1 Corinthians 9:13-16 (WEL) Don’t you know that those who work around the sacred things live from the things of the temple? And that those who serve at the altar jointly share from the altar? 14 Even so, the Lord has made arrangements that those who are preaching the Good News should make their living from the Good News. 15 But I haven’t used any of these things, neither have I written these things that it should be done this way for me. For it would be better for me to die than for anyone to take away my rejoicing. 16 For though I preach the Good News, I have nothing to brag about, for I am compelled, yes, woe is me if I don’t preach the Good News. 17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward, but if against my will, this stewardship has been entrusted to me. 18 What is my reward, then? It is that when I preach the Good News, I can lay out the Good News about Christ without charge so that I don’t abuse my rights in the Good News.
V13 Don’t you know that those who work around the sacred things live from the things of the temple? And that those who serve at the altar jointly share from the altar?
The altar is the altars of the Jewish former tabernacle and the Temple of God.
Hastings Bible Dictionary on the work of the priests: “The work of the priests consisted in (a) offering up all sacrifices. This included especially collecting the blood and sprinkling the altar with it; washing the inwards and legs, making the fire, placing the pieces of the burnt-offering upon it and burning them, doing the same to the ‘memorials’ of other offerings, and the removal of ashes. They did not, except usually in the case of public sacrifices, themselves kill the victim (Leviticus 1:1-17; Leviticus 2:1-16; Leviticus 3:1-17; Leviticus 4:1-35; Leviticus 5:1-19; Leviticus 6:1-30).”
They also share the meat of the sacrifices.
Hastings again: “The priests were supported (a) partly by the tithe of the tithe which they received from the Levites (Numbers 18:26); (b) partly by the first-fruits and firstlings, including the redemption money for men and unclean beasts (Numbers 18:12-18, Leviticus 7:30-34); (c) partly by sacrificial dues of various kinds. The latter included (1) practically the whole of private meal-offerings, whether flour or cakes, sin-offerings and guilt-offerings (Numbers 18:9, Leviticus 5:16; Leviticus 10:16-20). These were regarded as ‘most holy,’ and might be eaten only by the priest and his sons as a sacrificial act in the Temple precincts (Leviticus 6:16; Leviticus 6:26; Leviticus 7:8, Numbers 18:10). (2) Of peace-offerings the breast and the thigh, which might be eaten by any of the priest’s family, the sacrificial act consisting in their first being ‘waved’ or ‘heaved’ respectively (Numbers 18:11, Leviticus 7:30-34). (3) The skin of the burnt-offerings (Leviticus 7:8). (4) The shewbread and several special offerings, as that of the leper, etc. (Leviticus 24:9, Mark 2:26, Leviticus 14:1-57 etc.).”
V14 Even so, the Lord has made arrangements that those who are preaching the Good News should make their living from the Good News.
As the Old Testament priests received support from the sacrifices, those in full-time Christian work should also.
V15 But I haven’t used any of these things, neither have I written these things that it should be done this way for me. For it would be better for me to die than for anyone to take away my rejoicing.
Nevertheless, even though he could have, he refused support, choosing to work instead. Instead of demanding tithes, he trusted in God for provision, which could be from people buying tents from Paul to gifts of food, money, and lodging.
V16 For though I preach the Good News, I have nothing to brag about, for I am compelled, yes, woe is me if I don’t preach the Good News.
This is Paul’s motivation. I am compelled, indeed with a compelling that he was concerned about God’s rebuke. See also Philippians 1:15-18 (compelled by love). Jonah resisted and fled, but suffered God’s rebuke.
The Greek word for compelled is G318 ἀνάγκη anánkē, which means an urgency and push to do something, whether from pressure or compulsion from external pressures or loyalty to duty (as a servant).
Paul’s necessity is from the Lord Jesus, who commissioned him. Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, wants to carry out the command and commission that Jesus gave him.
Do we have the same desire and motivation?
V17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward, but if against my will, this stewardship has been entrusted to me.
God called and commissioned Paul. If he obeys the call, then he receives a reward. If he does not obey, then consequences because he was commissioned (2 Timothy 1:11).
Paul’s commission was to be the Apostles to the Gentiles (everything from preaching the Gospel to teaching, disciplining, and disciplining), teach the converts God’s worldview, lifestyle, rules, and answer questions, which lead to teaching much theology.
The general commission was given by our Lord Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20.
The specific commission is the gifts and ministry God has given us.
A Bible example is Eliezer in Genesis 24. Eliezer is a bondservant of Abraham, commissioned to find a wife for Isaac. He left on his journey, where Abraham told him, prayed for God’s help, devise a plan, and ask God’s blessings on it. He carried out the plan, the plan was fulfilled, Eliezer returned as Abraham told him, and Isaac and Rebekah were married.
V18 What is my reward, then? It is that when I preach the Good News, I can lay out the Good News about Christ without charge so that I don’t abuse my rights in the Good News.
His reward is to serve and glorify the Lord Jesus. He wanted to make sure that no one could say that he was doing this only for money.
That is the first goal of a bondservant—obey in words and deeds. Success comes from obedience, not numbers, etc.
We learn:
- That full-time Christian workers should be paid.
- That our motivation compelling us to serve is our love for God and others.
Questions:
- Do you complain about giving to Christ-following church workers?
- What compels you to serve the Lord Jesus?