1 Corinthians 9:4-15

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on 1 Corinthians 9:4-15

4Have we no right to food and to drink?
5Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?
6Or are Barnabas and I the only apostles who must work for a living?
7Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk?
8Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’ t the Law say the same thing?
9For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned?
10Isn’ t He actually speaking on our behalf? Indeed, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they should also expect to share in the harvest.
11If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?
12If others have this right to your support, shouldn’ t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
13Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings?
14In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
15But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast.
— 1 Corinthians 9:4-15

Related Resources from Heartlight

But I have not used any of these...
Illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:15

Illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:15 -- But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast.

In the same way, the Lord has commanded...
Illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:14

Illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:14 -- In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

Paul Boasts a Little
Illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:15

Inspirational illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:15 -- But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast.© Copyright 1973, 1978, 19

Thank God for Preachers
Illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:14

Inspirational illustration of 1 Corinthians 9:14 -- In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

Cross References for 1 Corinthians 9:4-15

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.