In 1 Corinthians 9:1–12a, Paul argues that he has a right to the financial support of the Corinthian church. This right derives from his status as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Having made the case for this right, however, he turns around and repudiates it in verses 12b–18:

But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

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. Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it.

Notice several things about this passage.

First, preachers have a right to the support of their congregations. Paul uses the word right or rights six times in verses 1–18. Five of the six refer to the right of material support, one to the right of marital support. Jesus Christ himself established this right through a commandment that “those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” Evidently, Paul has in mind Luke 10:7, “the worker deserves his wages.” Both 1 Corinthians 9:7–12a and 1 Timothy 5:17–18 quote Deuteronomy 25:4, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” The latter passage then quotes Luke 10:7, so it is reasonable to suppose that the former passage alludes to it as well.

Second, Paul’s calling to preach was internally motivated, not externally motivated. Paul writes, “I am compelled to preach.” Jesus Christ himself called Paul to do precisely that (Acts 9:1–19, 22:3–16, 26:9–18). Paul said of his preaching: “I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.” This internal motivation contrasts with an external motivation based on momentary fame (“boast”) or monetary fortune (“reward”). Paul tied boasting and reward to preaching the gospel “voluntarily,” not for money.

Third, Paul repudiates his right to financial support lest his motives be misinterpreted. If he demanded his right, some might think that he preached the gospel for money. Elsewhere, Paul warns against teachers “who think godliness is a means to financial gain” (1 Timothy 6:5).

Paul doesn’t critique those preachers who receive financial support from their congregations. (How could he? He just argued that it’s their right.) But in this age of televangelist financial scandals, it’s a good idea for we preachers to examine our motives and follow the spirit—if not the letter—of Paul’s example.