Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food,This phrase refers to the practice established in the Old Testament where the Levites and priests, who were responsible for the temple services, were provided for through the offerings brought by the people. In Numbers 18:8-20, God commands that the Levites receive a portion of the offerings as their inheritance, since they had no land of their own. This system ensured that those dedicated to spiritual service were supported by the community. The principle here is one of provision for those who dedicate their lives to ministry, reflecting a broader biblical theme of supporting God's workers, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:1-5. Deu 18:1-2 The Levitical priests shall have no portion… and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings? This part of the verse highlights the specific role of the priests who performed sacrifices at the altar. According to Leviticus 6:16-18 and Leviticus 7:6-10, the priests were entitled to a portion of certain offerings, such as the grain offering and the sin offering. This practice underscores the idea of sharing in the sacred duties and the benefits that come with them. The altar, central to Israelite worship, symbolizes the place of atonement and communion with God. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to support those who preach the gospel, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:17-18. The typology of Christ as the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) and the final sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10-14) is also relevant, as He fulfills and transcends the Old Testament sacrificial system. Lev 7:31-34 The priest is to burn the fat on the altar… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth, providing guidance and teaching on Christian living and church practices. 2. The Temple Refers to the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and sacrifice in Jewish religious life. 3. Priests and Levites Those who served in the temple, responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the temple, and who were supported by the offerings and sacrifices brought by the people. 4. The Altar The place within the temple where sacrifices were made, symbolizing the presence of God and the means by which the people could atone for their sins. 5. The Corinthian Church The recipients of Paul's letter, a diverse group of believers in a cosmopolitan city, facing various challenges in understanding and living out their faith. Teaching Points Principle of ProvisionJust as the temple workers were provided for through their service, those who dedicate their lives to ministry today should be supported by the community they serve. This principle underscores the importance of valuing and sustaining those who labor in spiritual leadership. Understanding Sacrifice The reference to temple practices highlights the sacrificial system, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Believers are called to live sacrificially, offering their lives in service to God and others. Community Responsibility The church community has a responsibility to care for its leaders, ensuring they have the resources needed to focus on their spiritual duties without undue financial burden. Historical Context Understanding the historical and cultural context of temple service helps modern readers appreciate the continuity and fulfillment of these practices in the New Testament church. Spiritual Nourishment Just as the priests were nourished by the offerings, believers are spiritually nourished by participating in the life and work of the church, including the sacraments and communal worship. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the principle of temple workers being sustained by their service apply to modern church leadership and ministry support?2. In what ways can we, as a church community, ensure that those who serve in ministry are adequately provided for? 3. How does understanding the sacrificial system of the Old Testament enhance our appreciation of Christ's sacrifice and our call to live sacrificially? 4. What are some practical ways we can offer our lives in service to God and others, following the example of those who served in the temple? 5. How can we draw spiritual nourishment from our participation in church life, and how does this reflect the practices described in 1 Corinthians 9:13? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 6:16-18This passage outlines the portions of offerings that were to be consumed by the priests, establishing the precedent for temple workers being sustained by their service. Numbers 18:8-20 Details the provisions for the Levites and priests, emphasizing their right to partake in the offerings as their inheritance and sustenance. Matthew 10:10 Jesus instructs His disciples that a worker is worthy of his food, paralleling the principle that those who minister should be supported by their ministry. People Barnabas, Cephas, Christians, Corinthians, Paul, PeterPlaces CorinthTopics Alike, Altar, Attend, Eat, Employed, Holy, Labour, Minister, Offered, Offerings, Partake, Partakers, Perform, Portion, Regularly, Rites, Sacred, Sacrificial, Servants, Serve, Service, Services, Share, Temple, Wait, Waiting, WorkingDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Corinthians 9:13Library Third Sunday Before LentText: First Corinthians 9, 24-27; 10, 1-5. 24 Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain. 25 And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: 27 but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, … Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II How the victor Runs 'Concerning the Crown' The Sin of Silence A Servant of Men Preach the Gospel The Heavenly Race "Now the God of Hope Fill You with all Joy and Peace in Believing," &C. Bunyan -- the Heavenly Footman Against Vain Judgments of Men Apostles To-Day? Though in Order to Establish this Suitable Difference Between the Fruits or Effects of virtue and vice, An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality Concerning Christian Liberty The Edict of Banishment, 1729-1736. But He Speaks More Openly in the Rest which He Subjoins... Hence Arises Another Question; for Peradventure one May Say... We are not Binding Heavy Burdens and Laying them Upon Your Shoulders... And He Comes Back Again, and in all Ways... But Now, that as Bearing with the Infirmity of Men He did This... There Resulteth Then from all These this Sentence... The Great Synod Has Stringently Forbidden any Bishop, Presbyter... Links 1 Corinthians 9:13 NIV1 Corinthians 9:13 NLT 1 Corinthians 9:13 ESV 1 Corinthians 9:13 NASB 1 Corinthians 9:13 KJV 1 Corinthians 9:13 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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