Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 9:13

"Know ye not that they that minister about sacred things eat [of] the things of the temple, [and] they that wait upon the altar have their portion with the altar?" — 1 Corinthians 9:13 (ASV)

Do you not know, etc. In this verse, Paul illustrates the doctrine that ministers of religion were entitled to support from the fact that those appointed to offer sacrifice received maintenance in their work.

They which minister about holy things. Probably the Levites. Their office was to provide assistance to the priests, to keep guard around the tabernacle, and subsequently around the temple. It was also their duty to ensure that the temple was kept clean and to prepare supplies for the sanctuary, such as oil, wine, incense, etc. They had care of the revenues; and, after the time of David, were required to sing in the temple and to play instruments (Numbers 3:1–36; Numbers 4:1, 30, 35, 42; Numbers 8:5–22; 1 Chronicles 23:3–5, 24, 27; 1 Chronicles 24:20–31).

Live of the things of the temple? The marginal reading is Feed; that is, they are supported in their work by the offerings of the people and by the provisions that were made for the temple service (Numbers 18:24–32).

And they which wait at the altar. These were probably the priests who were employed in offering sacrifice.

Are partakers with the altar? That is, a part of the animal offered in sacrifice is burned as an offering to God, and a part becomes the property of the priest for his support; thus, the altar and the priest become joint participators of the sacrifice. From these offerings, the priests derived their maintenance (Deuteronomy 18:1 and following).

The apostle's argument here is this: Since the ministers of religion under the Jewish dispensation were entitled to support by the authority and law of God, that fact establishes a general principle which is also applicable to the gospel—namely, that God intends for the ministers of religion to derive their support in their work. If it was reasonable then, it is reasonable now. If God commanded it then, it is to be presumed that he intends to require it now.