What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 9:12? Others have this right to your support Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians that “If others have this right to your support….” Earlier in the chapter he laid out how workers deserve wages (1 Corinthians 9:4–11,14; cf. Luke 10:7, “The worker is worthy of his wages”). Scripture consistently teaches that those who minister the Word may receive material help: Galatians 6:6 speaks of sharing “all good things” with the teacher, and 1 Timothy 5:17–18 cites “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” By stating that “others” already claim this privilege, Paul acknowledges a recognized, legitimate pattern in the church—one fully rooted in biblical precedent. Shouldn’t we have it all the more? Next Paul writes, “…shouldn’t we have it all the more?” As an apostle who planted the Corinthian congregation (Acts 18:1–11) and invested deeply in their spiritual life, Paul’s claim is even stronger than that of ordinary ministers. His apostolic labor included: • Foundational evangelism (1 Corinthians 3:10) • Miraculous confirmation of the message (2 Corinthians 12:12) • Continual intercession and counsel (2 Corinthians 11:28) Given such intensive service, he rightly argues that receiving support would be appropriate, just as the priests lived from temple offerings (1 Corinthians 9:13; Numbers 18:8–12). The principle is clear: greater spiritual investment reasonably warrants material return. But we did not exercise this right Paul immediately adds, “But we did not exercise this right.” Though entitled, he voluntarily declined financial assistance from Corinth (Acts 18:3; 2 Corinthians 11:7–9). His refusal was not due to uncertainty about the right itself—Scripture affirms that right—but sprang from pastoral discernment. He chose self-support through tentmaking so the gospel would be perceived as a free gift. This echoes his stance in 1 Thessalonians 2:9, where he “worked night and day” to avoid burdening new believers. We put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ Finally, Paul explains his motive: “Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.” He endured hardship—manual labor, lack of income, possible misjudgment—to remove every obstacle to faith (2 Corinthians 6:3, “We put no obstacle in anyone’s way”). By foregoing his legitimate rights, Paul embodied Christ-like self-denial (Philippians 2:5–8). The lesson is twofold: • Ministers have a God-given right to material support. • In certain contexts, love may lead them to relinquish that right for the gospel’s advance. summary 1 Corinthians 9:12 teaches that those who preach have a biblical claim to material support, yet love may call them to waive that claim so nothing mars the message of Christ. Paul held both truths: the legitimacy of the right and the freedom to surrender it for the sake of winning souls. |
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