1 Corinthians 9:13
Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings?
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The unexpected part here is that Paul uses temple workers and altar servants as his examples, not just priests. This highlights that even those in the most ordinary jobs within God's house were provided for, showing that supporting those who serve Him is an ancient and established principle, not a new demand.
Paul is defending his right to be supported financially by the church, even though he's choosing not to exercise that right. He's using analogies from the Old Testament Levitical priesthood, showing how those who served God in the temple were provided for by God's people. This sets up his argument that ministers of the gospel, like him, also deserve support from those they minister to.
Ever wondered about the practical side of serving God? This ancient text reveals a timeless principle about how those dedicated to sacred duties are sustained.
Paul uses a powerful analogy from the Old Testament temple system. Those who worked in the temple and served at the altar weren't expected to do so without provision. They were supported by the very system they served. This highlights a fundamental idea: those who dedicate themselves to full-time ministry and God's work have a right to be supported by the community they serve.
It wasn't charity; it was a recognized and just system. The food and offerings provided were their 'wages' or livelihood, allowing them to focus on their sacred tasks without the burden of earning a living elsewhere.
This principle extends beyond the temple: 'in the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel' (1 Corinthians 9:14).
God's work has always been a partnership. Discover how the act of serving God is intrinsically linked to being sustained by God's people.
Paul isn't just talking about earning a living; he's talking about a sacred exchange. Those who minister within the temple were set apart for a specific, holy purpose. Their ability to perform their duties faithfully depended on the community's participation in sustaining them.
Think of it like this: the priests and Levites were doing work that benefited everyone spiritually. Therefore, the community, through their tithes and offerings, ensured these workers could continue their vital service without distraction.
This establishes a beautiful interdependence within God's people. Service and sustenance go hand-in-hand, reflecting God's design for His work to be carried forward.
Understand the original words
hieron · Greek Noun
The place of sacrifice where God met with His people under the Mosaic covenant. It signifies the site of worship and the administration of divine ordinances.
thysiastērion · Greek Noun
The place where sacrifices were offered to God. It represents the central location of atonement and communion between God and humanity.
symmerizomai · Greek Verb
Refers to the portions of sacrifices given to the priests for their sustenance. It signifies the provision God established for those set apart for His service.
Paul's argument about the right to financial support for those who preach the gospel is rooted in the long-standing Old Testament practice of supporting Temple workers through the Temple's resources and sacrificial system.
~1446 BC
Exodus and Wilderness Covenant
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt and establishes a covenant with them at Mount Sinai, outlining laws for worship and service, including provisions for priests.
~1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom and Temple Planning
King David establishes Jerusalem as his capital and desires to build a temple for God, though his son Solomon ultimately carries out the construction.
~957 BC
Solomon's Temple Dedicated
Solomon dedicates the First Temple in Jerusalem, centralizing worship and establishing the Levitical priesthood and their appointed duties and provisions.
586 BC
Destruction of the First Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile many Israelites, disrupting Temple service and its economic system.
This Old Testament passage lays out the principle of the priests and Levites receiving a portion from the offerings and tithes for their service to God in the Tabernacle, mirroring the idea of those who serve receiving support.
Deuteronomy 25:4This verse directly states that an ox treading out grain should not be muzzled, establishing a principle that those who labor deserve to share in the fruits of their labor, a concept Paul applies to spiritual workers.
1 Timothy 5:17-18This New Testament letter echoes Paul's argument, emphasizing that elders who rule well deserve double honor, especially those laboring in preaching and teaching, connecting physical sustenance with spiritual work.
Matthew 10:9-10Here, Jesus instructs his disciples not to take a money bag or extra tunic for their mission, but to rely on the hospitality of those they minister to, showing the consistent principle of provision for gospel workers.
The unexpected part here is that Paul uses temple workers and altar servants as his examples, not just priests. This highlights that even those in the most ordinary jobs within God's house were provided for, showing that supporting those who serve Him is an ancient and established principle, not a new demand.
Paul is defending his right to be supported financially by the church, even though he's choosing not to exercise that right. He's using analogies from the Old Testament Levitical priesthood, showing how those who served God in the temple were provided for by God's people. This sets up his argument that ministers of the gospel, like him, also deserve support from those they minister to.
Paul is defending his right to be supported financially by the church, even though he's choosing not to exercise that right. He's using analogies from the Old Testament Levitical priesthood, showing how those who served God in the temple were provided for by God's people. This sets up his argument that ministers of the gospel, like him, also deserve support from those they minister to.
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516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The Second Temple is completed and dedicated in Jerusalem by returning exiles, re-establishing Temple service, though on a smaller scale than Solomon's.
c. 20 BC - AD 30s
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus teaches and performs miracles in Judea, interacting with the Temple system and its personnel, and later fulfilling its sacrificial purpose.
c. AD 50-55— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
While in Ephesus, Paul writes his first letter to the church in Corinth, addressing various issues of conduct, doctrine, and church order, including the principle of financial support for spiritual workers.
"Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings?" — The unexpected part here is that Paul uses temple workers and altar servants as his examples, not just priests. This highlights that even those in the most ordinary jobs within God's house were p…
