Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 9:11-12

"If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things? If others partake of [this] right over you, do not we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ." — 1 Corinthians 9:11-12 (ASV)

(11–12a) The same principles of the worker’s sharing in the results of his crop are now applied to God’s spiritual work. Those who have sown the spiritual seed at Corinth with its resultant harvest can expect to have their material needs supplied from that harvest. Certainly, if the Corinthians have supported other Christian workers, should they not also support Paul and his companions, who have sown spiritual seed among them?

This basic principle is true today. The Christian worker who sows the spiritual seed of the Gospel has a right to be supported materially by those who benefit from the Gospel.

(12b) The apostle now announces that he will not exercise this or any other “right” (GK 2026) that is his because he and his companions do not want to hinder the advance of the Gospel.