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Scripture reading – 1 Corinthians 9
* Please note that words and phrases in brackets are the author’s amplification.
1 Corinthians 9
Paul’s Defense of His Apostleship (1 Corinthians 9:1-2)
Today’s Scripture reading (1 Corinthians 9) opens with Paul’s defense not only of his apostleship but also of his calling and qualifications as an apostle. Paul wrote, “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?” (1 Corinthians 9:1).
Paul opened his letter to the Corinthians by introducing himself as “an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God” (1 Corinthians 1:1). He returned to the same subject, asserting his authority as one who had seen Jesus Christ after His resurrection and ascension to heaven (Acts 1:21-22; 9:3-6; 1 Corinthians 15:8). Whether his enemies might question his apostleship (and some did) did not matter to Paul. Instead, he regarded the believers in Corinth as the “seal of [his] apostleship…in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 9:2).
Paul’s Claim of a Minister’s Right to Compensation (1 Corinthians 9:3-14)
Having established his authority as an apostle, Paul then addressed the churches’ material obligation to support their pastors (1 Corinthians 9:3-14). He reasoned that God’s servants have the “power to eat and to drink” (1 Corinthians 9:4) and to support their families (“to lead about a sister, a wife,” meaning a believing spouse, 1 Corinthians 9:5).
Paul continued, arguing that God’s servants should receive compensation for their labor. He noted that soldiers are compensated when they go to war, farmers eat the fruit of their labor, and shepherds profit from their work (1 Corinthians 9:7). Therefore, not only is it rational, but the Law also commands that servants of God receive fair compensation for their labor (1 Corinthians 9:8).
Quoting from the Old Testament Scriptures, Paul reminded the people: “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?” (1 Corinthians 9:9; Deuteronomy 25:4).
What Is the Application of 1 Corinthians 9:9?
Understanding that the LORD is concerned for the fair treatment of oxen, there can be no doubt that He is especially concerned for the welfare of His servants (1 Corinthians 9:10). Taking that truth to its conclusion, Paul admonished believers that they were not only debtors to their ministers but also under a material obligation to meet their physical needs (1 Corinthians 9:11).
1 Corinthians 9:12 indicates that the believers in Corinth had supported those who ministered to the congregation; however, Paul did not require the same support for himself, “lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:12). Nevertheless, Paul reminded them that priests who ministered in the Temple received a portion of the sacrifices as compensation for their households (1 Corinthians 9:13; Leviticus 6:14-7:36; Numbers 18:8-32).
Closing Thoughts –
God ordained in both the Old and New Testaments that His ministers be supported and fairly compensated for their labor (1 Corinthians 9:14). Unfortunately, some churches give little thought to their ministers’ sacrifices and needs. If you believe “the labourer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7), you should ensure that your pastor is fairly compensated and financially secure.
Later in our Bible study series, we will see that Paul applied that same principle when he wrote, “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17).
Does your pastor deserve a raise?
Copyright © 2026 – Travis D. Smith
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The post A Workman’s Worthy of His Hire: Does Your Pastor Need a Raise? (1 Corinthians 9) appeared first on “From The Heart of A Shepherd” by Pastor Travis D. Smith.
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