1 Corinthians 9:11-15

Physical Rewards for Spiritual Service

Spiritual blessings are beyond value, so paying the laborer who brought such was a good exchange. Other cases of spiritual debt being repaid with material goods could have been listed by the apostle (Romans 15:25-31; 1 Peter 4:15-17; Acts 11:27-30). Paul reminded the Corinthians that they had supported others. Certainly he and Barnabas deserved the same. Paul had not asked for wages so he could not be accused of seeking personal gain (1 Corinthians 9:11-12).

As the apostle went on to note, those working in the temple sacrificing ate of those sacrifices (Numbers 18:8-13; Deuteronomy 18:1). Also, the Lord established a principle that would require pay for spiritual labor (Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:7). Paul did not exercise his right to receive pay. Neither did he write to start doing so. Paul would rather have died than receive earthly reward since he received great spiritual joy from sacrifice for the gospel's sake. By not receiving pay, he was able to reach many more people with the gospel, which gave him joy (1 Corinthians 9:13-15).