1 Corinthians 9:14

1 Corinthians 9:14 (KJV): "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."

Context

In 1 Corinthians chapter 9, the Apostle Paul passionately defends his apostolic authority and rights, particularly his right to receive financial support from those he served. Although he had the right to be supported, he chose not to exercise it in Corinth, so as not to put any obstacle in the way of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:12). Paul uses several analogies—soldiers, farmers, shepherds—and draws parallels from Old Testament law, such as the command not to muzzle an ox while it treads out the corn (Deuteronomy 25:4) and the provision for the Levites who served in the temple (Numbers 18:20). Verse 14 serves as the climactic summary of his argument, asserting that the principle of supporting those who minister the gospel is not merely a human custom, but a divine command.

Key Themes

• Divine Mandate for Support: The verse explicitly states that the "Lord hath ordained" this principle, emphasizing its divine origin and authority. It is not merely a suggestion or a convenience, but a decree from God that those who dedicate their lives to proclaiming the gospel should be sustained by it.
• Reciprocity in Ministry: There is an inherent principle of reciprocity where those who sow spiritual things among believers should reap material support. This ensures that ministers can devote themselves fully to their calling without being burdened by secular employment, thus maximizing their effectiveness in spreading the Good News.
• The Gospel as a Livelihood: The phrase "live of the gospel" signifies that the work of preaching the gospel is a legitimate and honorable vocation, worthy of full-time dedication and financial provision. This principle undergirds the concept of vocational ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "hath the Lord ordained" comes from the Greek word diatassō (διατάσσω), which means to arrange, appoint, command, or prescribe. It implies a definitive and authoritative decree, not just a suggestion or an implied understanding. This strengthens the argument that ministerial support is a direct command from God. The phrase "live of the gospel" (Greek: zēn ek tou euangeliou) literally means "to live from the gospel," indicating that the gospel itself, and the work of proclaiming it, is the source of their sustenance and livelihood.

Practical Application

This verse has profound implications for both those who preach the gospel and those who receive it. It establishes a fundamental principle for the financial support of full-time ministers and missionaries today.

• For Believers: It calls believers to generously support those who minister among them, recognizing that this is a divine command and an investment in the spread of God's Word. This support allows ministers to focus on their spiritual duties, echoing similar calls in Galatians 6:6 and 1 Timothy 5:18.
• For Ministers: It affirms their right to receive support, freeing them to devote themselves entirely to prayer and the ministry of the Word (Acts 6:4). While Paul himself sometimes chose not to exercise this right for strategic reasons (1 Corinthians 9:15), the underlying principle remains.

In essence, 1 Corinthians 9:14 highlights the reciprocal relationship between those who share the spiritual riches of the gospel and those who provide the material means for them to do so effectively, all established by the Lord Himself.