Twin City church of Christ Blog
“Apr 17, 2024 - The Right to Eat and Drink”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsThe Right to Eat and Drink
Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:1-7
While Paul may appear to have changed the subject here, he is actually building a case for forgoing rights (as in 8:13). He will argue that as an apostle, he has a number of rights (v. 4, 5, 6) that he gives up to advance the gospel. “Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my workmanship in the Lord?”(1 Cor 9:1). Paul is an apostle with impressive credentials that deserve respect. He has rights.
He then speaks of himself and Barnabas together. “Do we not have a right to eat and drink? 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? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working?”(1 Cor 9:4-6). “A right to eat and drink” means that Paul can receive pay for his preaching to sustain his physical needs. He also has a right to bring a wife with him and to “refrain from working” so that he can focus on preaching, relying on churches to meet his needs. It is not wrong for Paul to expect to get his living from those he works to help—just as a soldier, vinedresser, or shepherd would (v. 7).
Paul’s teaching reminds us that it is appropriate for Christians to financially support men who preach the gospel (1 Cor 9:14). It is important for Christians to remember the needs such men have to “eat and drink” and that we “share in all good things with him who teaches”(Gal 6:6). The fact that preachers may receive pay does not mean that they are all charlatans and moneygrubbers. Meanwhile, it is equally important for preachers to remember that they are “(refraining) from working for a living”—that others are sacrificing and giving of their labors to support them. Humility and gratitude should characterize both sides.
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One Thing to Think About: How do I really feel about the idea of giving up my rights?
One Thing to Pray For: Gratitude for those who preach the gospel—and those who support them
