Paul’s Rights Not Used (1 Cor. 9:1-18)

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Paul deals with his right to earn a living by preaching the gospel, but also says that he freely decided not to make use of this right.

  1. Paul is indeed an apostle.
    • 9:1-2. See Acts 1:21-22; 1 Cor.15:8 for eye-witnessing and 1 Cor.3:10; 4:15 for founding churches.
  2. Paul has a right to be supported.
    • – 9:4-6. Paul claims the right here to be supported, and to take ‘a sister, a wife’ with him. Paul usually worked – Acts 18:3; 20:34; 2 Cor.11:9.
      1. other workers have this right – 9:7.
      2. the Old Testament law commands it – 9:8-11; Deut. 25:4; Ps.147:9.
      3. the Corinthians had paid other apostles and pastors – 9:12.
      4. the Old Testament priests and Levites were released from secular work – 9:13; Deut.18:1-4.
      5. Christ Himself commands this – 9:14; Luke 10:7-8.
  3. Paul foregoes this right for the sake of the gospel.
    • 9:15-18. Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones saw it: ‘I gave up nothing. I received everything. I count it the highest honour God can confer on any man to call him to be a herald of the gospel.’ Jer.20:9.
    • a gospel of free grace for free – 9:12b; 2 Cor.6:3; 12:14-16. Justin Martyr recalled how he went from philosopher to philosopher seeking the truth until finally he became a Christian. It is interesting that he left the Peripatetic (Aristotelian) philosopher after he asked for payment.
      1. Do I have the right to do this?
      2. thShould I use this right, even if it is lawful?