Topic(s): Bible Authority

Todd Clippard

What Paul is doing in 1 Corinthians 9:8-10 is using an Old Testament principle and giving it a New Testament application. The text reads,

"Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? 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? 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."

Paul clarifies the point he is trying to make - if God gave a law to Israel concerning the care of oxen at work, then He would not leave His own servants of the word without proper provisions. In verse 11 of the text, Paul said if he was the Corinthians' servant in spiritual things, then it was perfectly acceptable for him to receive support for his efforts. Paul went on to say in verse 12 that he did not exercise this right, but wanted the Corinthians to know he could exercise it if he so chose.

In verses 13-14, Paul once and for all declares his right to be supported financially as a preacher of the gospel:

"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? Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel."

The Old Testament, and the Mosaic Law in particular, was not given as a law for God's children today. In the second giving of the Ten Commandments and the explanation of the purpose of the Sabbath, Deuteronomy 5:1-3 is clear concerning the scope of the authority of the Law (emp mine TC):

"And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day."