Day 117: Is the gospel a rip-off? - 1 Corinthians 9 vs 1 – 12

1-2 Am I not as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven’t I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn’t it because of my work that you belong to the Lord? Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord’s apostle. 3-4 This is my answer to those who question my authority. Don’t we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals? 5-6 Don’t we have the right to bring a believing wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers do, and as Peter does? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?

7 What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk? 8 Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? 9 For the law of Moses says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? 10 Wasn’t he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who ploughs and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.

11 Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink? If you support others who preach to you, shouldn’t we have an even greater right to be supported? 12 But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ. (New Living Translation)

What prompted Paul to write the words we are looking at today?

It seems there were people in Corinth who were saying that he and Barnabas were 'just out to take their money'. Sadly, this was true of some preachers in those days and it’s very true of many preachers today. It's what is called 'the health & prosperity' gospel. So Paul was forced to challenge the accusations made against him and Barnabas and he does this by pointing out the following.

Firstly, he was a genuine apostle, and many of them had been converted through his ministry. (vs 1-2) Secondly, no-one seemed to be questioning the right of other apostles, such as Peter, to enjoy some privileges. (vs 3-6) Thirdly, it was common sense for people to enjoy some of the fruit of their labours. (vs 7) And fourthly, the Bible itself teaches that the hard working labourer (both beast and man) should share in the harvest. (vs 8-9) So what was the obvious implication of what Paul was saying in these verses?

I'd suggest it means that God wants those of us who are saved to share our possessions with people who have given up so much to serve God in the world and in the Church. We need to support as much as we can believers who've dedicated their lives to be missionaries and ministers. If they are faithful in how they serve the Lord, then they are worthy of our help. That comes out clearly in vs 11. But what does vs 12 show about the accusation that Paul and Barnabas were exploiting people?

Clearly the accusations were false. Even though they were entitled to financial support they had not asked for any money but had been willing to put up with personal hardships so that no-one could say the gospel was a rip-off. They were not preaching for money or for personal glory – their only goal was to see people saved from sin and to know God's forgiveness. They wanted the whole world to know about Jesus Christ.

How is our giving today? Many of us may find it difficult to give generously because we have our own needs to look after. But Paul explains what sharing means in 2 Corinthians 8:13-14 where he says: “I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves! I only mean that there should be some equality. Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal.” May God help us to generously support faithful missionaries and ministers who teach and spread His gospel in our area and in the world, and also to share with Christians we hear of who may be in great need because of persecution where they live.