor of Christian certainty (cf. John 3:33; Ro 4:11).

Not only were the saints in Corinth Paul's seal of authenticity, they were also his letter (See Passage above). In addition Paul had performed supernatural signs that authenticated his apostleship, writing "The signs of a true apostle were performed among you (BY ME, PAUL) with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles." (2 Corinthians 12:12)

Vs. 3-4 Do we not have authority to eat and drink - Paul starts his defense, and this is in the context of paying ministers, so it is in reference to being fed.

17Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18For the Scripture says, “ Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.” 1 Timothy 5: 17-18

V. 5 To take along a believing wife - Paul had the right to take along a wife, but he had the gift of celibacy as previously discussed. The point here is that if he did then his, her and his families care would all be considered one. They would all need to be fed.

V. 5b The rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas - Here is the precedent, and Paul is an apostle too. This passage flies in the face of the Roman Catholic teachings concerning Peter, popes (which are an unbiblical invention) and the rest of the apostles. Paul appears to be the only one without a wife. Cephas is another name for Peter.

…2influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron. 3They will prohibit marriage and require abstinence from certain foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected,… 1 Timothy 4: 2-4

Jack Arnold - It was the practice of the Apostles to take their wives and children with them when they traveled and ministered to various churches. This verse tells us that most of the Apostles were married to believing wives, and they were not separated from their wives and families when ministering. It also tells us that the church supported the Apostle, his wife and his family; therefore, we might conclude that the woman was not required to work for money outside the home. This verse certainly refutes the idea that men in the ministry should not be married....and the Lord’s brothers. This is a reference to the half-brothers of Jesus. Mary had other children by Joseph after she bore Christ (Matt. 1:25; 12:46; Jn. 2:12). This obviously refutes the superstition that Mary was always a virgin. This more importantly tells us that the privilege of being financially supported in the ministry applied to those who were not Apostles, for the half-brothers of Christ were not Apostles, except James.... and Cephas? Even Peter and his wife were supported by the church in the work of the ministry. Peter was a married man (Matt 8:14; Mark 1:30). Again, this refutes the whole idea of the celibacy of the clergy. Furthermore, if Peter was the first Pope (as some erroneously claim) then that Pope was a married man. - PA




Vs. 6-7 Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense - Consider the natural order, even a slave that is sent into war would receive food, shelter and equipment. He continues, "who plants a vineyard, who shepherds a flock?" The answer is obvious, you plant a vineyard in order to consume it's grapes, with the expectation of drinking of it's wine. There is a logical principle here as well that you would want your own time and skill to be valued. If you had a farm, well most people don't understand this today, but it takes a lot of time and energy, a lot of planning and maintenance, so you would not be wrong for expecting to be compensated by those who would be interested in your vegetables, meat, fruit or dairy products. It is normal to value the products and services that people provide. A good measure would be, what would I honestly want if I was the one providing this service? Of course to get here honestly you would need to learn a bit of what goes into it. 

…14Do not oppress a hired hand who is poor and needy, whether he is a brother or a foreigner residing in one of your towns. 15You are to pay his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and depends on them. Otherwise he may cry out to the LORD against you, and you will be guilty of sin. 16Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.… Deuteronomy 24: 14-16

…12You must not swear falsely by My name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. 13You must not defraud your neighbor or rob him. You must not withhold until morning the wages due a hired hand. 14You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD.… Leviticus 19: 12-14

Vs. 8-10 Yes for our sakes it was written - Paul demonstrates that this is not just human wisdom and reasoning; this is congruent with Holy Scripture. If you do not muzzle the ox, but allow him to eat as he plows, to restore his expenditure, then what of the plowman made in God's image, your brother?


Vs. 11-12 We endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ - These were Paul's spiritual children, yet he and Barnabas did not exercise their rights or privilege as Apostles when they were with them. He gives the reason, because he wanted no hindrance to the gospel, and as MacArthur points out, this was by his own choice. Paul removed a stumbling block out of love for God and his people, but also for the sake of the gospel, and even this message. No one in Corinth could say that they made Paul the man he was, and this brings about an interesting question. Are there times today when men would be called as tent makers? Absolutely, if God sent you to a people who are poor, or a people who were skeptical, then they may be interested in the message, but not able or yet willing to pay a vocational elder. This is why I think it is important for us to support missionaries so that they do not come as a burden to those they are trying to reach, but also doing missions isn't vacationing so we need to be careful who we send. Never withhold the gospel, but trust God to take care of you.

…7As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. 9Do not carry any gold or silver or copper in your belts.… Matthew 10: 7-9


Vs. 13-14 Those who perform sacred services eat the food of the temple - This is a reference back to the Levitical priesthood. They received a portion of the sacrifices and tithes given at the temple, as the Levites also served in the keeping of the temple and the ceremonies. 

First, if ministers are required to support themselves, the danger is that they will be forced to become men of the world when they should be men of prayer and the Word. Ministers ought not to go into real estate, investments, gold and silver, playing the stock market or whatever. These distract a man of God from his number one task which is to pray and minister the Word. The normative principle is that a minister is never to seek support from a secular occupation unless it is a particular, special case such as Paul and Barnabas.

Second, a minister should be paid well enough so as to keep his mind from worldly things such as where his next dollar is coming from. He should receive an amount of money which would make him free from the basic cares of the world. He should not be rich nor should he live in poverty simply because he is in the ministry.

Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, “Who is the LORD?” Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God (Prov. 30:8-9). - PA

…5The priest shall burn them on the altar as an offering made by fire to the LORD; it is a guilt offering. 6Every male among the priests may eat of it. It must be eaten in a holy place; it is most holy. 7The guilt offering is like the sin offering; the same law applies to both. It belongs to the priest who makes atonement with it.…
…8As for the priest who presents a burnt offering for anyone, the hide of that offering belongs to him. 9Likewise, every grain offering that is baked in an oven or cooked in a pan or on a griddle belongs to the priest who presents it, 10and every grain offering, whether dry or mixed with oil, belongs equally to all the sons of Aaron.… Leviticus 7: 5-10