1 Corinthians 9:13

1 Corinthians 9:13 is part of Paul's extensive defense of his apostolic rights, specifically his right to financial support from the Corinthian church. In this verse, he draws an analogy from the Old Testament Law and common temple practices to underscore his point.

Context

In 1 Corinthians chapter 9, the Apostle Paul is arguing for the legitimate rights of an apostle, and by extension, any minister of the gospel. He had chosen not to exercise his right to financial support from the Corinthians, so as not to hinder the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:12). However, he uses this verse, along with other examples, to establish that such support is indeed a divine principle and a legitimate expectation for those who dedicate their lives to sacred service. He moves from secular examples (soldiers, farmers) to sacred ones, culminating in this verse about temple workers, and then applies it directly to gospel ministers in the following verse.

Key Themes

• Support for Sacred Service: The verse establishes the principle that those who minister in holy capacities are entitled to live from the provisions associated with that service. This was a long-standing practice under the Mosaic Law for the Levitical priesthood and temple workers.
• Divine Ordinance: Paul highlights that this arrangement was not merely a human custom but a divinely ordained system for the sustenance of those dedicated to God's service. The priests and Levites were not given an inheritance of land but were supported by the offerings and tithes of the people (Deuteronomy 18:1-5).
• Participation in the Altar: The phrase "partakers with the altar" emphasizes that priests not only performed sacrifices but also had a right to a portion of the offerings, particularly the peace offerings, as a means of their livelihood. This participation was both symbolic and practical, signifying their intimate connection to the sacred work.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "minister about holy things" comes from the Greek word leitourgeō (λειτουργέω), which refers to performing public service, often with a religious connotation, like serving in the temple or performing sacred rites. This emphasizes the dedicated, official nature of their work. The term "partakers" (Greek: symmetochos - συμμετόχους) literally means "co-sharers" or "companions in sharing," underlining the priests' rightful share in the provisions of the altar, which were considered sacred and set apart for God.

Related Scriptures

Paul's argument here sets the stage for his direct application to Christian ministry. He explicitly states in the very next verse: "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:14). This principle is also echoed by Jesus' teaching that "the labourer is worthy of his hire" (Luke 10:7) and Paul's instruction to the Galatians to "communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things" (Galatians 6:6).

Practical Application

This verse continues to be highly relevant for understanding the financial support of Christian ministers today. It teaches that:

• Ministry is a Vocation: Those who dedicate their lives to full-time gospel ministry are performing a sacred service worthy of support.
• Congregational Responsibility: Believers have a responsibility to financially support those who minister among them, enabling them to focus on their spiritual duties without undue worldly distractions.
• Dignity of Spiritual Labor: The passage dignifies the work of spiritual leaders, placing it on par with vital, supported roles in society and in God's historical economy. While Paul himself chose not to always exercise this right, his teaching affirms its legitimacy and divine basis.