The Rights of an Apostle. 1 Corinthians 9:1-27

1 The Rights of an Apostle 1 Corinthians 9:1-27

2 The Rights of an Apostle Text: 1 Corinthians 9:1-27 1. Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord? 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. 3. Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, 4. Have we not power to eat and to drink? 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? 6. Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? 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? 8. Say I these things as a man? Or saith not the law the same also? 9. For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? 10. Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that plougheth should plough in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 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. 13. Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? And they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14. Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel?

3 15. But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. 16. For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 17. For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. 18. What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. 19. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 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; 21. To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23. And this I do for the gospel s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. 24. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27. But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

4 Introduction: I. This entire chapter is devoted to the discussion of the rights of an apostle. A. Seven arguments were advanced by Paul to prove the accuracy, validity of each of these apostolic rights. B. Paul contended that these apostolic rights applied to him as well as to all other apostles even though he did not compel his being fully honored by the Corinthians in keeping with his apostolic rights. Commentary: 1 Corinthians 9:1-3, Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord? 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. Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, I. Am I (Paul) not free? II. Am I (Paul) not an apostle? A. Some at Corinth were evidently claiming that Paul was not a true apostle. B. This accusation may have been based in part on the fact that Paul had not accepted full financial support as other apostles did, but had supported himself as a tentmaker. III. Have not I (Paul) seen Jesus our Lord? A. This was a requirement for apostles.

5 1. Paul saw Jesus on the Damascus Road. 2. Acts 9:3-6, And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. IV. Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? A. The results of Paul s ministry, saved souls and churches established, proved that Paul was both an apostle and that his work was successful. B. The Corinthian converts were the proof, seal of Paul s apostleship. V. Even though I may not be an apostle to others, if to others I am not an apostle, yet at leas, surely I am to you. VI. Why? Because in the Lord you are the seal, proof of my apostleship. VII. You Corinthians are my defence to them that examine me regarding my apostleship. A. This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. NIV

6 First Argument 1 Corinthians 9:4-6, Have we not power to eat and to drink? 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? Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? I. Have we no right to eat food and drink? A. This was a Hebrew idiom meaning, We certainly do have the right! B. The right was to be fed, supported by the church. II. 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? A. No first century Christian would have questioned the right of an apostle to marry. B. The point being made is that Paul had a right to a wife who would be supported by the church. C. Other apostles took their wives with them on their missionary journeys and enjoyed church support. 1. Matthew 8:14, And when Jesus was come into Peter s house, he saw his wife s mother laid, and sick of a fever. D. The brethren of the Lord were James, Joseph, Simon and Judas, (Matthew 13:55) children of Joseph and Mary. III. Are Barnabas and I (Paul) the only apostles who have no right to forbear working?... quit working for a living?

7 A. Are Barnabas and I (Paul) the only ones who must work for a living? B. Evidently Barnabas as well as Paul worked to support himself. C. Note that Barnabas is here clearly said to have been an apostle. D. Greek philosophers regarded those who performed menial tasks as being inferior. Working with the hands was detested. Metz via Coffman. E. This was the cultural background that led the Corinthians to disdain Paul and Barnabas for supporting themselves by manual work. Second Argument 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? I. What soldier ever served at his own charges? A. The government supported its soldiers. B. Soldiers did not support themselves while serving in the military. II. Who plants a vineyard, and does not eat the grapes, fruit of it? A. The farmer plants with a view to benefiting from the harvest. III. Who tends, feeds a flock and does not drink, eat the milk of the flock?

8 A. Shepherds are entitled to benefit from their labors. IV. Those who fight the Christian battle, plant the gospel and shepherd the flock are entitled to support. A. However, Paul did not avail himself of this right. Third Argument 1 Corinthians 9:8-10, Say I these things as a man? Or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that plougheth should plough in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. I. Do I (Paul) speak these things after the manner of men?... from a human point of view? II. Doesn t the law say this same thing? III. It is written in the law of Moses. A. Do not, thou shalt not muzzle the ox while, when he treadeth out the corn, grain. B. Duteronomy 25:4, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. C. This picture of an ancient threshing floor was familiar to Jews. D. The law of Moses forbode the muzzling of oxen while laboring to thresh grain. Pagans muzzled their oxen.

9 IV. Is it for the oxen that God is concerned, careth, or saith he it assuredly for our sake? A. Yes, for our sake it was written... 1. The context of Deuteronomy 25:4 places emphasis on human relationships rather than on human treatment of animals. B. because he that ploweth ought to plow in hope... C. God cares for animals, but he cares far more for those who proclaim the gospel. D. And he that thresheth, to thresh in hope of partaking, sharing in the harvest. Fourth Argument 1 Corinthians 9:11, 12, If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 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. I. If we sowed unto, among you heavenly, spiritual things, seed, gospel, II. is it too much, a great matter if we reap your material, earthly carnal things?... a material harvest from you? A. Earthy support was nothing in comparison with the riches of the gospel.

10 Fifth Argument III. If others have this right of support from you, partake of this right over you, do not we even more? A. Those who first planted and nourished a congregation have claims over those who preached to the church at a later time. B. Since those who came later were supported by the church, the firm right of Paul and Barnabas to support is firmly established. IV. We do not use this right: A. Lest any should claim Paul was preaching for money. V. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. NIV Sixth Argument 1 Corinthians 9:13, Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? And they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? I. Don t you know that they which work, minister about sacred things eat of the things of, get their food from the temple? A. Priests of whatever religion, Jewish or pagan, were well supported for their service. B. Priests had grown indolent, wealthy and disdainful of the poor. Coffman. C. Paul was determined not to be like those priests.

11 III. Don t you know that they who serve, wait upon the altar have their portion with the altar?... share in what is offered on the altar? A. Paul affirmed that priests had a right to support. B. Paul, of course, did not condone the excesses of any priesthood. Seventh Argument 1 Corinthians 9:14, Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel? I. This may be a reference to Luke 10:7, And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give; for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. The Lord commanded, ordained that they that preach, proclaim the gospel should receive their living of, from the gospel. II. It may be a verbatim quote not otherwise found in the New Testament such as Acts 20:35, I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. II. Ministers of the gospel have a right to support, Paul here affirms. Note: From this point through the remainder of the chapter Paul explained why he did not claim his right to church financial support. 1 Corinthians 9:15, But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. I. Paul had used none of these rights to which he was entitled which had just been mentioned in this chapter.

12 II. Paul did not mention these rights, that these benefits might be done in his case, for him. III. Paul said he had rather die than that any man should make his glorying void, deprive me of this boast. A. Paul most certainly did not want anyone to ever be able to say he had preached the gospel for money. B. If enemies could have made such an accusation, they certainly would have done so. C. Church history would have been much different if Paul had been pictured as a greedy mercenary instead of an unselfish noble humble servant of the risen Christ! 1 Corinthians 9:16, For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! I. Paul had no reason to glory for preaching the gospel because... A. necessity was laid upon him to preach, he was compelled to preach, and... B. woe would be upon him if he didn t preach the gospel. II. Preachers now are to preach the gospel from a compelling compulsion based on an abiding faith. A. Paul never regarded preaching as just a job! B. Those who quit preaching because they found a higher paying position were never truly called of God to the ministry.

13 C. Can you imagine in your wildest dreams Paul s quitting preaching for a job that paid better and had better perks? 1 Corinthians 9:17, For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. I. If Paul preached the gospel voluntarily, of his own will, he had a reward. A. Coffman stated, This probably refers to preaching the gospel without financial support enabling Paul to say, I have a reward; that is, defeating Satan in the matter of support from the church. II. If Paul preached involuntarily, contrary to his own will, he had a stewardship entrusted to him, was simply discharging the trust that had been committed to him. A. If Paul had preached the gospel without charge involuntarily, he would have been doing what he was forced to do, a steward, slave simply going his duty. Share via Coffman. B. Paul clearly went beyond the call of duty, did more than was required in essentially all respects and certainly in the matter of declining financial support from the Corinthian church. 1 Corinthians 9:18, What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. I. What then was Paul s reward?

14 II. When Paul preached the gospel without charge, he did not fully use his right in the gospel. A. Paul s reward was the freedom, satisfaction of preaching the gospel free of charge to lost and dying souls, B. and so as not to exercise his right to financial support for preaching the gospel. C. This must have given Paul lasting satisfaction. 1 Corinthians 9:19, For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. I. Even though Paul was free from all men, didn t belong to any men, II. he brought himself under bondage to all, made himself a slave to everyone... A. Romans 1:14, I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. B. Paul took upon himself the burden to preach the gospel to the whole world without charge. III. that he might gain the more, win as many as possible for Christ. A. Paul s laborers at his own expense led to the conversion of multitudes. B. No one could say he was preaching for money. All knew this to be true. C. Paul s dedication and sincerity certainly influenced many to believe.

15 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; I. To the Jews Paul became like a Jew, that he might gain the Jews. A. Paul accommodated himself to the cultures, lifestyles of those to whom he preached in order to better influence them to believe the gospel. II. To them that were under the law, Paul became as, like one under the law that he might gain them that were under law. A. Paul made it clear that he was not acting as one under the law. 1 Corinthians 9:21, To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. I. To them that were without law, Paul became as one without law. A. Paul was not in fact free, without law to God. B. Paul was even and always under the law to Christ. II. Paul s reason for this was to win, gain them that were without law; that is, the Law of Moses. 1 Corinthians 9:22, To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. I. To the weak Paul became weak that he might win, gain the weak.

16 II. Paul became all things to all men that by all possible means he might save some. A. Paul sought to find common ground with those to whom he preached in order to better reach them. B. Consequently Paul shaved his head in Cenchraea. 1 Corinthians 9:23, And this I do for the gospel s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. I. Paul did all this, these things for the gospel s sake, II. That he might be a joint partaker thereof, share in the blessings of the gospel. A. Paul envisioned being a sharer with converts in the blessings of the gospel, the ultimate prize being heaven itself, eternal life. 1 Corinthians 9:24, Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. I. All who enter a race run, but only one receives the prize. A. Paul here refers to the famous Isthmian games at Corinth celebrated every two years. B. The prize was garlands made of leaves, a totally symbolic sign of victory, being the best competitor, enjoying the glory of winning. C. Biblical parables are not to be taken beyond their intended purpose.

17 1. Obviously all who remain faithful unto death will receive the prize. II. Even so, run that you may attain, get the prize... A. the spiritual reward of running the Christian race to completion. B. Christians are to undergo rigorous training and any hardship to win the prize. 1. This is what ancient athletes did. 2. Should Christians do less? 1 Corinthians 9:25, And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I. Every man that strives, competes in the games exerciseth self-control in all things, observes strict training. A. Christians are to do likewise. II. They do it to receive a temporary, corruptible crown, a decaying garland and transient honor, glory. III. Christians do it to receive an incorruptible crown that will last forever, heaven, eternal life. A. 2 Timothy 4:8, Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

18 B. 1 Peter 5:4, And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. C. Revelation 2:10, Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. D. No hardship should be considered too much for the Christian in search of eternal glory! 1 Corinthians 9:26, I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: I. Paul ran... A. not uncertainly, without an established route, aimlessly without established goals, first in one direction and then in another. II. Paul fought... A. not as one beating the air, throwing punches that missed their target. B. Paul s manner of life had purpose! His actions and lifestyle were designed, carefully considered with a clear goal envisioned. 1 Corinthians 9:27, But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. I. Paul: A. buffeted his body, beat his body.

19 B. brought his body into bondage, made it his slave. C. This is metaphorical and gives no basis for the flagellations of ascetics or the actions of certain penitents. D. Christians are to exercise the sternest self-control over the temptations of the body. Coffman. II. To avoid being rejected, castaway, disqualified for the prize... A. after having preached to others. B. Adokimos (rejected) is better translated reprobate. 1. Romans 1:28, And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 2. 2 Corinthians 13:5-7, Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves, Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 3. 2 Timothy 3:8, Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. 4. Titus 1:16, They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

20 C. Even Paul exercised great diligence to remain faithful for even he could be lost, reprobate! D. Lifelong fidelity to Christ is a requirement of salvation!

21 Questions 1 Corinthians 9:1-27 1. What was Paul s main point in this chapter? 2. What was Paul s first argument in support of this point? 3. What was Paul s second argument in support of this point? 4. What was Paul s third argument in support of this point? 5. What was Paul s fourth argument in support of this point? 6. What was Paul s fifth argument in support of this point?

22 7. What was Paul s sixth argument in support of this point? 8. What was Paul s seventh argument in support of this point? 9. Why did Paul not use the rights to which he was entitled? 10. Why did Paul have no reason to glory, boast for preaching the gospel? 11. Since Paul preached the gospel of his own will, voluntarily, he had a reward. Why was this true and what was the reward?

23 12. If Paul had preached involuntarily, what would have resulted from this approach? 13. Paul took upon himself the to the to the. 14. Why did Paul not accept financial support from the Corinthians? 15. How can today s Christians become all things to all men that we may win more to Christ? 16. Are there ways in which we cannot without sinning become all things to all men that we may gain more? 17. How can we become weak in order to gain the weak?

24 18. Define, compare and contrast the training of and the prize awarded to ancient runners and to Christians. 19. Paul s of had! His and were with a clear envisioned. 20. After all Paul had done for Christ was it still possible for him to be lost? Give reasons for your answer. What does this mean for all Christians?