4 have we not authority to eat and to drink? 5 have we not authority a sister—a wife—to lead about, as also the other apostles, and the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 or only I and Barnabas, have we not authority—not to work? 7 who doth serve as a soldier at his own charges at any time? who doth plant a vineyard, and of its fruit doth not eat? or who doth feed a flock, and of the milk of the flock doth not eat? 8 According to man do I speak these things? or doth not also the law say these things? 9 for in the law of Moses it hath been written, 'thou shalt not muzzle an ox treading out corn;' for the oxen doth God care? 10 or because of us by all means doth He say 'it'? yes, because of us it was written, because in hope ought the plower to plow, and he who is treading 'ought' of his hope to partake in hope. 11 If we to you the spiritual things did sow—great 'is it' if we your fleshly things do reap? 12 if others do partake of the authority over you—not we more? but we did not use this authority, but all things we bear, that we may give no hindrance to the good news of the Christ. 13 Have ye not known that those working about the things of the temple—of the temple do eat, and those waiting at the altar—with the altar are partakers? 14 so also did the Lord direct to those proclaiming the good news: of the good news to live.
15 And I have used none of these things; neither did I write these things that it may be so done in my case, for 'it is' good for me rather to die, than that any one may make my glorying void; 16 for if I may proclaim good news, it is no glorying for me, for necessity is laid upon me, and wo is to me if I may not proclaim good news; 17 for if willing I do this, I have a reward; and if unwillingly—with a stewardship I have been entrusted! 18 What, then, is my reward?—that proclaiming good news, without charge I shall make the good news of the Christ, not to abuse my authority in the good news;
19 for being free from all men, to all men I made myself servant, that the more I might gain;
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:4-19
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:1-14
(Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14)
It is not new for a minister to meet with unkind returns for good-will to a people, and diligent and successful services among them. To the cavils of some, the apostle answers, so as to set forth himself as an example of self-denial, for the good of others. He had a right to marry as well as other apostles, and to claim what was needful for his wife, and his children if he had any, from the churches, without labouring with his own hands to get it. Those who seek to do our souls good, should have food provided for them. But he renounced his right, rather than hinder his success by claiming it. It is the people's duty to maintain their minister. He may wave his right, as Paul did; but those transgress a precept of Christ, who deny or withhold due support.
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:15-23
(Read 1 Corinthians 9:15-23)
It is the glory of a minister to deny himself, that he may serve Christ and save souls. But when a minister gives up his right for the sake of the gospel, he does more than his charge and office demands. By preaching the gospel, freely, the apostle showed that he acted from principles of zeal and love, and thus enjoyed much comfort and hope in his soul. And though he looked on the ceremonial law as a yoke taken off by Christ, yet he submitted to it, that he might work upon the Jews, do away their prejudices, prevail with them to hear the gospel, and win them over to Christ. Though he would transgress no laws of Christ, to please any man, yet he would accommodate himself to all men, where he might do it lawfully, to gain some. Doing good was the study and business of his life; and, that he might reach this end, he did not stand on privileges. We must carefully watch against extremes, and against relying on any thing but trust in Christ alone. We must not allow errors or faults, so as to hurt others, or disgrace the gospel.