Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 9:14

"Even so did the Lord ordain that they that proclaim the gospel should live of the gospel." — 1 Corinthians 9:14 (ASV)

Even so. In the same manner, and for the same reasons.

Has the Lord ordained. Has the Lord appointed, commanded, arranged that it should be so (dietaxe). This word means that He has made this a law, or has required it. The word "Lord" here undoubtedly refers to the Lord Jesus, who has sent forth His ministers to labor in the great harvest of the world.

That they who preach the gospel. They who are sent forth by Him; who devote their lives to this work; who are called and employed by Him in this service. This refers, therefore, not only to the apostles, but to all who are duly called to this work, and who are His ambassadors.

Should live of the gospel. Should be supported and maintained in this work. Paul here probably refers to the appointment of the Lord Jesus, when He sent forth His disciples to preach (Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:8). Compare Galatians 6:6. The man may be said to "live in the gospel" who is supported while he preaches it, or who derives his maintenance in that work. Here we may observe:

1. That the command is that they should live (zhn) of the gospel. It is not that they should grow rich, or accumulate treasures, or speculate in it, or become merchants, farmers, teachers, or book-makers for a living; rather, it is that they should have such maintenance as to constitute a livelihood.

   They should be made comfortable, not rich. They should receive enough to keep their minds from being harassed with cares, and their families from want, but not so much as to lead them to forget their dependence on God or on the people.

   Probably the true rule is that they should be able to live as the mass of the people among whom they labor live. They should be able to receive and entertain the poor, and be willing to do it, so that the rich also may not despise them or turn away from their dwelling.

2. This is a command of the Lord Jesus; and if it is a command, it should be obeyed as much as any other law of the Redeemer. If this is a command, then the minister is entitled to support, and the people are not at liberty to withhold it.

   Furthermore, there are as strong reasons why they should support him as there are why they should pay a schoolmaster, a lawyer, a physician, or a day-labourer. The minister usually toils as hard as others, expends as much in preparing for his work, and does as much good.

   Indeed, there is an even higher claim in this case: God has given an express command in this instance; He has not in the others.

3. A minister's salary should not be regarded merely as a gift, any more than the pay of a congressman, a physician, or a lawyer. He has a claim to it, and God has commanded that it should be paid.

   It is, moreover, a matter of stipulation and compact, by which the people agree to compensate him for his services.

   And yet, is there anything in the form of debt where there is so much looseness as in regard to this subject? Are people usually as conscientious in this as they are in paying a physician or a merchant? Are ministers not often in distress for what has been promised them, and which they have a right to expect? And is not their usefulness, the happiness of the people, and the honor of religion intimately connected with obeying the rule of the Lord Jesus in this respect?