1 Corinthians 9
BSB1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you yourselves not my workmanship in the Lord? 2 Even if I am not an apostle to others, surely I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3 This is my defense to those who scrutinize me: 4 Have we no right to food and to drink? 5 Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas? 6 Or are Barnabas and I the only apostles who must work for a living? 7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk? 8 Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing? 9 For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned? 10 Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf? Indeed, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they should also expect to share in the harvest. 11 If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you? 12 If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 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? 14 In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel. 15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast. 16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility. 18 What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it. 19 Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 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), to win those under the law. 21 To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable. 26 Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air. 27 No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 9
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Corinthians 9
- Themes from 1 Corinthians 9
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Corinthians 9
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In 1 Corinthians 9, the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of his rights as an apostle, including the right to financial support and the right to take a believing wife. However, Paul chooses not to exercise these rights in order to avoid hindering the gospel. He uses the example of a soldier, a farmer, and a shepherd to illustrate the principle that those who serve the Lord should be supported by those they serve. Paul also emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and sacrifice in ministry, using the metaphor of an athlete competing in a race. The chapter concludes with Paul's statement that he has become all things to all people in order to save some, demonstrating his commitment to flexible and selfless ministry.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger context of 1 Corinthians, which addresses various issues and challenges facing the church in Corinth. The chapter is also connected to the broader biblical narrative, particularly in relation to the ministry of Jesus Christ and the apostles. In the book of Acts, we see the apostles exercising their rights and responsibilities as leaders in the early church, while also demonstrating humility and selflessness in their ministry.
Heart Application
The chapter encourages readers to adopt a selfless and flexible approach to ministry, prioritizing the advancement of the gospel above personal interests. This requires a willingness to sacrifice personal rights and comforts, just as Paul did, in order to reach others with the good news of Jesus Christ.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter is about the Apostle Paul's approach to ministry, which is characterized by selflessness, flexibility, and a desire to save as many people as possible. Paul is willing to sacrifice his personal rights and comforts in order to reach others with the gospel, demonstrating his commitment to the Great Commission. In 1 Corinthians 9:22, Paul states that he has become all things to all people in order to save some, highlighting the importance of adaptability in ministry.
Voices from the Church
“The apostle's example teaches us that we should not be too much attached to our own interests, but should be willing to sacrifice them for the sake of the gospel.”
— John Calvin
“Paul's ministry was characterized by flexibility and selflessness, demonstrating that true ministry is not about personal gain or recognition, but about serving others and advancing the kingdom of God.”
— Charles Spurgeon
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Apostolic Rights (9:1-6) — The Apostle Paul defends his rights as an apostle, including the right to financial support and the right to take a believing wife.
- The Principle of Support for Ministers (9:7-14) — Paul uses the example of a soldier, a farmer, and a shepherd to illustrate the principle that those who serve the Lord should be supported by those they serve.
- Paul's Sacrifice of His Rights (9:15-18) — Paul chooses not to exercise his rights as an apostle in order to avoid hindering the gospel.
- The Importance of Self-Discipline in Ministry (9:19-27) — Paul uses the metaphor of an athlete competing in a race to illustrate the importance of self-discipline and sacrifice in ministry.
- Conclusion: Becoming All Things to All People (9:22-27) — Paul's statement that he has become all things to all people in order to save some demonstrates his commitment to flexible and selfless ministry.
Core Doctrines
- The Importance of Humility in Ministry
- The chapter highlights the importance of humility in ministry, with Paul demonstrating his willingness to sacrifice his personal rights and comforts for the sake of the gospel.
- The Principle of Support for Ministers
- The chapter emphasizes the principle that those who serve the Lord should be supported by those they serve, using the example of a soldier, a farmer, and a shepherd.
- The Flexibility of Ministry
- Paul's statement that he has become all things to all people in order to save some demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability required in ministry.
- The Importance of Self-Discipline in Ministry
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and sacrifice in ministry, using the metaphor of an athlete competing in a race.
Lessons from 1 Corinthians 9
- The Importance of Humility in Ministry — The chapter highlights the importance of humility in ministry, with Paul demonstrating his willingness to sacrifice his personal rights and comforts for the sake of the gospel.
- The Principle of Support for Ministers — The chapter emphasizes the principle that those who serve the Lord should be supported by those they serve, using the example of a soldier, a farmer, and a shepherd.
- The Flexibility of Ministry — Paul's statement that he has become all things to all people in order to save some demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability required in ministry.
- The Importance of Self-Discipline in Ministry — The chapter emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and sacrifice in ministry, using the metaphor of an athlete competing in a race.
- Prioritizing the Advancement of the Gospel — The chapter encourages readers to prioritize the advancement of the gospel above personal interests and comforts, just as Paul did.
Themes from 1 Corinthians 9
- Humility in Ministry — The chapter highlights the importance of humility in ministry, with Paul demonstrating his willingness to sacrifice his personal rights and comforts for the sake of the gospel.
- The Principle of Support for Ministers — The chapter emphasizes the principle that those who serve the Lord should be supported by those they serve, using the example of a soldier, a farmer, and a shepherd.
- Flexibility in Ministry — Paul's statement that he has become all things to all people in order to save some demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability required in ministry.
- Self-Discipline in Ministry — The chapter emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and sacrifice in ministry, using the metaphor of an athlete competing in a race.
- Prioritizing the Gospel — The chapter encourages readers to prioritize the advancement of the gospel above personal interests and comforts, just as Paul did.
Questions for Meditation
- What are some ways in which you can demonstrate humility and selflessness in your own ministry or service to others?
- How can you apply the principle of support for ministers in your own church or community?
- What are some ways in which you can exercise self-discipline and sacrifice in your own life and ministry?
- How can you become more flexible and adaptable in your approach to ministry, just as Paul did?
- What are some ways in which you can prioritize the advancement of the gospel above personal interests and comforts?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Apostolic Rights (9:1-6)
| 9:1 | The Apostle Paul defends his rights as an apostle, including the right to financial support and the right to take a believing wife. |
| 9:2 | Paul uses the example of the seal of his apostleship, which is the Corinthian church, to demonstrate his authenticity as an apostle. |
2. The Principle of Support for Ministers (9:7-14)
| 9:7 | Paul uses the example of a soldier, a farmer, and a shepherd to illustrate the principle that those who serve the Lord should be supported by those they serve. |
| 9:9 | Paul references the law of Moses, which states that an ox should not be muzzled while it is treading out grain, to illustrate the principle of support for ministers. |
3. Paul's Sacrifice of His Rights (9:15-18)
| 9:15 | Paul chooses not to exercise his rights as an apostle in order to avoid hindering the gospel. |
| 9:17 | Paul states that he is entrusted with a stewardship, which is the ministry of the gospel, and that he will be held accountable for his actions. |
4. The Importance of Self-Discipline in Ministry (9:19-27)
| 9:19 | Paul uses the metaphor of an athlete competing in a race to illustrate the importance of self-discipline and sacrifice in ministry. |
| 9:24 | Paul states that only one person can receive the prize in a race, but all who run in a spiritual race can receive the prize of eternal life. |
5. Conclusion: Becoming All Things to All People (9:22-27)
| 9:22 | Paul's statement that he has become all things to all people in order to save some demonstrates his commitment to flexible and selfless ministry. |
| 9:27 | Paul states that he disciplines his body and brings it under control, lest he should be disqualified from the prize of eternal life. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rights of an apostle?
The Apostle Paul discusses his rights as an apostle, including the right to financial support and the right to take a believing wife, in 1 Corinthians 9:1-6.
Why did Paul choose not to exercise his rights as an apostle?
Paul chose not to exercise his rights as an apostle in order to avoid hindering the gospel, as stated in 1 Corinthians 9:12.
What is the principle of support for ministers?
The principle of support for ministers is that those who serve the Lord should be supported by those they serve, as illustrated by the example of a soldier, a farmer, and a shepherd in 1 Corinthians 9:7-14.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Corinthians 9:1 → Galatians 1:1 | The Apostle Paul defends his rights as an apostle in both 1 Corinthians 9:1 and Galatians 1:1. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 9:7 → Deuteronomy 25:4 | The example of the ox not being muzzled while it is treading out grain is referenced in both 1 Corinthians 9:7 and Deuteronomy 25:4. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 9:9 → 1 Timothy 5:18 | The principle of support for ministers is referenced in both 1 Corinthians 9:9 and 1 Timothy 5:18. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 9:15 → Acts 18:3 | The Apostle Paul's decision not to exercise his right to financial support is referenced in both 1 Corinthians 9:15 and Acts 18:3. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 9:19 → Matthew 9:12-13 | The metaphor of an athlete competing in a race is used in both 1 Corinthians 9:19 and Matthew 9:12-13 to illustrate the importance of self-discipline and sacrifice in ministry. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 9:22 → Romans 9:3 | The Apostle Paul's statement that he has become all things to all people in order to save some is referenced in both 1 Corinthians 9:22 and Romans 9:3. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 9:24 → Hebrews 12:1-2 | The metaphor of an athlete competing in a race is used in 1 Corinthians 9:24 to illustrate the importance of self-discipline and sacrifice in ministry, which is also referenced in Hebrews 12:1-2. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 9:27 → 2 Timothy 2:5 | The importance of self-discipline and sacrifice in ministry is referenced in both 1 Corinthians 9:27 and 2 Timothy 2:5. |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 9:1 → Ephesians 4:11-12 | The Apostle Paul's defense of his rights as an apostle is referenced in both 1 Corinthians 9:1 and Ephesians 4:11-12. |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 9:7 → 1 Peter 5:2-3 | The principle of support for ministers is referenced in both 1 Corinthians 9:7 and 1 Peter 5:2-3. |
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A World of Idols by Tim Keller | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that religion is often seen as a superficial and temporary experience. However, the speaker argues that true faith in Christianity is meant t |
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His and His Alone by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker addresses various topics such as the influence of media, the importance of reading the New Testament, and the power of one individual to make a differen |
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Your Reasonable Service by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being driven by God's calling and compulsion to do His work. He contrasts this with the mindset of many believers today who |
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Run the Race Like Abraham by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own journey of serving God for over 43 years and the caution and fear he feels about his own spiritual journey. He emphasizes the import |
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Finishing the Course Well by J. Oswald Sanders | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being active participants in our faith rather than passive observers. He compares our tendency to be "TV athletes" who watc |
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Doctrine of the Remnant - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by praying for mercy upon America and for people to turn away from idols and serve God. He emphasizes the importance of not just worshiping God |
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If Any Man Be in Christ - Part 4 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of dedicating our bodies to the Lord. He refers to Psalm 59, which describes the body as an instrument with ten strings, repr |
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The Power of Weeping by Michael Youssef | In this sermon, the speaker expresses deep concern and lament over the current condition of the Church of Jesus Christ. He urges the audience not to dismiss his words as judgmental |
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(1 Corinthians) ch.9:1-9:23 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on 1 Corinthians chapter 9 and verse 1. The apostle Paul is being questioned about his apostleship and he defends himself by highlighting his en |
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Muzzled Christians by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about neglecting his children and realizing the importance of giving them attention. He then relates this to the parable of the |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9
In this chapter, the Apostle Paul defends his rights as an apostle, but also demonstrates his willingness to sacrifice those rights for the sake of the gospel. Paul uses the example of a soldier, a farmer, and a shepherd to illustrate the principle that those who serve the Lord should be supported by those they serve. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and sacrifice in ministry, with Paul using the metaphor of an athlete competing in a race to illustrate this principle. Ultimately, Paul's goal is to become all things to all people in order to save some, demonstrating his commitment to flexible and selfless ministry. As Matthew Henry notes, this chapter teaches us the importance of humility, self-discipline, and sacrifice in ministry, and encourages us to prioritize the advancement of the gospel above personal interests and comforts. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
Paul's Humility
Paul's willingness to sacrifice his rights as an apostle demonstrates his humility and commitment to the gospel. This is evident in 1 Corinthians 9:12, where Paul states that he has not used his right to financial support.
The Importance of Self-Discipline
The chapter emphasizes the importance of self-discipline and sacrifice in ministry, with Paul using the metaphor of an athlete competing in a race to illustrate this principle.
The Flexibility of Ministry
Paul's statement that he has become all things to all people in order to save some demonstrates the flexibility and adaptability required in ministry.