1 Coríntios 9
Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Coríntios 9
Utley - Paul’s apostleship was being attacked because he was not one of the original Twelve. The qualifications for an apostle were that he had been with Jesus during His earthly life and had seen the resurrection (cf. Acts 1:15–26). Paul asserts that he had seen the resurrected Christ (cf. Acts 9:3, 17, 27; 22:14; 1 Cor. 15:8). Paul’s call was by a special act of Christ for a special mission to the Gentiles, which demanded special revelation (cf. Acts 18:9; 23:11). Paul not only encountered Jesus personally on the road to Damascus, but several times during his ministry Jesus (or an angel as Jesus’ representative as in Acts 27:23) appeared to him to encourage him (cf. Acts 18:9–11; 22:17–21). Are you not my work in the Lord? - The fourth question also expects a "yes," the saints at Corinth were Paul's work in the Lord. As my mother used to say "The proof is in the puffing!" The saints reading his letter were his "pudding!" Their changed lives were proof of his apostolic authority. THOUGHT - Note the critical phrase "in (locative of sphere) the Lord." This spiritual dynamic is the key to ALL fruitful, lasting, God glorifying ministry. The clear parallel is found in the words of our Lord Jesus Who declared "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who (present tense - continually) abides in Me and I in him, he (present tense - continually) bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do (ABSOLUTELY) nothing." (John 15:5) Paul understood Jesus' declaration that "It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing." (John 6:63) Later in this letter Paul wrote "by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me (GOD'S SOVEREIGN PROVISION) did not prove vain; but I labored (MAN'S RESPONSIBILITY) even more than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God with ("WITH" IS NOT META BUT SYN = INTIMATELY WITH) me." (1 Cor 15:10+) And writing in his second letter Paul affirmed this vital truth of in the Lord once again declaring "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, Who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. " (2 Cor 3:5-6+). And finally he encouraged his spiritual children to work in the Lord writing "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." (1 Cor 15:58+) The question is this -- Is the Christian work you are doing today "IN the Lord?" If not, it is likely it will be burned up (read 1 Cor 3:12-15+), because it is YOUR work, not HIS work in and through you (See Good Deeds). In the Lord - Phrase in 1 Corinthians - 1 Cor 1:31 1 Cor 4:17 1 Cor 7:22 1 Cor 7:39 1 Cor 9:1 1 Cor 9:2 1 Cor 11:11 1 Cor 15:58 1 Cor 16:19 Paul had discussed their "examination" of his credentials earlier... Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. 3 But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. 4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. 5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God. (1 Corinthians 4:1-5+) Related Resources: Baker's Evangelical Dictionary Apostle, Paul the Apostle Charles Buck Dictionary Apostle CARM Theological Dictionary Apostle Easton's Bible Dictionary Apostle Fausset Bible Dictionary Apostle Holman Bible Dictionary Apostles International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Apostle Kitto Biblical Cyclopedia Apostle McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia Apostle Torrey Topical Textbook Apostles, the What is an apostle? | GotQuestions.org Is God restoring the offices of apostle and prophet in the church today? | GotQuestions.org Was the Apostle Paul actually a false prophet? | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between a disciple and apostle? | GotQuestions.org Why was Paul called the apostle to the Gentiles? | GotQuestions.org Chuck Swindoll has an excellent illustration of the meaning of the verb eleutheros.... Back in the nineteenth century our sixteenth president realized something radical must be done about slavery in our country. Unwilling to look the other way any longer, on September 22, 1862, he presented what came to be known as the Emancipation Proclamation, an official document condemning human slavery. Abraham Lincoln, realizing that slavery is completely against human dignity, officially abolished it from the United States on that day. Tragically, little changed in the daily life of our nation, even though the slaves were officially declared free. You know why; you’ve read the stories. The Civil War was still going on. The plantation owners never informed their slaves. The vast majority of the former slaves couldn’t read, so they had no idea what the news was carrying. There was no mass media then to announce those kinds of presidential pronouncements. And so for the longest time, slavery continued even though it had been officially brought to an end. The war ended in April 1865. Do you know when Lincoln’s declaration was officially enacted? When the people finally began to leave their enslaved lives and make their way toward freedom? December 18, 1865—more than three years after he first released his proclamation. Lincoln had been dead for months. The word traveled out of the streets of Washington and down into the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, across the back roads of the Carolinas and into Georgia, then Alabama, then Mississippi, then Louisiana, then Texas, then Arkansas, announcing what had been true for more than a thousand days. Even then the word somehow either wasn’t believed or wasn’t acted upon. Those officially emancipated people, thinking slavery was the way they were condemned to exist, continued to live in bondage though they had been declared free men and women since the fall of 1862. (Embraced by the Spirit The Untold Blessings of Intimacy with God) 1 Corinthians 9:2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. Amplified - Even if I am not considered an apostle (a special messenger) by others, at least I am one to you; for you are the seal (the certificate, the living evidence) of my apostleship in the Lord [confirming and authenticating it]. NET 1 Corinthians 9:2 If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you, for you are the confirming sign of my apostleship in the Lord. NLT 1 Corinthians 9:2 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. ESV 1 Corinthians 9:2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. NIV 1 Corinthians 9:2 Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. GNT 1 Corinthians 9:2 εἰ ἄλλοις οὐκ εἰμὶ ἀπόστολος, ἀλλά γε ὑμῖν εἰμι· ἡ γὰρ σφραγίς μου τῆς ἀποστολῆς ὑμεῖς ἐστε ἐν κυρίῳ. KJV 1 Corinthians 9:2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. YLT 1 Corinthians 9:2 if to others I am not an apostle -- yet doubtless to you I am; for the seal of my apostleship are ye in the Lord. ASV 1 Corinthians 9:2 If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. CSB 1 Corinthians 9:2 If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. MIT 1 Corinthians 9:2 If I am not an apostle to others, I certainly am to you. For you are the evidence of my apostolic credentials in the Lord. NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. NRS 1 Corinthians 9:2 If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. NAB 1 Corinthians 9:2 Although I may not be an apostle for others, certainly I am for you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. NJB 1 Corinthians 9:2 Even if to others I am not an apostle, to you at any rate I am, for you are the seal of my apostolate in the Lord. GWN 1 Corinthians 9:2 If I'm not an apostle to other people, at least I'm an apostle to you. You are the seal which proves that I am the Lord's apostle. BBE 1 Corinthians 9:2 If to others I am not an Apostle, at least I am one to you: for the fact that you are Christians is the sign that I am an Apostle. for: John 6:27 2Co 3:1-3 2 Cor 12:12 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: (THE SAINTS WERE PAUL'S LETTER) 2 Corinthians 3:1-3 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some, letters of commendation to you or from you? 2 You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. PAUL'S SEALED APOSTLESHIP If - IF introduces a first class conditional clause, which is assumed to be true -- Paul’s authority was rejected by different factions in the early church. To others I am not an apostle (apostolos), at least I am to you - To others means "in the estimation of others." Who these others are is not stated, but clearly they were trouble makers who tried to refute Paul's apostleship in the Lord. At least is the contrasting conjunction alla which serves to contrast what others were saying. Those who were believers, men and women to whom he had spoken the Gospel and who were saved by that Gospel, knew that Paul was a genuine apostle of Christ Jesus. For -Term of explanation. Paul explains the significance of the fact that he was an apostle in the minds of the saints at Corinth. They were his seal. You are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord - Amplified = "for you are the seal (the certificate, the living evidence) of my apostleship in the Lord [confirming and authenticating it]." NLT = You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord's apostle. The seal was the believers Paul had led to the Lord, who were in effect living, confirming and guaranteeing signs as well as signs of his apostolic authority. THOUGHT - Note repetition of the phrase again in the Lord. Is your (my) work solely in the Lord, by the strength of His Spirit, in reliance on His grace and power and for His glory Alone? Beloved, let us ever remember that if it is "my work: and not "His work," it is work that will burn (1 Cor 3:12-15+). We need daily to diligently seek to accomplish His "good works (cf Good Deeds), which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them." (Eph 2:10+) Are you walking in them beloved? In the Lord occurs 9x in 1 Corinthians - 1 Cor 1:31 1 Cor 4:17 1 Cor 7:22 1 Cor 7:39 1 Cor 9:1 1 Cor 9:2 1 Cor 11:11 1 Cor 15:58 1 Cor 16:19 Utley - A seal in the ancient world was a warm blob of wax into which a signet ring was pressed to seal a letter or package. It was an assurance that the contents had not been opened; it showed who owned the contents; and it showed the genuineness of the contents, that it was sent by the right person. This type of seal became a metaphor of Christian certainty (cf. John 3:33+; Ro 4:11). Not only were the saints in Corinth Paul's seal of authenticity, they were also his letter (See Passage above). In addition Paul had performed supernatural signs that authenticated his apostleship, writing "The signs of a true apostle were performed among you (BY ME, PAUL) with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles." (2 Corinthians 12:12) Seal (4973) sphragis from sphragis = seal, engraved object used to make a mark - denoting ownership, approval, or closure of something, normally done by pressing into heated wax usually attached to a document or letter) means to set a seal upon or to mark with a seal so as to certify that something is so. Sphragis is used most often in the Revelation of the scroll with seven seals, the first one being broken by the Lamb of God unleashing the final wrath of God on the earth, with seven seal judgments followed in succession by seven trumpet judgments and then the final seven horrible bowl judgements. Right now (2021) the scroll is still sealed (Rev 5:5+). If you have not believed in the Lamb of God, today can be the day of your salvation, the time of His rescuing of you from the wrath of God (1 Th 1:10). Seals were used to make something secure, to serve as a guarantee of the correctness of the contents, to indicate authenticity, to indicate ownership. Sacrificial animals were examined and sealed if perfect. Jars, sacks of fruit or grain were sealed. To mark with a seal as a means of identification in Greek secular writings was used to mark all kinds of animals, so that the mark denoting ownership also carries with it the protection of the owner. Detzler writes that "When a merchant bought a sack of grain, a seal would be placed on the sack until the full payment was made. This was a guarantee of coming payment. Later the seal became a mark of royalty. Any communiqué from the crown was sealed by the king. After dabbing hot wax on the document, the king would seal it by pressing his ring into the wax. Before long, the engraved ring was called "a seal." In the religious sphere, a sacrificial lamb which was found to be suitable was also sealed, marked as suitable. In the Septuagint Greek Old Testament, a seal was a signet ring. This ring was used to indicate a sale (Jer. 32:10). Royalty also used the seal to authenticate its orders (Esther 3:10; 8:8). Though the precise word for "sealing" is not used, Isaiah 44:5 speaks of people who had "for Jehovah" tattooed on their hands as a mark of religious sacrifice (New Testament Words in Today's Language) Sphragis in NT - Ro 4:11; 1 Co. 9:2; 2 Ti 2:19; Rev 5:1; Rev. 5:2; Rev. 5:5; Rev. 5:9; Rev. 6:1; Rev. 6:3; Rev. 6:5; Rev. 6:7; Rev. 6:9; Rev. 6:12; Rev. 7:2; Rev. 8:1; Rev. 9:4 Apostleship (651) apostole from verb apostello - from apo = from + stello = withdraw from; Click related word apostolos or here) means a sending forth, sending off, sending away, a dispatching. In secular Greek it was used of an expedition (LS).Not every believer is an apostle in the technical NT sense, but every believer is in a real sense "sent forth" from God and privileged to be an ambassador for Him (2 Cor 5:20+), going forth with the life transforming message of the gospel of grace and truth. Are you fulfilling your purpose beloved? (cp Eph 2:10+) Apostole - 4x in NT - Acts 1:25; Rom. 1:5; 1 Co. 9:2; Gal. 2:8 1 Corinthians 9:3 My defense to those who examine me is this: Amplified - This is my [real ground of] defense (my vindication of myself) to those who would put me on trial and cross-examine me. NET 1 Corinthians 9:3 This is my defense to those who examine me. NLT 1 Corinthians 9:3 This is my answer to those who question my authority. ESV 1 Corinthians 9:3 This is my defense to those who would examine me. NIV 1 Corinthians 9:3 This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. GNT 1 Corinthians 9:3 Ἡ ἐμὴ ἀπολογία τοῖς ἐμὲ ἀνακρίνουσίν ἐστιν αὕτη. KJV 1 Corinthians 9:3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, YLT 1 Corinthians 9:3 My defence to those who examine me in this; ASV 1 Corinthians 9:3 My defence to them that examine me is this. CSB 1 Corinthians 9:3 My defense to those who examine me is this: MIT 1 Corinthians 9:3 My defense to those criticizing me is this: NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:3 My defense to those who examine me is this: NRS 1 Corinthians 9:3 This is my defense to those who would examine me. NAB 1 Corinthians 9:3 My defense against those who would pass judgment on me is this. NJB 1 Corinthians 9:3 To those who want to interrogate me, this is my answer. GWN 1 Corinthians 9:3 This is how I defend myself to those who cross-examine me. BBE 1 Corinthians 9:3 My answer to those who are judging me is this. My defense: Ac 22:1 25:16 Php 1:7,17 2Ti 4:16 *Gr: to those : 1Co 14:37 2Co 10:7,8 12:16-19 13:3,5,10 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL'S "APOLOGY" Our English word apology originally did not mean “to say I am sorry” but actually referred to “a defense presented in court.” Apologetics is the branch of theology that deals with the defense of the faith. Every Christian should be able to give a reasoned defense of his hope in Christ, especially in hopeless situations. A crisis creates the opportunity for witness when a believer behaves with faith and hope, because the unbelievers will then sit up and take notice. My defense to those who (present tense - are continually) examine me is this - The word "my" is at the beginning of the Greek sentence which adds emphasis and could be read something like "my own." Defense means a speech in defense of something, as when making a defense in a law court which is not an inappropriate analogy, for he is being accused by some as not being a genuine apostle.. "The words defense (apologia) and examine (anakrino) are both legal words, taken from the Roman law court. Paul feels like he’s on trial, or that he has already been “found guilty” by the Corinthian Christians." (Guzik) The word examine can have the sense of cross-examine, picturing the continual actions of his opponents.
1 Coríntios 9
Utley - This begins a series of questions (cf. vv. 4–7) in which Paul asserts his right as an Apostle to be supported by the local churches. However he personally chose not to exercise his rights (cf. 9:15, 18; 1 Thess. 2:6), but he affirms the rights of other Christian workers. 1 Corinthians 9:5 Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Amplified - Have we not the right also to take along with us a Christian sister as wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas (Peter)? NET 1 Corinthians 9:5 Do we not have the right to the company of a believing wife, like the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas? NLT 1 Corinthians 9:5 Don't we have the right to bring a Christian wife with us as the other disciples and the Lord's brothers do, and as Peter does? ESV 1 Corinthians 9:5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? NIV 1 Corinthians 9:5 Don't we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas? GNT 1 Corinthians 9:5 μὴ οὐκ ἔχομεν ἐξουσίαν ἀδελφὴν γυναῖκα περιάγειν ὡς καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ ἀπόστολοι καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ Κηφᾶς; KJV 1 Corinthians 9:5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? YLT 1 Corinthians 9:5 have we not authority a sister -- a wife -- to lead about, as also the other apostles, and the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? ASV 1 Corinthians 9:5 Have we no right to lead about a wife that is a believer, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? CSB 1 Corinthians 9:5 Don't we have the right to be accompanied by a Christian wife like the other apostles, the Lord's brothers, and Cephas? MIT 1 Corinthians 9:5 We are not to be denied the right to have the companionship of a sister as a wife as do the rest of the apostles, the natural brothers of the Lord, and Cephas, are we? NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? NRS 1 Corinthians 9:5 Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? NAB 1 Corinthians 9:5 Do we not have the right to take along a Christian wife, as do the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Kephas? NJB 1 Corinthians 9:5 And every right to be accompanied by a Christian wife, like the other apostles, like the brothers of the Lord, and like Cephas? GWN 1 Corinthians 9:5 Don't we have the right to take our wives along with us like the other apostles, the Lord's brothers, and Cephas do? BBE 1 Corinthians 9:5 Have we no right to take about with us a Christian wife, like the rest of the Apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? Do we not have a right : 1Ti 3:2 4:3 Tit 1:6 Heb 13:4 believing wife: 1Co 7:15,39 Song 4:9,10,12 5:1,2 Ro 16:1 1Ti 5:2 the brothers: Mt 12:46-50 Mt 13:55 Mk 6:3 Lu 6:15 Joh 2:12 Ac 1:14 Ga 1:19 Cephas: 1Co 1:12 Mt 8:14 Mk 1:30 Joh 1:42 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Matthew 12:46-50+ While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. 47 Someone said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to You.” 48 But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” 49 And stretching out His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Behold My mother and My brothers! 50 “For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother.” Mark 6:3+ “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? Are not His sisters here with us?” And they took offense at Him. APOSTOLIC RIGHT TO WIVES Do we not have a right (exousia) to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas (Kēphás)? - Who is we? Is this Barnabas (v6) or other apostles? We cannot be dogmatic. Paul asks if he does not have just as much right to be accompanied by a wife as had other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Peter. And in regard to his question, again the implied answer is "yes we have this right." The verb take along literally means to lead about or take someone alone, but in this context does not emphasize their traveling together on a journey but rather “to have constantly with oneself” meaning to be married. However it is also possible that these were wives who accompanied their husbands on missionary trips. Notice also that the wife is to be a believing wife, literally, "a sister as wife," because believing is the word adelphe which literally is a female sibling with at least one parent in common and here is clearly used figuratively of female fellow believer i the family of God. She is not his sister by blood (no incest intended here). NEVER marry unbelievers! Period! (1 Cor 7:39+). Right is exousia used 6 times in this chapter (1 Co. 9:4; 1 Co. 9:5; 1 Co. 9:6; 1 Co. 9:12 = twice; 1 Co. 9:18).
1 Coríntios 9
Utley - The rabbis asserted the dignity of manual labor. All rabbis had to have a secular job because it was considered sinful to receive money for teaching YHWH’s truths (cf. Pirke Abot 1:13; 4:7). Paul chose not to take advantage of his rights as a preacher of the gospel (v. 18), possibly because of (1) his Jewish heritage or (2) the attacks of those who claimed he manipulated people for money (cf. Acts 20:33; 2 Cor. 11:7–12; 12:14–18). Craig Blomberg - Bi-vocational ministry has numerous advantages—freedom from human "strings," not imposing a financial burden on any group of believers, and exemption from charges of mismanaging funds or ministering primarily for financial gain Related Resource: Who was Barnabas in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock? Amplified - [Consider this:] What soldier at any time serves at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat any of the fruit of it? Who tends a flock and does not partake of the milk of the flock? NET 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who ever serves in the army at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not consume its milk? NLT 1 Corinthians 9:7 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? ESV 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? NIV 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk? GNT 1 Corinthians 9:7 τίς στρατεύεται ἰδίοις ὀψωνίοις ποτέ; τίς φυτεύει ἀμπελῶνα καὶ τὸν καρπὸν αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἐσθίει; ἢ τίς ποιμαίνει ποίμνην καὶ ἐκ τοῦ γάλακτος τῆς ποίμνης οὐκ ἐσθίει; KJV 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? YLT 1 Corinthians 9:7 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? ASV 1 Corinthians 9:7 What soldier ever serveth at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? CSB 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit? Or who shepherds a flock and does not drink the milk from the flock? MIT 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who at any time serves in the military and has to pay his own expenses? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not consume some of the milk of the flock? NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? NRS 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who at any time pays the expenses for doing military service? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not get any of its milk? NAB 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who ever serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating its produce? Or who shepherds a flock without using some of the milk from the flock? NJB 1 Corinthians 9:7 What soldier would ever serve in the army at his own expense? And who is there who would plant a vineyard and never eat the fruit from it; or would keep a flock and not feed on the milk from his flock? GWN 1 Corinthians 9:7 Does a soldier ever serve in the army at his own expense? Does anyone plant a vineyard and not eat the grapes? Does anyone take care of a flock and not drink milk from the sheep? BBE 1 Corinthians 9:7 Who ever goes to war without looking to someone to be responsible for his payment? who puts in vines and does not take the fruit of them? or who takes care of sheep without drinking of their milk? serves as a soldier : 2Co 10:4,5 1Ti 1:18 6:12 2Ti 2:3,4 4:7 plants a vineyard: 1Co 3:6-8 De 20:6 Pr 27:18 Song 8:12 who tends a flock: Jer 23:2,3 Joh 21:15-17 Ac 20:28 1Pe 5:2 use the milk of the flock: Pr 27:27 Isa 7:22 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries THREE METAPHORS Now in 1 Cor 9:7-14 Paul gives several examples from everyday life to show that it is appropriate for Gospel workers to receive a living (cf Ro 15:27). Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock? - Each earns and deserves their reward, wages or pay. A Soldier is paid for his services. A Winegrower eats (drinks) from the grapes he harvests. A Shepherd drinks from the milk of his flock. According to Jewish custom a herdsman was allowed to drink from the milk of the herd when he was far away from home w. the herd, or when he needed food. The analogy is that Gospel seed planters should be paid by those who benefit from their proclamation. Jack Arnold - Whatever it takes materially to support a soldier is given so he can be effective in battle. The minister of the gospel, who is a soldier of Jesus Christ, renders a service to the church; therefore, he should be paid by the church. The farmer who owns and plants a vineyard eats from the vineyard. If a minister plants and waters a spiritual vineyard by teaching the Word, then those who are recipients of the spiritual teaching should support him. The shepherd who keeps a flock of sheep drinks the milk from the sheep. A minister feeds the sheep spiritual food and the sheep should supply the minister with physical food. The point of the soldier, farmer and shepherd is that all three are fed and sustained from their own work, so the minister is to live by those to whom he ministers. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor (Gal. 6:6+). Serves as a soldier (4754) strateuomai from strategos = army, stratos = an encamped army) means literally to perform military service, serve as a soldier in the army, go to fight, carry on a military campaign, make a military expedition, lead soldiers to war or to battle. Soldiers’ pay was probably a denarius a day, out of which they had to equip themselves, secure any simple luxuries, or bribe the centurions for remissions of duties Strateuomai is used literally here in 1 Cor 9:7 as in Luke 3:14+ and 2 Ti 2:4+. In the other four occurrences (2 Cor 10:3; 1 Ti 1:18; Jas 4:1; 1 Pet 2:11) strateuomai is used metaphorically of spiritual warfare. Expense (3800)(opsonion from ópson = cooked meat + onéomai = buy) whatever is bought to be eaten with bread. It meant rations for a soldier and so his stipend or pay. At Athens it meant "fish." It came to mean the "provision-money" which Rome gave its soldiers. The wages paid by sin (Ro 6:23+). Death can be "earned" so to speak! Eternal life cannot be earned but a gracious gift from God’s. ILLUSTRATION - It is always difficult to speak on finances no matter how old the pastor is because it is such a touchy subject. There was a county church in North Carolina which had an advertisement in the Saturday newspaper which said, "Mt. Moriali Church. The Rev. John Obediah preaching. In the propagation of the gospel, three books are necessary: The Holy Book, the hymn book and the pocketbook. Come tomorrow and bring all three.” James Smith - THE MINISTRY 1 CORINTHIANS 9:7–27 The apostle is here vindicating both his ministry and his method, and there are suggested some qualifications for a successful ministry. I. He had a Personal Experience of Jesus Christ. “Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?” (v. 1). He had both seen Him and heard Him, and knew the transforming power of His revelation. He could truthfully say: “I know Him whom I have believed.” Should not this be the initial experience of every messenger of the Gospel? How can we say, “We speak that we do know,” if we have no personal experience of His saving power? II. He had Faith in God for the Supply of his Need. Although he asked nothing from those to whom he ministered the Word, but showed them that if he sowed spiritual things it was no great thing if he should reap their carnal things (v. 11), he reminded them that it was an ordination of the Lord, “that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel (v. 14). The Gospel of Christ is without charge, and he would put no price on it for his own advantage (v. 18). He could say: “My God will supply all your need” (Phil. 4:19). It is a sorry service that can be bribed with money. III. He has Enthusiasm for the Gospel. “Necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me if I preach not the Gospel” (v. 16). This is not that kind of enthusiasm that can be worked up for a special occasion; not a convulsive effort that may be produced by a torrent of words. It is the result of the holy fire from the altar of the Cross blazing in the heart, where the “wood, hay, and stubble” of all self-seeking has been burned up, and where the Holy Spirit has taken possession of the life, and focused the energies of the soul in Christ and Him crucified. “To me to live is Christ.” IV. He has Humility of Spirit. “I have made myself the slave of all, that I might gain the more” (v. 19). He was ready to take the lowest place that he might, if possible reach the lowest down. Like his Master, he took the towel of humility and girded himself, that he might wash the feet of others (John 13:4, 5). “He that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” “The proud He knoweth afar off.” “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of His” (Rom. 8:9). V. He has the Power of Adaptation in Method. “To the Jews I become as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews. To them under the law, as under the law, that I might win them that are under the law” (vv. 20, 21). He declares further: “That I am made all things to all, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the Gospel’s sake” (vv. 22, 23). In all this we may be assured Paul never condescended to pander to that which was evil, or encourage customs and practices which were dishonouring to the Name of Jesus. He simply and lovingly stooped down far enough to get a hold of them, that he might lift up into God’s salvation. No weakling in the faith should attempt this. It takes a strong man to swim against this tide. VI. He is Self-denying that he might Keep Physically Fit. “I keep my body in subjection, lest I myself should be rejected” (v. 27). The body is a sacred instrument for the work of God. In eating and drinking, in work or in physical exercise, let us remember that the body is for the Lord, and the Lord for the body (1 Cor. 6:13). “Ye are not your own,” therefore take care of the Lord’s property. 1 Corinthians 9:8 I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things? Amplified - Do I say this only on human authority and as a man reasons? Does not the Law endorse the same principle? NET 1 Corinthians 9:8 Am I saying these things only on the basis of common sense, or does the law not say this as well? NLT 1 Corinthians 9:8 Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? ESV 1 Corinthians 9:8 Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same? NIV 1 Corinthians 9:8 Do I say this merely from a human point of view? Doesn't the Law say the same thing? GNT 1 Corinthians 9:8 Μὴ κατὰ ἄνθρωπον ταῦτα λαλῶ ἢ καὶ ὁ νόμος ταῦτα οὐ λέγει; KJV 1 Corinthians 9:8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? YLT 1 Corinthians 9:8 According to man do I speak these things? or doth not also the law say these things? ASV 1 Corinthians 9:8 Do I speak these things after the manner of men? or saith not the law also the same? CSB 1 Corinthians 9:8 Am I saying this from a human perspective? Doesn't the law also say the same thing? MIT 1 Corinthians 9:8 It is not that I am saying these things merely as human values, is it? Does not the law also state these principles? NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? NRS 1 Corinthians 9:8 Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law also say the same? NAB 1 Corinthians 9:8 Am I saying this on human authority, or does not the law also speak of these things? NJB 1 Corinthians 9:8 Do not think that this is merely worldly wisdom. Does not the Law say exactly the same? It is written in the Law of Moses: GWN 1 Corinthians 9:8 Am I merely stating some human rule? Don't Moses' Teachings say the same thing? BBE 1 Corinthians 9:8 Am I talking as a man? does not the law say the same? as: 1Co 7:40 Ro 6:19 1Th 2:13 4:8 or: 1Co 14:34 Isa 8:20 Ro 3:31 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL PREPARES TO BACK UP HIS PREVIOUS STATEMENT I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? - MIT = "It is not that I am saying these things merely as human values, is it?" NLT = "Am I expressing merely a human opinion." Answer? No! The negative particle (me) introduces this question and thus expects a negative answer. Human judgment is one word anthropos (the generic term for a human being) and can be rendered "on the basis of common sense" (NET), "merely a human opinion." (NLT). Paul is saying that this is not just my human wisdom (or human authority) making this judgment, this declaration preparing for his appeal to God's "judgment" in the following passage. THOUGHT - It is fine as believers to have our opinion but we are wise if we always compare our human wisdom with God's wisdom! This necessitates that we must be familiar with His Word (cf Mt 4:4+). This is another reason to be in the Word daily (Col 3:16+) and to begin the day in His Word (cf Ps 5:4, Ps 55:17) (for He might just speak wisdom to us that we will need during the day!) Utley - The Greek text has “not according to man” (anthrōpos, which refers to humans). Paul uses these contrasting phrases several times (cf. 3:3; 9:8; 15:32; Rom. 3:5; Gal. 1:11; 3:15). It was his idiomatic way of contrasting earthly human ways with his new Spirit-led (Jesus’ teaching or Spirit’s insight) way of thinking and acting. Or does not the Law also say these things? - The Law apparently refers here to the Pentateuch, for Paul will go on to quote from the fifth book, Deuteronomy. And so with another rhetorical question Paul appeals to God for support of his premise.
1 Coríntios 9
Utley explains that "Verses 9 and 10 show how an OT text was expanded (to draw out the significance or application) to meet the needs of a new day (cf. Rom. 4:23–24; 15:4; 1 Cor. 9:10; 10:6, 11). The OT exhibits special care for animals (cf. Exod. 21:33, 35; 27:10–13; 23:5, 12; Deut. 5:14; 22:4). Jesus alludes to this care of animals (cf. Luke 13:15; 14:5, where He applies the “light and heavy” rabbinical principle). This is not to imply that God does not care about animals, but that He also cares about people, and in this context, gospel workers (cf. 1 Tim. 5:18). This is similar to Matt. 6:26–34. Jesus uses God’s provisions for nature as a way of asserting God’s provision for humanity made in His image. This was a typical rabbinical technique known as “lesser to greater” or “light and heavy,” which was one of Hillel’s principles (cf. Aboth. de Rab. Nathan XXXVII and Tosefta Sanhedrin c. 7). Remember, Gamaliel was Paul’s rabbinical teacher (cf. Acts 5:34; 22:3)." Related Resource: Should pastors be paid a salary? | GotQuestions.org 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. Amplified - Or does He speak certainly and entirely for our sakes? [Assuredly] it is written for our sakes, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher ought to thresh in expectation of partaking of the harvest. NET 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or is he not surely speaking for our benefit? It was written for us, because the one plowing and threshing ought to work in hope of enjoying the harvest. NLT 1 Corinthians 9:10 Wasn't he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest. ESV 1 Corinthians 9:10 Does he not certainly speak for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. NIV 1 Corinthians 9:10 Surely he says this for us, doesn't he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. GNT 1 Corinthians 9:10 ἢ δι᾽ ἡμᾶς πάντως λέγει; δι᾽ ἡμᾶς γὰρ ἐγράφη ὅτι ὀφείλει ἐπ᾽ ἐλπίδι ὁ ἀροτριῶν ἀροτριᾶν καὶ ὁ ἀλοῶν ἐπ᾽ ἐλπίδι τοῦ μετέχειν. KJV 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. YLT 1 Corinthians 9:10 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. ASV 1 Corinthians 9:10 or saith he it assuredly for our sake? Yea, for our sake it was written: because he that ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he that thresheth, to thresh in hope of partaking. CSB 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or isn't He really saying it for us? Yes, this is written for us, because he who plows ought to plow in hope, and he who threshes should do so in hope of sharing the crop. MIT 1 Corinthians 9:10 Is it not surely on our account that he says it? For our sake it has been written that of necessity the one plowing plows in hope of harvest, and the one who threshes does so in expectation of sharing in the crop. NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. NRS 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was indeed written for our sake, for whoever plows should plow in hope and whoever threshes should thresh in hope of a share in the crop. NAB 1 Corinthians 9:10 or is he not really speaking for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope, and the thresher in hope of receiving a share. NJB 1 Corinthians 9:10 or is it not said entirely for our sake? Clearly it was written for our sake, because it is right that whoever ploughs should plough with the expectation of having his share, and whoever threshes should thresh with the expectation of having his share. GWN 1 Corinthians 9:10 Isn't he speaking entirely for our benefit? This was written for our benefit so that the person who plows or threshes should expect to receive a share of the crop. BBE 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or has he us in mind? Yes, it was said for us; because it is right for the ploughman to do his ploughing in hope, and for him who is crushing the grain to do his work hoping for a part in the fruits of it. For: Mt 24:22 Ro 15:4 2Co 4:15 the plowman : 1Co 3:9 Lu 17:7,8 Joh 4:35-38 2Ti 2:6 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Jn 4:35-38+ “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. 36 “Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 “For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 “I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored and you have entered into their labor.” 2 Timothy 2:6+ The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. ALL GOD'S LABORERS SHARE IN THE HARVEST Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? - Note while the words in Deuteronomy were written down on a scroll, they are no less the words spoken by God Himself. Yes, for our sake it was written - For the sake of His apostles (and for us) In Romans 15:4+ Paul emphasizes the value of the OT writing "For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops - If the plowman or thresher had no hope (no assurance) of participation in the harvest, this would be inhumane. But such was not the case in common practice, for they did have hope of sharing. The principle is clear that all the laborers in God's field (1 Cor 3:9+) should share in the fruit of the harvest (cf Jn 4:35-38+). 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? Amplified If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits? NET 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we sowed spiritual blessings among you, is it too much to reap material things from you? NLT 1 Corinthians 9:11 Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren't we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink? ESV 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? NIV 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? GNT 1 Corinthians 9:11 εἰ ἡμεῖς ὑμῖν τὰ πνευματικὰ ἐσπείραμεν, μέγα εἰ ἡμεῖς ὑμῶν τὰ σαρκικὰ θερίσομεν; KJV 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? YLT 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we to you the spiritual things did sow -- great is it if we your fleshly things do reap? ASV 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things? CSB 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it too much if we reap material benefits from you? MIT 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it something great that we should reap natural things from you? NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? NRS 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? NAB 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown spiritual seed for you, is it a great thing that we reap a material harvest from you? NJB 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have sown the seed of spiritual things in you, is it too much to ask that we should receive from you a crop of material things? GWN 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have planted the spiritual seed that has been of benefit to you, is it too much if we receive part of the harvest from your earthly goods? BBE 1 Corinthians 9:11 If we have been planting the things of the Spirit for you, does it seem a great thing for you to give us a part in your things of this world? If we sowed spiritual things : Mal 3:8,9 Mt 10:10 Ro 15:27 Ga 6:6 is it too much 2Ki 5:13 2Co 11:15 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Ezekiel 34:2-4 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel. Prophesy and say to those shepherds, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD, “Woe, shepherds of Israel who have been feeding themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flock? 3 “You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fat sheep without feeding the flock. 4 “Those who are sickly you have not strengthened, the diseased you have not healed, the broken you have not bound up, the scattered you have not brought back, nor have you sought for the lost; but with force and with severity you have dominated them. SPIRITUAL SOWING MATERIAL REAPING If - IF introduces a first class conditional clause, which is assumed to be true We sowed (speiro) spiritual (pneumatikos) things in you - Who is WE? Paul and Apollos certainly sowed spiritual things in Corinth. They had sown the Gospel seed. In 1 Cor 3:6 Paul wrote "I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth." Is it too much if we reap (therizo) material things from you? - The apostles deserved to reap wages from those among whom they had sown seed. Arnold - It is far more important to receive spiritual things than to give physical things. There is no dollar value you can place on the person who sows in you spiritual realities. Every congregation needs to understand that the pastor does not live by bread alone, but he cannot live without bread either. Material things is ta sarkika, literally “the fleshly things,” but in this context clearly not referring to fleshly things in a spiritual sense (as in 1 Cor 3:3+ = "you are still fleshly"), but rather in a physical sense as that which humans need to survive in this world (water, food, shelter, clothing, etc.). Paul used sarkikos in this same sense in his letter to the Romans.... Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things (sarkikos). (Ro 15:27+) Utley on sowed...reap - The OT agricultural setting of harvest becomes a spiritual principle (cf. Job. 4:8; Pr 22:8; Hos. 8:7; Hag. 1:6; John 4:37; 1 Cor. 9:11; 2 Cor. 9:6, 10; Gal. 6:7–9). Brian Bell - Many pastors have fleeced the flock with this Scripture...but not one will get away with it! Paul had seen too many pastors growing fat, & he was determined to go to the other extreme! Material (Fleshly)(4559) sarkikos from sarx) means of flesh and can refer to physical flesh or to the moral/ethical aspects of flesh. Generally, of things, tá sarkiká, things corporeal, external, temporal fleshly things; pertaining to the flesh. The word here is not identical with “sinful.” The contrast is between heavenly and earthly, or between spiritual and the material and it refers to the earthly things necessary for living Related Resources: What does the Bible say about sowing and reaping? | GotQuestions.org Is “you reap what you sow” biblical? | GotQuestions.org Oswald Chambers - Approved Unto God - The Worker 1 Corinthians 9:11-27 The Matter Plant every man on the Rock, and plant the whole man there. (a) Amid a Crowd of Paltry Things (1 Corinthians 9:11-15) The first thing a worker has to learn is how to be God’s noble man or woman amid a crowd of paltry things. A Christian worker must never make this plea—“If only I were somewhere else!” The only test that a worker is Christ’s witness is that he never becomes mean from contact with mean people any more than he becomes sinful from contact with sinful people. We are not workers for God by our own choice (see John 15:16). Many deliberately choose to be workers for God, but they have no matter of God’s mighty grace in them, no matter from God’s mighty word. The pattern for God’s worker is that he is entrusted with a mission—for example, Moses and the Apostle Paul. We have to be in God’s hand so that He can plant men on the Rock as He has planted us, not by our testimony only, but because we are being made co-workers with God. (b) Amid a Creed of Powerful Things (1 Corinthians 9:16-17) Unless we have the right matter in our minds intellectually and in our hearts affectionately, we will be hustled out of usefulness to God. Keep the note of greatness in your creed: Whom do I believe Jesus Christ is? What do I believe sin is? What do I believe God can do with sin? What do I believe is God’s purpose for the human race? Face yourself with one central Fact only, the Lord Jesus Christ, His Life and Death and Resurrection. Every Christian must testify, testimony is the nature of the life; but for preaching there must be the agonising grip of God’s hand, something akin to verse 16. The whole of my life, says Paul, is in the grip of God for this one thing, I cannot turn to the right hand or to the left, I am here for one purpose, to preach the gospel. How many of us are held like that? The note of the majority is verse 17, that is why there is so much mediocrity, so much lazy work for God. “I have chosen you”—that is where the note of greatness is struck out of your creed. The Manner However things move, they do not change us. (a) The External Crush of Things (1 Corinthians 9:18-19) God buries His men in the midst of paltry things, no monuments are erected to them, they are ignored, not because they are unworthy but because they are in the place where they cannot be seen. Who could see Paul in Corinth? Paul only became marvellous after he had gone. All God’s men are ordinary men made extraordinary by the matter He has given them. God puts His workers where He puts His Son. This is the age of the humiliation of the saints. Manner is the outcome of matter. Paul’s whole soul and mind and heart were taken up with the great matter of what Jesus Christ came to do, he never lost sight of that one thing (see l Corinthians 2:2). (b) The Ethical Character of Things (1 Corinthians 9:20-27) “I am become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22 rv). The worker who is not chosen by God says, “I am all things to all men, and nothing in particular to any man.” The stamp of the worker gripped by God is that, slowly and surely, one here and another there is being won for God. The worker chosen by God has to believe what God wishes him to believe, though it cost agony in the process; the worker who chooses to work for God may believe what he likes. It is the latter class who exploit the Bible. Here, in this College, God can break or bend or mould, just as He chooses. You do not know why He is doing it; He is doing it for One purpose only, that He may be able to say, “This is My man, My woman.” Never choose to be a worker, but when once God has put His call on you, woe be to you if you turn to the right hand or to the left. God will do with you what He never did with you before the call came; He will do with you what He is not doing with other people. Let Him have His way. 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others share the right over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. Amplified If others share in this rightful claim upon you, do not we [have a still better and greater claim]? However, we have never exercised this right, but we endure everything rather than put a hindrance in the way [of the spread] of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ. NET 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others receive this right from you, are we not more deserving? But we have not made use of this right. Instead we endure everything so that we may not be a hindrance to the gospel of Christ. NLT 1 Corinthians 9:12 If you support others who preach to you, shouldn't we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ. ESV 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. NIV 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. GNT 1 Corinthians 9:12 εἰ ἄλλοι τῆς ὑμῶν ἐξουσίας μετέχουσιν, οὐ μᾶλλον ἡμεῖς; Ἀλλ᾽ οὐκ ἐχρησάμεθα τῇ ἐξουσίᾳ ταύτῃ, ἀλλὰ πάντα στέγομεν, ἵνα μή τινα ἐγκοπὴν δῶμεν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Χριστοῦ. KJV 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. YLT 1 Corinthians 9:12 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. ASV 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others partake of this right over you, do not we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ. CSB 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others have this right to receive benefits from you, don't we even more? However, we have not made use of this right; instead we endure everything so that we will not hinder the gospel of Christ. MIT 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others have a right to share from you, do not we have that right even more? But we did not cash in on this right. Instead, we put up with everything so we might not cause any hindrance to the gospel of Christ. NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. NRS 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. NAB 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we still more? Yet we have not used this right. On the contrary, we endure everything so as not to place an obstacle to the gospel of Christ. NJB 1 Corinthians 9:12 Others have been given such rights over you and do we not deserve more? In fact, we have never exercised this right; on the contrary, we have put up with anything rather than obstruct the gospel of Christ in any way. GWN 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others have the right to expect this from you, don't we deserve even more? But we haven't used our rights. Instead, we would put up with anything in order not to hinder the Good News of Christ in any way. BBE 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others have a part in this right over you, have we not even more? But we did not make use of our right, so that we might put nothing in the way of the good news of Christ. others: 2Co 11:20 do we not more: 1Co 9:2 4:14,15 Nevertheless: 1Co 9:15,18 Ac 20:31-34 2Co 11:7-10 12:13,14 1Th 2:6-9 2Th 3:8,9 but: 1Co 4:11,12 6:7 hindrance: Ge 24:56 Ne 4:8 Lu 11:52 Ro 15:22 2Co 11:12 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL SURRENDERS HIS RIGHTS If - IF introduces a first class conditional clause, which is assumed to be true. In other words other leaders were exercising the right to be materially compensated. Others share the right (exousia) over you, do we not more? - NLT = "If you support others who preach to you, shouldn't we have an even greater right to be supported?" Presumably others were claiming they had the right to reap material things from the Corinthians. Utley on “do we not more” - This is an allusion to the fact that Paul started this church. He was their spiritual father (cf. 1 Cor 4:15). Now they were rejecting his spiritual rights (1 Cor 9:11, 14; Ro 15:27), but apparently were allowing others to demand material compensation. Nevertheless, we did not use this right - Paul says the apostles did not avail themselves of the material rewards that were due them. Right (1849)(exousia from éxesti = it is permitted, it is lawful) means the power to do something and was a technical term used in the law courts, of a legal right. "Authority or right is the dominant meaning (of exousia) in the New Testament." (Vincent) Exousía refers to delegated authority and combines the idea of the "right and the might", these attributes having been granted to someone. Exousia in the Corinthian letters - Observe that exousia is a "key word" in 1 Corinthians 9 - 1 Co. 7:37; 1 Co. 8:9; 1 Co. 9:4; 1 Co. 9:5; 1 Co. 9:6; 1 Co. 9:12; 1 Co. 9:18; 1 Co. 11:10; 1 Co. 15:24; 2 Co. 10:8; 2 Co. 13:10 But - "Just as strongly as Paul affirms his right to be supported by the people he ministers unto, he will also affirm his right to not use that right, if using it might hinder the gospel of Christ." (Guzik) We (present tense - continually) endure (1 Cor 13:7 of love) all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ - Paul explains that they did not avail themselves of their apostolic right so that there would be nothing to hold back the progress of the Gospel. In other words, men could not say "See, they are preaching the Gospel to get rich," which would deter people from wanting to hear the Gospel. In short, Paul surrendered his rights to save souls! As noted below hindrance was a strong military term used for breaking up a road to keep an enemy from using it and here figuratively applied to hindering the proclamation of the Gospel. (see related note by Lias)
1 Coríntios 9
Utley on win - In this context Paul uses the term in an evangelistic sense (cf. 1 Cor 9:19, 20, 21, 22 and 1 Pet. 3:1). This is the proper evangelistic goal of all of our actions (cf. vv. 22–23). Evangelistic intentionality in every area of our lives, not a particular methodology, is the key to a proper balance between Christian freedom and Christian responsibility." Kerdaino (key word/phrase in 1 Cor 9) - 19v in NT - Mt. 16:26; Mt. 18:15; Mt. 25:16; Mt. 25:17; Mt. 25:20; Mt. 25:22; Mk. 8:36; Lk. 9:25; Acts 27:21; 1 Co. 9:19; 1 Co. 9:20; 1 Co. 9:21; 1 Co. 9:22; Phil. 3:8; Jas. 4:13; 1 Pet. 3:1 1 Corinthians 9:20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; Amplified -To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to men under the Law, [I became] as one under the Law, though not myself being under the Law, that I might win those under the Law. NET 1 Corinthians 9:20 To the Jews I became like a Jew to gain the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) to gain those under the law. NLT 1 Corinthians 9:20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. ESV 1 Corinthians 9:20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. NIV 1 Corinthians 9:20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. GNT 1 Corinthians 9:20 καὶ ἐγενόμην τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις ὡς Ἰουδαῖος, ἵνα Ἰουδαίους κερδήσω· τοῖς ὑπὸ νόμον ὡς ὑπὸ νόμον, μὴ ὢν αὐτὸς ὑπὸ νόμον, ἵνα τοὺς ὑπὸ νόμον κερδήσω· KJV 1 Corinthians 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; YLT 1 Corinthians 9:20 and I became to the Jews as a Jew, that Jews I might gain; to those under law as under law, that those under law I might gain; ASV 1 Corinthians 9:20 And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, not being myself under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; CSB 1 Corinthians 9:20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law-- though I myself am not under the law-- to win those under the law. MIT 1 Corinthians 9:20 I have become to the Jews as one who is a Jew that I might win Jews. To those under the law, I became as one under the law—not being myself under the law—that I might win those under the law. NKJ 1 Corinthians 9:20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; NRS 1 Corinthians 9:20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. NAB 1 Corinthians 9:20 To the Jews I became like a Jew to win over Jews; to those under the law I became like one under the law-- though I myself am not under the law-- to win over those under the law. NJB 1 Corinthians 9:20 To the Jews I made myself as a Jew, to win the Jews; to those under the Law as one under the Law (though I am not), in order to win those under the Law; GWN 1 Corinthians 9:20 I became Jewish for Jewish people. I became subject to Moses' Teachings for those who are subject to those laws. I did this to win them even though I'm not subject to Moses' Teachings. BBE 1 Corinthians 9:20 And to the Jews I was as a Jew, so that I might give the good news to them; to those under the law I was the same, not as being myself under the law, but so that I might give the good news to those under the law. To the Jews: Acts 16:3 Acts 17:2-3 Acts 18:18 Acts 21:20-26 under: Ro 3:19 Ro 6:14-15 Ga 4:5,21 Gal 5:18 1 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL'S WILLINGNESS TO WIN JEWS TO CHRIST To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win (kerdaino) Jews to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win (kerdaino) those who are under the Law - Obviously Paul who had just stated that he was free (1 Cor 9:1) did not place himself back under the Mosaic Law, for he was now and forever under grace (cf Ro 6:14b+). But he was willing to speak to the Jews on the common ground of their Law, for he knew that the Gospel was still present in the Law and that it had the power to save them. Also he would not do anything to offend those who were under the Law. "He wouldn’t eat pork in the face of one still under the Levitical law regarding no pork." (Brian Bell) One illustration of Paul's willingness to win Jews to Christ was in his calling of Timothy as his disciple, Luke recording "Paul wanted this man to go with him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek (AND NORMALLY GREEKS WERE NOT CIRCUMCISED)." Paul did not have to do this, for he himself had just written "Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let him not be circumcised." (1 Cor 7:18+). In Acts 17:2-3+ we see Paul's custom when entering a city to hopefully plant a church, the first place he would go was to the Jewish Synagogue. In Acts 18:18+ we see Paul became as a Jew by keeping a vow ("In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow." = an Old Testament, Jewish practice, cf vow in Acts 21:20-26+) In the case of Titus, there were those who insisted that unless he was circumcised, he couldn’t be saved. Realizing that this was a frontal attack on the gospel of the grace of God, Paul stoutly refused to have Titus circumcised (Gal. 2:3+).
1 Coríntios 9
Utley on all - Notice the number of “alls” (forms of pas) in this phrase. Paul’s inner self has been transformed from self-centered to gospel-centered. He is free to serve Christ, to serve the gospel, to serve the Kingdom (cf. Rom. 6:11; 7:4). Flexibility, intentionality, and love are crucial aspects of Paul’s life and ministry! Paul’s mind was always on evangelism (cf. Rom. 11:14; 1 Cor. 1:21; 7:16; 10:31–33; 1 Tim. 1:15). However, it is sad to say that the last phrase gives a hint that most who heard him did not respond in faith to his message. Why some hear (with spiritual ears) and some do not, is the mystery of election and free will! Vine - The comprehensiveness of his statement is only limited by his relationship to Christ. There was no sacrifice of principle, but a readiness to approach men on their most accessible side.....every permissible method was adopted in order to save men, though he knew that only some would be saved and that the majority would still go down the broad road.
1 Coríntios 9
Utley - This is a summary verse, a transition verse. It can go with vv. 19–22 or 24–27 or stand alone. This verse is not advocating a salvation by works. Paul is not saved because he evangelizes. He does it because he has accepted the gospel and knows its peace and urgency. Steven
1 Coríntios 9
Utley - This term “disqualified” is a metaphor related to breaking the rules of the athletic games and thereby being unable to win the contest (cf. 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7). It is from the root “to test” with a view toward approval (dokimazōi), but with the ALPHA PRIVATIVE, which negates it (cf. 2 Cor. 13:5). This does not refer to Paul’s salvation (although it is used in this sense in 2 Ti 3:8), even though the previous paragraph seems to (cf. 1 Cor 9:19–23). This would violate too many other doctrinal passages by Paul, especially in Romans and Galatians. He is discussing in this paragraph his fear of being undisciplined and being rejected as a proclaimer of the gospel. The NT records several who were disqualified (cf. 1 Cor. 15:12; 1 Ti 1:20; 2 Ti 4:10). Paul wanted evangelistic fruit from converts and churches. The training of young men for Greek games is mentioned in (1) Ars Poetica, 412 and (2) Ad Martyres, 3. It entailed ten months of strenuous physical, dietary, and social restrictions and regimens. F B