Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Corinthians 9:1-14

"Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not ye my work in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. My defence to them that examine me is this. Have we no right to eat and to drink? Have we no right to lead about a wife that is a believer, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Or I only and Barnabas, have we not a right to forbear working? 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? Do I speak these things after the manner of men? or saith not the law also the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. Is it for the oxen that God careth, or saith he it assuredly for our sake? Yea, for our sake it was written: because he that ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he that thresheth, [to thresh] in hope of partaking. 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. 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? Even so did the Lord ordain that they that proclaim the gospel should live of the gospel." — 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 (ASV)

It is not new for a minister to encounter unkindness in return for goodwill to a people, and for diligent and successful service among them. To the criticisms of some, the apostle answers by presenting himself as an example of self-denial for the good of others.

He had a right to marry, just like other apostles, and to claim what was needed for his wife, and for any children he might have, from the churches, without working with his own hands to obtain it. Those who seek to benefit our souls should have food provided for them. But he renounced his right, rather than hinder his success by claiming it.

It is the people's duty to maintain their minister. He may waive his right, as Paul did; but those who deny or withhold due support transgress a command of Christ.