This chapter is a conversation about Christian freedom. This follows on from the last chapter. Food that was sacrificed to idols had been dealt with. There will be areas of disagreement among Christians that come under Christian freedom but are to be guided in the public exercising this freedom by the conscience of the other individual(s) who may stumble. Paul uses his own life as an example.

1. Paul’s right to receive their support (vs. 1-14)

Paul gives his five arguments for seeking financial support from the Church. He then flips the coin to give arguments for him to refuse it. There are good reasons for us to refuse our rights and put others first.

• His apostleship (vs. 1-6). Paul was an apostle. He had seen the risen Christ. He had set up the Church in Corinth. He was called by God and he should be supported.
• Human experience (vs. 7). A Labourer is worthy of his heir.
• Old Testament law vs. 8-12. Deut 25:4. There is biblical backup for Paul to be supported.
• Jewish custom (vs. 13). Those who were priests and Levites were supported.
• The teaching of Jesus (vs. 14). It was taught by Jesus.

Paul had every right to be supported. The fact that he had the right did not mean that he should. Paul made tents in Corinth rather than take their money.

2 – Paul’s right to refuse their support (vs. 15-27)

What is more important than my rights? Paul gives three arguments that negate his five arguments for his rights.

• For the sake of the gospel (vs. 15-18). Paul does not want to be seen one who is in it for the cash. It was free of charge.
• For the sake of the lost (vs. 19-23). He didn’t want to be tied down and dependant on anyone. He wanted to reach any audience.
• For his own sake (vs. 24-27). He was aware of the discipline it was required to be in the ministry of Jesus. He trained like he was like an athlete aiming to finish first in the Olympics.

Paul recognised what was the most important. “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose” – Jim Elliott. Not all things in life in black and white. Out of love for others we may abandon our freedom in some circumstances.

Categories: 1 Corinthians