Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Corinthians 9:7

"What soldier ever serveth at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?" — 1 Corinthians 9:7 (ASV)

Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges?—Three illustrations from human life and business show that the principle which has been adopted in the Christian Church is not exceptional. A soldier receives his pay; the planter of a vineyard eats the fruit of it; and the owner of a flock is supported by selling the milk.

The best manuscripts omit the word “of” before “fruit.” It probably crept into later texts from the occurrence of that word with “milk.” But a vineyard owner actually eats his fruit. In contrast, it would not only be strange to speak of “eating” milk, but the owner of flocks would also really be sustained primarily by selling the milk and purchasing food with the money obtained from it.

He would eat “of” the milk. It is worth noting that St. Paul never (with the one exception of Acts 20:28-29) takes up the image supplied by the Lord Himself of Christ as the Shepherd and the Church as His flock. Even here, where the occurrence of the word “flock” must have suggested it, this image is not alluded to.

On the other hand, St. Peter’s favourite image is that of “the flock.” The command, Feed My flock, would have made it touchingly familiar to him.

St. Paul’s imagery from nature and country life is more practical than poetic, whereas his images from military, political, and social life possess the vivid reality expected from one whose life was spent chiefly in towns.

It has been observed that St. Paul’s vindication falls naturally into three divisions:

1. The argument from induction (1 Corinthians 9:1–6).
2. That from analogy (1 Corinthians 9:7).
3. That from authority (1 Corinthians 9:8).