1 Corinthians 9:8

Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?

Say I {G2980} these things {G5023} as {G3361}{G2596} a man {G444}? or {G2228} saith {G3004} not {G3780} the law {G3551} the same {G5023} also {G2532}?

What I am saying is not based merely on human authority, because the Torah says the same thing —

Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing?

Do I speak these things after the manner of men? or saith not the law also the same?

In 1 Corinthians 9:8, the Apostle Paul continues his robust defense of his apostolic rights and the principle of ministerial support, even though he personally chose not to exercise these rights in Corinth. This verse serves as a rhetorical question, challenging any notion that his arguments are based merely on human reasoning or personal preference.

Context

Paul is discussing his freedom and authority as an apostle, and by extension, the right of those who minister the gospel to be supported financially by the churches they serve. He has just presented several analogies from common life (soldiers, vinedressers, shepherds) to illustrate this principle (1 Corinthians 9:7). Here, he transitions to a higher authority: the Law of Moses. He is setting the stage to demonstrate that the principle of supporting those who labor is not merely a human convention but is divinely established and affirmed in God's Word.

Key Themes

  • Divine Authority for Ministry Support: Paul asserts that his arguments for the right of ministers to be supported are not just his own thoughts ("Say I these things as a man?") but are rooted in God's revealed will. This elevates the discussion from a matter of human opinion to a divine principle.
  • The Law's Testimony: By asking, "or saith not the law the same also?", Paul prepares to draw evidence from the Old Testament Law, specifically the command about not muzzling an ox while it treads out the corn (1 Corinthians 9:9). This shows the consistency of God's principles across different eras and covenants.
  • Paul's Apostolic Defense: This verse is part of Paul's broader defense of his apostleship and his right to be considered a true apostle, worthy of the same consideration as Peter or other apostles (1 Corinthians 9:5). His willingness to forgo these rights in Corinth further highlights his dedication to the gospel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Say I these things as a man?" is a rhetorical question that expects a "no" answer. Paul is emphatically stating that his argument is not based on mere human wisdom or personal logic, which could be fallible or self-serving. Instead, he immediately contrasts this with the authority of divine revelation: "or saith not the law the same also?" Here, "the law" refers to the Torah, or the Mosaic Law, demonstrating that the principle of providing for those who labor in service is deeply embedded in God's ancient commands and not a new, human invention for Christian ministry.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 9:8 reinforces the principle that those who dedicate their lives to teaching and serving in ministry have a legitimate claim to financial support from the community they serve. This is not charity, but a right established by God's own Word, echoing principles found elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., Galatians 6:6, 1 Timothy 5:18). It encourages generosity and proper care for those who labor spiritually, recognizing that their work is valuable and divinely sanctioned. It also reminds ministers that their claims and teachings should always be grounded in God's authoritative Word, not just human reasoning.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:40

    But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

  • Romans 3:31

    Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

  • Romans 6:19

    I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:13

    ¶ For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

  • Isaiah 8:20

    To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:34

    ¶ Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but [they are commanded] to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:8

    He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.

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