1 Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? 2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
In this chapter Paul defends his apostolic authority before the church at Corinth (see also 2Cor 10-12). It’s position in the middle of his answer to their question of eating meat offered to idols indicates that some did not respect the authenticity of his Apostleship (see note on 1Cor 8:1). Whether purposely or innocently, the Corinthians were challenging his God-ordained authority and knowledge. The Church had formulated a doctrine and the Corinthians were disputing it.
To surrender one’s rights in order to better serve the church is of great value and very relevant to the topic of eating meat offered to idols. In the previous chapter, the Apostle concluded with a charge to the liberal-minded to refrain from eating meat if it offended their brothers in Christ. Now Paul offers himself as an acting example: he had every right to marry, to accept payment for preaching, to eat and drink what he wished; yet he had chosen not to do so for the gospel’s sake and to gain all men (v22-23). The Corinthians should do the same with respect to the eating of meat offered to idols. Avoid exercising your freedom if that causes someone to sin (at least in their presence, see v19). It’s a rather simple, obvious rule that springs directly from second-most important commandment to love thy neighbor as thyself.
Have I not seen Jesus Christ? There is no mention in the Scripture that Paul ever saw Jesus when He walked this earth as a man, but he did see Him after the resurrection (Acts 9:3; 9:17; 22:14-18; 23:11; 1Cor 15:8; 2Cor 12:2-4). It is surprising that Paul, being an ambitious, sincere Hebrew of the Hebrews, never met Jesus during His earthly ministry. Many think he was studying abroad, perhaps in Egypt with its strong Jewish community, or in Arabia where he later studied for three years (Gal 1:17).
An Apostle. Throughout the Church Age, the title of Apostle has been used and misused. What is an Apostle? The Greek word (apostolos) simply means “one sent out.” So in simple definition, an Apostle is a delegate or ambassador for Christ. However, some groups have made it be a present-day office, or special class of church leaders, above the general ministerial class. They ignore Christ’s direct teaching on that subject (Mat 23:8-12). While all Christians are truly little ambassadors for Christ, there were 12 Apostles ordained to bear witness of His life, death and resurrection. It is the utmost arrogance for a Christian leader to take the title of “Apostle.”
Although the word apostolos was not coined by the writers of the NT, they used it almost exclusively to refer to the Twelve that Christ chose to be witnesses of His earthly ministry. Thus, when the Apostles chose someone to replace Judas, they looked for someone who had accompanied Jesus during His time on earth (Acts 1:21-26). Paul became an Apostle as if born out of due time (1Cor 15:7-9). Except for rejected Judas, the early church did not replace the Apostles with new ones as they died. The Twelve Apostles of the New Covenant (thirteen with Paul) parallel the Twelve tribes of Israel of the Old Covenant, for they also numbered thirteen – Joseph’s children were both made tribal heads. See my note for 1Cor 12:28.
3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this, 4 Have we not power to eat and to drink? 5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? 7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
Paul was a living example of one who laid down his rights and personal desires for the sake of the Gospel (2Thes 3:9). His humble, itinerant life shows him following the pattern of his Master. Although preachers of the Word have a right to receive food, clothing and shelter from their service (Luke 10:7; 1Cor 9:14), Paul denied himself that recourse as a sign of his honest testimony (1Thes 2:6; 2Thes 3:9). He also chose not to re-marry in order to give himself entirely to working in the Kingdom of Christ (1Cor 7:8).
A soldier that goes to war expects to receive payment for his labor, just as the farmer expects to receive payment from the increase of his work (2Tim 2:6). Paul however, that good soldier of Jesus Christ (2Tim 2:3), fought the spiritual warfare of the Kingdom without earthly recompense. The sower who first planted the seed in Corinth (1Cor 3:6) refused to receive from them even a penny (2Cor 11:8-12). He wanted to be sure not to hinder the Gospel of Christ (v12). It was a wise choice, given the Corinthian church’s alacrity for fault-finding. For if he had accepted their money, they would surely be now accusing him of taking advantage of them.
Here Paul links himself with Barnabas instead of Silas or Timothy, which could indicate that this epistle was written before their famous disagreement regarding John Mark at the beginning of Paul’s second missionary journey (see Acts 15:39). However, Timothy is also named in this letter (1Cor 4:17; 16:10), so the link could rather be that Barnabas had also made the decision to refrain from accepting contributions for his ministry.
8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? 10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? 12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
The Law of Moses includes various commandments concerning the treatment of animals (i.e. Mat 12:11). God cares for all the creatures of His creation, but most of all for the souls of man (Mat 10:29-31). He made them to be special heirs of salvation (Heb 1:14). The OT laws are consistent examples for the rules of right behavior in human relationships. To muzzle a working ox would be contrary to the principle of just recompense for labor (see also 1Tim 5:17-18). The Apostle however, did not accept payment for doing the Lord’s work at Corinth (2Cor 11:9). He was determined to not let his ministry be undermined by gossips and critics who might try to say he was a travelling sage making money by his wit and intellect. So he worked to earn his daily food and lodging.
13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. 15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
The Law also made several provisions for the material needs of priests who served in the temple. The priests, for example, were entitled to a share of the meat or grain of each offering (Deut 18:1). Jesus stayed and ate in the homes of His followers. He taught that ministers of the Word should be supported by their listeners (Mat 10:10; Luke 10:7).
16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. 18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
Paul preached the Gospel of Christ because it was necessary, urgent, important. He felt compelled to preach, for Christ had called him to be His Apostle to the Gentiles. If he responded willingly and gave himself fully unto his calling, God would reward him abundantly for his efforts and sacrifice (Mat 19:29). So this was his motivation – not to receive money and reward from men, but to be recompensed by God with eternal crown and rewards. On the other hand, if Paul were to grudgingly preach the Gospel, as the prophet Jonah before him, then he would be simply doing his job. He would receive recompense, but as payment for services rendered; no bonus or reward.
The idea of doing the will of Christ willingly (hekon) does not mean you find it joyful in every moment, for the sacrifice of Self comes hard (read Paul’s testimony in 2Cor 4). To act willingly is to act according to your own choice, according to the rational determinations of your own mind; others are not forcing you act (Rom 8:20). It is not a feeling, but a mental decision. Doing right even when you don’t feel like it is not acting unwillingly, but willingly. You have chosen to voluntarily follow the course of your own mind.
Paul believed there was a reward to be found in preaching the Gospel without charge. Certainly there will be heavenly rewards for such actions (1Cor 3:10-15), and even earthly rewards in a spiritual sense. His willing message, unhindered by any hint of bribe or outside compulsion, was far more effective. Enemy criticisms on that subject could not succeed.
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
Being free from the pocketbooks of every man did not mean that Paul counted himself free to serve his own desires. He willingly made himself to be a servant unto all. He worked with all diligence to convert all souls to Christ, not just his target-group the Gentiles. He witnessed to the Jews within their consciences and to the lawless within their mental levels.
Some groups use these verses to teach that Christians should “engage the culture” in order to win the lost, but be sure to act wisely in that venture. Paul never compromised or mixed Christianity with other cultures. Instead, he journeyed near and far testifying of Christ to men and women within their various cultures. The book of Acts shows him using the customs and beliefs of the people in a particular city to demonstrate the truth of the Gospel. To the Jews he showed Christ out of their Scriptures, to the pagan Greeks he used their gods and superstitions to convict them of the one true God, to the ungodly and unlawful he entered their world and spoke to them on a mental level they would understand and agree. From those bases he called them out of their darkness into the light of Christ.
There appears to be two groups in verse 20: the Jews, and them that are under the Law. The Jews were adherents of the Old Testament Judaic system, while them that are under the Law were Christians that continued to observe the Mosaic Law, at least to some extent. Consistent with his mental methods here, we see Paul in Acts 18 participating with Timothy and some other Christian Jews in a certain vow that involved shaving his head. Paul affirms in many occasions that He had no reason to keep the Jewish Law, but in order to gain some, he became as under the Law.
I am made all things to all men. Paul was an unabashed evangelist, completely committed to gaining every lost soul he could. Paraphrasing Adam Clarke: “St. Paul became all things to all men – not meaning he was of fickle, man-pleasing disposition, for no man was more firm or decided in character than Paul. Yet, whenever he could with good conscience yield so as to please and edify his neighbor, he did so. His yielding disposition is a proof of the greatness of his soul. An unyielding, obstinate mind is always a little mind; peevish and critical. On the other hand, Paul-like persons are blessings wheresoever they go. The obstinate, hoggish man is either a general curse or a general cross; and if he happen to be a preacher of the Gospel, his is a burdensome ministry.”
23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
The cause of Christ, the Kingdom of heaven. This was the top priority in Paul’s mind. His actions were always chosen to advance that purpose. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God (Mat 6:33). It is an essential mindset, especially for a new Christian – to consciously, constantly think and act with God’s Kingdom in first place. Is there a church service planned? I will be there. Is there a need for volunteers? Here am I, send me. Is there a monetary concern? Give in good measure, pressed down and running over! This was the shining example of Paul the Apostle. So striving in the race, he came from the back of the pack to out-run them all (2Cor 11:5).
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
The false teachers who think that Man does nothing to gain the eternal crown are thoroughly confounded by these verses. The life of Paul is one high example of throwing aside every weight, disdaining every earthly pleasure and making every effort to work for Christ. He strove as if there were only one winner, as though he was fighting or running to win the top prize. He beat down (hupopiazo) the desires of his body in order to bring it into subjection to his will and mind (v27); he made a slave of his body (doulagogo). The mind and will is the battleground of all sins of flesh and spirit.
The athlete who wishes to be successful in his contests must maintain a rigid training regimen and dietary plan – he is temperate in all things. Likewise the Christian who seeks that spiritual life from above must keep his flesh under strict control – he must mortify the body with its selfish deeds (Rom 8:13; Col 3:5). The athlete competes with purpose and goal; not as uncertainly, hesitantly or contradictorily. So too the Christian in his spiritual race.
Paul often likened the Christian life to a race (2Tim 2:5; Heb 12:1; Php 3:14; 2Tim 4:7). It is a good analogy, for both have starting points and a finish line. Both require commitment, effort, stamina, courage. Both have rules and qualifications, both offer prizes to the winners. Yet, while an earthly race has only one winner, each person who crosses the finish line in the Christian race will receive the incorruptible crown. We are not competing against other runners, but against Self, Sin and the World. It is imperative that we maintain the course unto the end (Mat 24:13; James 1:12; Rev 2:10).
I like to think of it as an obstacle course race, not a simple race against time. Many years ago in Alaska, a diptheria outbreak in a remote town prompted a dangerous, difficult sled-dog race in the dead of winter over 1000 kilometers of roadless wilderness to bring life-saving serum to the threatened people of Nome. The runners faced incredible obstacles – 100km/hour winds, minus 50 degree temperatures and record levels of snow made navigation extremely difficult. The dogs struggled to pull the sled over snow banks 20 feet deep, and they had to cross dangerous sea ice broken up by the gale-force winds. Once the cylinder of serum fell into the deep snow and was almost lost. Yet, in just six days the relay succeeded in bringing the precious medicine to Nome. One dog had travelled over 500 kilometers. The Christian life is a race! And Satan is trying to get you to fail.
I myself should be a castaway. This is a death blow to the Calvinistic idea that a saved person cannot lose his salvation. If Paul thought it possible to be disqualified from the race, how much more we lesser souls. Obviously, one must finish the race, or else he is ineligible to win any prize. And preachers are not exempt from this warning; in fact, they are the chief target of the Apostle’s words. Satan knows that to corrupt a church’s leaders is to corrupt a multitude more.