Genuine service

Paul continues his argument in order to demonstrate to the Corinthian believers that his ministry is genuine. To avoid placing any obstacle in the way of the gospel, he gave up his rights as an apostle and endured all things. (1) Those who serve in the temple eat from what belongs to the temple, and those who serve at the altar receive their share from the altar. Here Paul does not quote the Scripture because this principle applied not only to the priests serving in the temple at Jerusalem, but also to the priests serving in pagan temples, who also made their living from their service. The people living in Corinth were well aware of this fact. (2) In the same way, it is only right that those who proclaim the gospel receive their livelihood from the work of the gospel. (3) Paul, however, gave up all such privileges and carried out his ministry without placing any financial burden on the church in Corinth. He did this so that he would not place the slightest obstacle in the way of the gospel and so that he would not lose his reason for boasting.

Paul’s boast

Paul viewed his ministry in the following way: (1) Preaching the gospel was something he was compelled to do. Therefore, even if he faithfully proclaimed the gospel, it was not something in which he could take personal pride. (2) On the other hand, if he did not preach the gospel, woe would come upon him. (3) If he preached the gospel willingly, not merely for a living or out of compulsion, he would receive a reward. (4) What is the reward Paul is speaking of? It is that he can testify “That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.” This is the reward Paul had in mind. Paul said, “For woe to me if I do not preach the gospel,” and, “I do all things for the sake of the gospel” (9:23). What will you learn from Paul’s passion and sense of calling? Let us pray once again that may our inner self be strengthened.