What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 9:6? Or “Or” links this verse to Paul’s ongoing defense of his apostolic rights (1 Corinthians 9:1-5). He turns from statements of fact to a probing question, nudging the Corinthians to reassess their assumptions. By beginning with “Or,” Paul contrasts their implied judgment with the scriptural principle he has been laying out (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:3-4; Galatians 1:10). Barnabas and I Paul pairs himself with Barnabas, a respected coworker (Acts 4:36-37; 11:22-26). Mentioning Barnabas: • Reminds the readers that more than one credible apostle chose self-support. • Echoes their joint missionary endeavors (Acts 13:2-3; 14:14). • Underscores unity in purpose, silencing any notion that Paul’s practice was merely personal preference. The only apostles The phrase highlights the inconsistency of expecting two apostles to labor for wages while others receive material support. Elsewhere Paul affirms that apostles, like shepherds, deserve provision (1 Corinthians 9:5; Luke 10:7; 1 Timothy 5:17-18). By asking if they alone must forgo this right, Paul exposes the Corinthians’ partiality and corrects it by appealing to the broader apostolic pattern (Philippians 4:15-16). Who must work for a living? Paul made tents (Acts 18:3) to avoid burdening new believers (1 Thessalonians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 11:7-9). His question does not deny the legitimacy of receiving support; it underlines that he voluntarily surrendered that right for the gospel’s advance. Key takeaways: • Gospel workers possess a God-given right to material support (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). • Voluntary self-support can enhance witness where financial motives might be questioned (2 Corinthians 6:3). • The church is called to honor both those who receive support and those who waive it (Romans 12:10). summary 1 Corinthians 9:6 confronts a double standard in Corinth. Paul and Barnabas, though fully entitled to live from the gospel, chose manual labor so no obstacle would hinder their message. The verse reaffirms two complementary truths: God authorizes material support for His servants, and those servants may lay that right aside to serve more effectively. |
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