1 Corinthians 9:6

Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?

Or {G2228} I {G1473} only {G3441} and {G2532} Barnabas {G921}, have {G2192} not {G3756} we {G2192} power {G1849} to forbear {G3361} working {G2038}?

Or are Bar-Nabba and I the only ones required to go on working for our living?

Or are Barnabas and I the only apostles who must work for a living?

Or I only and Barnabas, have we not a right to forbear working?

Commentary

In 1 Corinthians 9:6, the Apostle Paul continues his defense of his apostolic ministry and the rights associated with it. This verse specifically addresses the question of whether he and Barnabas, unlike other apostles, were somehow obligated to support themselves through manual labor rather than receiving financial support from the churches they served.

Context

Chapter 9 of 1 Corinthians sees Paul meticulously laying out his arguments for the legitimate rights of apostles and those who preach the gospel. He uses various examples—a soldier, a farmer, a shepherd—to illustrate that those who labor in a specific field are entitled to partake of its produce (1 Corinthians 9:7). He even references Old Testament law, such as the command not to muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain (Deuteronomy 25:4, quoted in 1 Corinthians 9:9), and the provision for temple priests to live by the temple offerings (1 Corinthians 9:13). The rhetorical question in verse 6 highlights that Paul and Barnabas were not exceptions to this established principle.

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Rights: Paul asserts that apostles and ministers of the gospel have a legitimate right to be supported by those they serve. This right is grounded in both common sense and scriptural principles.
  • Partnership in Ministry: By including Barnabas, Paul emphasizes that this right was not unique to him but was a shared understanding among those engaged in full-time gospel ministry, such as Paul and Barnabas on their missionary journeys.
  • Self-Sufficiency vs. Support: The phrase "forbear working" refers to refraining from secular employment to dedicate oneself fully to ministry. Paul and Barnabas possessed the "power" (exousia, meaning authority or right) to choose to be supported, though Paul often chose not to exercise this right in Corinth to avoid being a burden or hindrance to the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:12, 1 Corinthians 9:15).

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word translated "power" in the KJV is exousia (ἐξουσία), which signifies authority, right, or liberty. It's not merely physical strength but the legitimate prerogative or freedom to do something. So, Paul is asking if he and Barnabas lacked the right to cease their tent-making or other secular work and instead be supported by the church, implying they certainly did have that right.

Practical Application

This verse, within its broader context, provides valuable insight into the principle of supporting those who dedicate their lives to ministry. While Paul chose not to exercise his right in certain situations for strategic reasons, the underlying principle remains: those who faithfully serve the gospel are worthy of fair compensation and support (1 Timothy 5:18). It challenges believers to consider how they can contribute to the sustenance of those who minister God's Word, enabling them to focus on their spiritual calling without undue financial distraction.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:7

    For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:9

    Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

  • Acts 13:1

    ¶ Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

  • Acts 13:2

    As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:9

    For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

  • Acts 18:3

    And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.

  • Acts 4:36

    And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, [and] of the country of Cyprus,
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