1 Corinthians 9:4-10

Paul's Rights As An Apostle

The church should feed its workers. As an apostle, Paul claimed the right to receive food and drink for his labors. It would seem most of the apostles were married. Paul and Barnabas had a right to support for themselves and a family as much as any other apostle, or one sent by the Lord. Of course, if they had a wife, she must be a believer (2 Corinthians 6:14-16). Even the Lord's brethren were married (Matthew 8:14; Mark 1:30; Luke 4:38.) Paul called Barnabas an apostle because he was "one sent" (1 Corinthians 9:4-6; Acts 14:1-4; Acts 13:2; Galatians 2:9).

Wages are the incentive to faithful workers in any line of work. This was God's opinion as well as man's. The apostle quoted Deuteronomy 25:4 to show that God even wants working animals to be treated fairly (compare Psalms 104:21; Psalms 27:1-14; Psalms 28:1-9; Psalms 29:1-11; Psalms 30:1-12; Psalms 147:9; Job 38:41; Matthew 6:26-30; Luke 12:24). If God cares for animals, he would certainly care for men. Paul used the principle to show that man should pay a fair wage to the laborer for his work. Again, the laborer's incentive is his reward (1 Corinthians 9:7-10).