1 Corinthians 9:11

If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it. great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?

'If we sowed' -And if farmers had the right to share in the material benefits of their labors (i.e. they live off their land), how much more the laborers in God's field. men like Paul himself. (1 Corinthians 3:6-9 'I planted..')

'spiritual things' -in teaching them the gospel, giving them spiritual life (1 Corinthians 4:16) In addition, from Paul they had also received spiritual gifts. (See Romans 15:27; Galatians 6:6)

'is it. great matter' -'is it too much to expect from you' (NEB); 'it should be "no big thing" therefore, for him to reap. material harvest from them.' (Fee p. 409)

Willis adds, 'The word megas (great) emphasizes just how disportionate the work of sowing (what is given: the gospel) is to that which is reaped (what is received: financial support). There is really, therefore, no just compensation for the communication of the gospel to someone.' (p. 289)

'carnal things' -material support.