1 Corinthians 9:22

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 (KJV)

Then: This is the third in the series of ways which Paul would turn from personal freedom and become a servant (slave) for Christ. In it he reiterates his purpose - salvation of the souls of at least some. His listeners remember the earlier teaching about not eating meat offered to idols for the sake of those with weak consciences. Baker (p.136), however, says that even though the Corinthians would remember Paul's previous discussion, here weakness refers to those who still do not know Christ. The verse is a summary statement about those, Jews and Gentiles, who still have roadblocks to knowing the Lord.

Now: Paul puts today's Christians to shame with his Type A personality conviction, intent, and actions. We are told to work and we may want to, but we do not reach forward to the mark of that high calling.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

1 Corinthians 9:21

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 (KJV)

Then: Paul became lawless to those who were not under the Jewish law - the Gentiles (because everyone is under the laws of a state or nation). Again his purpose was to gain them for Christ.

Now: Even though Paul went to the Gentiles, he would never and could never have dishonored Christ by breaking a law which was crucial to maintaining his credibility as a follower of Lord (ten commandments). He would not go into the gang cultures, steal and do drugs. Our service as a slave to Christ has to be intentional and practical as it exemplifies his love.

1 Corinthians 9:19

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more (KJV)

Then: With this verse Paul explains he is not a free man. He belongs to Christ and is a servant to all (Baker, p. 134). That goes back to the image presented by Wright of a Roman triumphal parade in which the Christians, followers of Christ, are yoked together at the end, not standing free at the beginning.

Now: Freedom in Christ, to serve him, comes with Christ's statement that his yoke is easy. Our life, whether in the ministry or not, requires us to be his servant, yoked to him, and being purposefully dedicated to living under his laws and direction.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

1 Corinthians 9:18

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 (KJV)

Then: Corinthians understand what he is saying about his reward, that it is the preaching of the gospel itself and he delights in the spiritual harvest. The final phrase here is another caveat that follows from his not taking money. The negative action ensures that he is not abusing the power. The only one expecting his services is Christ (Fee, p. 415). Baker marks two things. Paul is asserting the right not to be paid, and he could boast in the Lord that was the one quality about his work in which he could take pride. It was a Paul thing; not a ministry prescription.

Now: The abuse of power in preaching the gospel is usually cited in another realm - that of radio and tv broadcasting. Many scoffers expect scandals and misuse of the those with a powerful tv presence or personality. When proved true for one, they say it is true for all. Dobson's approach is that of being accountable to a board. That answer works for him, but everyone needs some method by which the ministry stays sensitive to even inadvertent abuse of the gospel.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.
The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=XlBp10nUTXAC&dq=Gordon+Fee+Bible+commentator&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=SwLNSu3nA4v6Mf2XlDo&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 9:6

Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? (KJV)

Then: Paul continues presenting the list of distinguishing differences between himself and other apostles. Fee categorizes this as a third question with an answer that establishes Paul's authority as an apostle (p. 403). Paul seems to use Barnabas as another traveling apostle who worked and didn't travel in groups which would include wives. They had the right to and deserved monetary maintenance even if they didn't claim it (Baker, p. 131). By inference, if any one of the apostles mentioned in vs 4-6 was not an apostle deserving support, then neither was Paul; but if all the others were apostles deserving material support, then so did Paul deserve support. The means of support (that is, from a church) did not relate to the definition of "Who is an apostle?" On the contrary - because they were apostles, they deserved support. There is the possibility that additional members of traveling groups (wife, etc.) worked as they traveled place to place so that an apostle did not need to; however, as Barnabas and Paul traveled alone, they needed to do the work themselves.

Now: Some churches require their pastors to be married and expect compatible work from the wife. An odd problem for today's wives happens when (outside the Lord's will), the pastor divorces, yet is able to continue in another congregation as a minister. The wife is left without the husband and is no longer accepted as capable of doing the same tasks she did before - heads of women ministries, heads of children's work or valued for biblical knowledge. The issue is unseen and ignored.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.
The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online athttp://books.google.com/books?id=XlBp10nUTXAC&dq=Gordon+Fee+Bible+commentator&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=SwLNSu3nA4v6Mf2XlDo&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 9:5

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? (KJV)

Then: Fee explains there were four methods of supporting traveling philosophers in the Graeco-Roman world: by patronage, by fees, by work, or by begging. If Paul was a legitimate apostle they would be paying him or he would have someone's patronage. The lesser philosophers did other work or begged. Paul's defense here is an unspoken answer to his rhetorical question. They did have the right to be paid for their work. Henry adds that that support also extended to whoever traveled with them, wives, sisiters, fellow apostles and workers.

Now: The issue is settled. Congregations pay for the work of the pastors - unfortunately, sometimes expecting the pastor to do it all. A church like that will never grow.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online athttp://books.google.com/books?id=XlBp10nUTXAC&dq=Gordon+Fee+Bible+commentator&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=SwLNSu3nA4v6Mf2XlDo&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=falseCommentary Commentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.x.html

1 Corinthians 9:4

Have we not power to eat and to drink? (KJV)

Then: In order to help readers understand the Corinthian problem. NKJV and Wright move the word "power" into today's terminology of "rights." In the age of civil rights, this change is a big help to figure out what's involved in the conflict. Fee states that Paul , through blunt confrontation, is forcing the Corinthians to recognize his rights (p. 401).

Now: For the most part, people today believe the age of people seeing the risen Lord has passed. The two criteria for apostleship which Paul lists ( being sent for a purpose and the actual establishment of churches) are transferred to a definition of missionaries. The work may be judged, but no one questions the hearts intent of called missionaries to serve the Lord in that capacity. Nor is their need for support while on the mission field a theoretical problem.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online athttp://books.google.com/books?id=XlBp10nUTXAC&dq=Gordon+Fee+Bible+commentator&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=SwLNSu3nA4v6Mf2XlDo&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 9:3

Mine answer to them that do examine me is this (KJV)

Then: Straight declarative sentence is a flag to listeners. But more than that, the NKJV and Wright translate the word "answer" as "defense." That supports Henry's belief that Paul took the Corinthians unrest personally. It sets readers up to notice emotional (love) shadings in the coming statements.

Now: Anyone questioned or challenged has some sort of emotional reaction to being challenged about the quality of their work. Studying Paul here can help let reason and love for the listeners supercede all self concerns.

Extra source: Commentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.x.html

1 Corinthians 9:2

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 (KJV)

Then: The proof of Paul's apostleship is the existence of the Corinthian church. Matthew Henry finds a sense of discouragement on Paul's part that he has worked so hard to bring the Corinthians into the body, yet there are so many who question his apostleship, slander his reputation and character. Yet Paul still speaks to them with love.

Now: Henry states that the lack of returning kindness from people where ministers work is common. Wright also refers to poor congregational support of their ministers - either monetary, personal or spiritual. They need to read I Corinthians 9. Even if a minister's reward is the joy of bringing many to eternal salvation, he needs the material, everyday practical necessities of life. He should live at the same standard as his congregation.

Extra source: Commentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.x.html