Lesson 4796

 (Lesson 4796) (03-23-25) 1st Corinthians 9:1-7 

   “Am I am 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, 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? 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?” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul defended his apostleship, affirming that he had seen Jesus Christ and that the Corinthians themselves were the proof of his ministry. He questioned why he and Barnabas should not have the same rights as other apostles, such as receiving support, taking along believing wives, or refraining from working secular jobs. Paul used examples from everyday life—a soldier, a farmer, and a shepherd—to argue that those who work in service have the right to benefit from their labor. He emphasized that, as an apostle, he too had the right to be supported by the people he ministered to. ~