I Corinthians 9

“So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel” (v14). The Corinthians were wondering if their pastors (and families, v5) should be supported financially by the church, or if the pastors should pay their expenses by secular work. The ancient priests ate the temple food, (v13), and Paul argued that gospel ministers should “get their living” from serving the church. However, Paul himself did not use this right (v12) so that he could “win the more” (v19).

Paul lived not for financial gain, but “for the sake of the gospel” (v23).