1 Corinthians 9:13
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Paul’s question isn't just about temple workers; it's a clever analogy pointing out that those who dedicate themselves to serving God deserve to be supported by the very community they serve. He’s highlighting a principle of justice: those who sow spiritual things shouldn’t have to worry about their physical needs.
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)
Paul is defending his right to be supported financially by the church, arguing that just as temple workers and altar servants receive their sustenance from their sacred duties, so too should those who serve the gospel receive their living from the gospel. He’s building a case from common sense and established practice to show that it's not unreasonable for him to expect support. This comes right after he asked rhetorical questions about whether he has a right to eat and drink, and before he dives into how he’s chosen not to exercise this right for the sake of the gospel’s spread.
Paul is building an argument about the right to receive support for ministry. He points to a surprising analogy from the Old Testament: the temple workers.
What can we learn from how God set things up back then?
The Temple's Living Wage
Paul reminds the Corinthians of a fundamental principle in worship: those who serve God in sacred duties were provided for by God.
This wasn't about the workers getting rich; it was about God ensuring that His work could continue without interruption. Those dedicated to His service wouldn't have to scramble for their own needs. God Himself made provision.
Paul uses the temple system to illustrate a principle that he will apply to himself and other ministers.
What's the underlying logic that makes this ancient practice relevant today?
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From Temple to Church
Paul isn't just sharing trivia about ancient worship; he's establishing a foundational principle about how ministry works:
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 reference to Temple service highlights a universally understood principle: those who dedicate themselves to God's work have a right to be supported by the very system they serve. This ancient practice of the priests and Levites receiving food and offerings from the Temple provides a clear analogy for the early Christians' support of those who ministered the Gospel.
c. 960 BC
Solomon's Temple Dedicated
King Solomon dedicates the First Temple in Jerusalem, establishing it as the central place of worship and service for Israel. This sets the stage for the Levitical priesthood and their appointed duties.
597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Nebuchadnezzar deports a significant portion of Jerusalem's elite, including King Jehoiachin and the prophet Ezekiel, to Babylon. This event marks the beginning of the Judean exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple
Nebuchadnezzar utterly destroys Jerusalem and the First Temple, ending the Davidic monarchy and scattering the remaining Jewish people. This catastrophic event deeply impacts Jewish identity and worship.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus and Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This marks the beginning of the Second Temple period and the re-establishment of sacrificial worship.
c. 516 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The Second Temple is completed and dedicated in Jerusalem, resuming the sacrificial system and Temple service. This structure would serve as the center of Jewish life for centuries.
c. 20 BC - AD 30— this verse
Herod the Great's Temple Renovation
King Herod the Great undertakes a massive renovation and expansion of the Second Temple, making it grander than ever. This impressive structure is the Temple in existence during Jesus' ministry and the early days of the church.
This passage from the Old Testament law outlines the specific provisions and portions set aside for the Levitical priests who served in the Tabernacle, directly paralleling the principle of provision for those who serve in sacred duties.
Deuteronomy 18:3-5Here, Moses reiterates the rightful due of the priests and Levites from the people's offerings and sacrifices, reinforcing the ancient precedent that those dedicated to God's service should be supported by that service.
1 Timothy 5:17-18Paul applies this principle directly to the church, stating that elders who rule well and preach deserve double honor and that a laborer is worthy of his wages, echoing the Corinthian argument.
Matthew 10:9-10Jesus instructs his disciples not to take a money bag or extra tunic when going out to preach, affirming that the worker is worthy of his food, a foundational teaching for those ministering the Gospel.
Paul’s question isn't just about temple workers; it's a clever analogy pointing out that those who dedicate themselves to serving God deserve to be supported by the very community they serve. He’s highlighting a principle of justice: those who sow spiritual things shouldn’t have to worry about their physical needs.
Paul is defending his right to be supported financially by the church, arguing that just as temple workers and altar servants receive their sustenance from their sacred duties, so too should those who serve the gospel receive their living from the gospel. He’s building a case from common sense and established practice to show that it's not unreasonable for him to expect support. This comes right after he asked rhetorical questions about whether he has a right to eat and drink, and before he dives into how he’s chosen not to exercise this right for the sake of the gospel’s spread.
Paul is defending his right to be supported financially by the church, arguing that just as temple workers and altar servants receive their sustenance from their sacred duties, so too should those who serve the gospel receive their living from the gospel. He’s building a case from common sense and established practice to show that it's not unreasonable for him to expect support. This comes right after he asked rhetorical questions about whether he has a right to eat and drink, and before he dives into how he’s chosen not to exercise this right for the sake of the gospel’s spread.
"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?" — Paul’s question isn't just about temple workers; it's a clever analogy pointing out that those who dedicate themselves to serving God deserve to be supported by the very community they serve. He’s hi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
