1 Corinthians 9:14
In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
What's easy to overlook here is that Paul isn't just saying preachers can be supported; he's pointing to a divine command from Jesus Himself. This isn't a suggestion or a perk, but an ordinance meant to ensure the gospel can be faithfully proclaimed and received without being hindered by financial burdens.
Paul is defending his right to be supported by the church for his ministry. He's been talking about how he could have insisted on this right, but chose not to so he wouldn't hinder the gospel. This verse anchors his argument in a direct command from Jesus himself, reinforcing that financial support for gospel workers is not a suggestion, but an established principle from the Lord.
Ever wondered if those sharing the good news should be supported financially? Paul directly addresses this, linking it to a divine command.
Paul isn't just suggesting an idea here; he's pointing to a direct command from Jesus Himself.
The Lord's Own Decree
Jesus instructed his disciples on how they should live while on mission. This wasn't an afterthought but a foundational principle for the spreading of the gospel.
The Principle of Reciprocity
The idea is simple: those who dedicate their lives to sowing the spiritual seeds of the gospel should be able to reap the material benefits needed for their livelihood from that very same gospel work. It's a system of mutual provision – spiritual labor is sustained by material support.
Not About Wealth, But Sustenance
This isn't a mandate for prosperity, but a guarantee of provision. It ensures that those called to share the gospel can do so without being unduly burdened by the need to constantly seek secular work, allowing them to focus on the mission.
It might seem counterintuitive, but the very message that brings eternal life is also meant to provide for daily needs.
Paul draws a clear, practical connection between the act of proclaiming the gospel and the ability to live from it.
A Divine Arrangement
This isn't about earning a salary in the modern sense, but about a community recognizing the value of spiritual work and providing for those who do it. The 'living' (or sustenance) comes from the gospel being shared.
Recognizing the Source
Think of it like farming. The farmer sows the seed, tends the crop, and then reaps the harvest. Paul is saying that the gospel worker is the 'sower' and 'harvester' in a spiritual sense, and the community that benefits from the harvest should provide for the farmer.
Understand the original words
diatassō · Greek Verb
A divine decree, mandate, or authoritative instruction given by Jesus. It highlights the binding nature of His teaching for the church.
Paul's instruction in Corinth, a major Roman port city, highlights the practical challenge of supporting itinerant preachers in a culture where manual labor was often looked down upon by the elite.
c. 30 AD
Jesus commissions the disciples
Jesus sends out his followers to preach the good news, implying they should be supported by the message they carry.
c. 30-60 AD
Early spread of the Gospel
The apostles and early believers travel extensively, establishing communities and sharing the message of Jesus. This period saw the formation of many of the churches Paul would later write to.
c. 49-51 AD— this verse
Paul's ministry in Corinth
Paul spends a significant amount of time in Corinth, establishing the church there. During this time, he likely supported himself through his trade as a tentmaker.
c. 55 AD
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul writes this letter from Ephesus to the church in Corinth, addressing various issues including the authority of apostles and the support they should receive.
This passage directly quotes Jesus instructing His disciples not to take a bag or extra tunic, implying they should be provided for by those they minister to.
Luke 10:7Jesus tells the seventy-two to stay in one house and eat and drink what is provided, emphasizing the laborer's right to be supported by his work.
1 Timothy 5:18This verse explicitly states that the laborer deserves his wages and connects it to Old Testament law, reinforcing the principle of fair compensation for ministry.
Galatians 6:6Paul teaches that those being instructed in the word should share all good things with their instructor, highlighting a mutual responsibility in supporting ministry.
What's easy to overlook here is that Paul isn't just saying preachers can be supported; he's pointing to a divine command from Jesus Himself. This isn't a suggestion or a perk, but an ordinance meant to ensure the gospel can be faithfully proclaimed and received without being hindered by financial burdens.
Paul is defending his right to be supported by the church for his ministry. He's been talking about how he could have insisted on this right, but chose not to so he wouldn't hinder the gospel. This verse anchors his argument in a direct command from Jesus himself, reinforcing that financial support for gospel workers is not a suggestion, but an established principle from the Lord.
Paul is defending his right to be supported by the church for his ministry. He's been talking about how he have insisted on this right, but chose not to so he wouldn't hinder the gospel. This verse anchors his argument in a direct command from Jesus himself, reinforcing that financial support for gospel workers is not a suggestion, but an established principle from the Lord.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 1 Corinthians 9:14 is available in the Sola app.
Dignity in Service
This principle upholds the dignity of those serving in ministry. It allows them to serve with integrity and focus, free from the crippling anxiety of meeting basic needs through other means, ensuring the gospel message can be shared effectively.
"In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel." — What's easy to overlook here is that Paul isn't just saying preachers can be supported; he's pointing to a divine command from Jesus Himself. This isn't a suggestion or a perk, but an ordinance m…
