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1 Corinthians Chapter Nine

                             

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Examples of Giving Up the Liberty of Christians

A.  The liberty that Paul can enjoy ---- the authority of apostle (v.1-14):

1.  The seal of Paul’s apostleship (v.1-3);

2.  The authority that Paul can enjoy as an apostle (v.4-14);

B.  The reason why Paul gives up his authority (v.15-27):

1.  To present the gospel of Christ without charge (v.15-18);

2.  To gain men (v.19-23);

3.  To obtain the prize (v.24-27);

 

II. Verse by Verse Commentary

 

1Cor.9:1 “Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? ”

   YLT: “Am not I an apostle? am not I free? Jesus Christ our Lord have I not seen? my work are not ye in the Lord?”

Meaning of Words: “apostle”: the one who is sent;

Literal Meaning: “am I not free?” ---- Do I not enjoy the same liberty with other Christians?

“Am I not an apostle?” ---- The “apostle” can be divided into two sorts: narrowly speaking it referred to the twelve apostles ---- who were chosen by the Lord Jesus directly (see Luke 6:13) ---- and Matthias who was chosen by lots in place of Judas (Acts 1:15-26). Broadly speaking the apostle referred to the worker appointed by the Spirit and sent by the church (see Acts 13:2; 14:14; Rom. 16:7).

“Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?” ---- At that time those who opposed Paul thought Paul could be the apostle if only he had seen the Lord Jesus in the flesh. Actually Paul had seen the risen Lord Jesus who appeared to him on the way to Damascus (see Acts 9:3-5; 1Cor. 15:8). Moreover he also saw the Lord in the castle of the Romans in Jerusalem (see Acts 23:11).

“Are you not my work in the Lord?” ---- “You” referred to the church in Corinth which was built by Paul Himself who had dwelt among them for eighteen months (see Acts 18:1-11). Most of the believers in Corinth at that time were saved by Paul.

The answers to the four questions are all “yes”. Paul had the liberty of Christian. Paul is the apostle. Paul had seen the risen Lord Jesus. Paul built the church at Corinth.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    A normal Christian is a free man released by Christ (see Gal. 5:1) as well as a free man who is not limited by rules or letters.

2)    Today though the workers of the Lord can not see our Lord with our physical eyes they should at least receive the revelation of the Son of God in spirit (see Gal. 1:16) and know the Lord so that they can preach the Lord to others.

 

1Cor.9:2 “If I am not an apostle to others yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. ”

   YLT: “if to others I am not an apostle -- yet doubtless to you I am; for the seal of my apostleship are ye in the Lord.”

Meaning of Words: “seal”: ;

Literal Meaning: “if I am not an apostle to others yet doubtless I am to you” “you” refers to believers in Corinth. Others may not confess Paul but believers in Corinth must confess his apostleship.

“For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.” ---- “Seal” in the original is a mark of authority. That believers in Corinth had been in Christ was the proof that Paul was the apostle.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    A Chinese proverb goes like this “When one drinks water one must not forget where it comes from”. If a believer has truly known the Lord by someone he has to admit that the one is sent by God to bring him to believe the Lord.

2)    Many people focus on the “qualifications or conditions” of the apostleship but the words of God tell us the “seal or evidence” of the apostleship. That one has seen the Lord and known the Lord is the seal of his apostleship not qualification. And that one does the works well and can gain men is the seal of his apostleship not qualification.

3)    What is really important is the reality of the apostleship not the reputation of the apostleship. It is not important that whether men confess the apostleship. What is crucially important is whether the Lord confesses or not (see 2Tim. 2:12 19).

 

1Cor.9:3 “My defense to those who examine me is this:”

   YLT: “My defence to those who examine me in this;”

Meaning of Words: “examine”: judge search ask question discern;

Literal Meaning: “examine” it refers to judgment with hostility. At that time there were divisions in the church at Corinth. And three of the four parts declared they were not of Paul (see 1Cor. 1:12). Apparently many believers doubted Paul’s apostleship and even examined him to Paul’s face.

  The word “defense” that Paul uses here is a judicial word referring to the official defense. Paul set himself in the position of defendant and defended himself against those who charged him.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    It is unavoidable for workers who have really received the spiritual ministry to be doubted by those who are of the flesh. Even the worker ---- like Paul who has perfect spiritual enlightenment and power ---- is examined by others so it will be no wonder that many believers are unfriendly to the workers of the Lord. However if you have really been entrusted with the Lord you need not be discouraged or disappointed but shall try your best to bring those who oppose you to the Lord.

2)    The whole life of the Lord’s servant is a life that is being tried throughout the whole life. He shall be examined by God as well as by men. Evil report and good report both examine men.

 

1Cor.9:4 “Do we have no right to eat and drink?”

   YLT: “have we not authority to eat and to drink?”

Literal Meaning: “right” is the same word as “liberty” (1Cor. 8:9) referring to the right obtained in the Lord. “Eat and drink” relate to one’s life (v.14) namely the provision that maintains one’s life.

  Those who work for the Lord and preach the gospel have the right to obtain the provision for their life from those who have enjoyed the spiritual profit (see v.11).

 

1Cor.9:5 “Do we have no right to take along a believing wife as do also the other apostles the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?”

   YLT: “have we not authority a sister -- a wife -- to lead about as also the other apostles and the brethren of the Lord and Cephas?”

Literal Meaning: “do we have no right to take along a believing wife” “take along”: the husband takes along his wife to go out to preach the words of God and the church pays the expense.

“As do also the other apostles the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?” ---- “The brothers of the Lord” refer to the brothers of the Lord Jesus in the flesh among whom James and Jude ---- the authors of the Book of James and the Book of Jude ---- were comparatively famous (see Mark 6:3). “Cephas” was Simon Peter (see John 1:42) who married early (see Mark 1:30).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The preachers have the right to marry believing sisters but have no right to marry the Gentiles for the preachers should match their words with deeds and be the examples of believers.

2)    It is quite good if the husband and his wife have one mind and walk and work together. If the preacher has chosen a right spouse he has got twice the result with half the effort for it will be helpful for his (or her) work. If one has not chosen a proper spouse he has just got half the result with twice the effort for it will be of no help for his (or her) work. However it is still helpful for himself (or herself) to experience the cross (see Gen. 2:18) for it is jointed by God (Matt. 19:6).

 

1Cor.9:6 “Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working?”

   YLT: “or only I and Barnabas have we not authority -- not to work?”

Literal Meaning: “Barnabas” was in a rich family but he sold his land and devoted the price to the church in Jerusalem (Acts 4:36-37). Later he was sent by the church to the church in Antioch to help them (Acts 11:22) and he brought Paul to serve saints in Antioch together (Acts 11:25-26). Afterwards both of them were sent by the Spirit through the church in Antioch to go out to preach the words of God (Acts 13:2-3). Before the second time of their preachment there arose very warm feeling so that they separated from one another (Acts 15:37-39). Then the Scriptures do not record things about Barnabas except for this verse. However here Paul especially mentioned Barnabas so we can infer that they had become reconciled. And Mark who caused the separation between Barnabas and Paul was used by Paul again (Col. 4:10; 2Tim. 4:11). Possibly Paul had mentioned Barnabas when he preached the gospel in Corinth or perhaps Barnabas had worked in Corinth there so believers in Corinth knew him.

  Here the “work” does not refer to the work of serving the Lord but the work of keeping one’s livelihood by labor. Paul was a tent-maker by trade (Acts 18:3) but we do not know what Barnabas job was for it was not written in the Scriptures.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The rights of the Lord’s workers relate to our physical bodies: eating and drinking (v.4) marriage (v.5) and not working. The Lord cares for our bodies so that we can serve His body ---- the church.

2)    Today the church needs both workers who refrain from working in the world and devote all their time to serve as well as workers who serve when they are still working in the world. The former is good and the latter is also good. Whether one chooses the former one or the latter one depends on the Lord’s guidance to everyone.

 

1Cor.9:7 “Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock? ”

   YLT: “who doth serve as a soldier at his own charges at any time? who doth plant a vineyard and of its fruit doth not eat? or who doth feed a flock and of the milk of the flock doth not eat?”

Literal Meaning: “who ever goes to war at his own expense?” ---- It is deserved that the nation takes the responsibility of the livelihood of the soldiers that the nation recruits.

“Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit?” ---- Perhaps it is quoted from the Book of Deuteronomy (20:6) or the Book of Proverbs (27:18). Today the custom is still kept in many places ---- those who visit to the orchard can pick the fruit in the orchard as they wish but should not take the fruit out of the orchard.

“Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?” ---- It is an unalterable principle that the pastors can drink the milk that they have produced without payment.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    “Expense fruit and milk” all refer to the full provision in Christ. Here we can see the normal condition of service ---- one can enjoy the full Christ when serving the Lord. This is the predestination of the loving God to those who serve Him.

2)    If we only feel the labor instead of enjoyment in service or if we have only works instead of the enjoyment of the fullness of Christ or if we can only preach the gospel to others instead of the enjoyment of the reality of Christ’s gospel this is not the will of God. Such service can not endure long.

3)    The Lord’s workers are warriors of the kingdom of God who fight in the spiritual battles. They are husbandmen who cultivate the land of God. And they are shepherds who shepherd the people of God.

4)    Paul used the examples like going to wars and farming and stock raising ---- that the people at that time were familiar with ---- so as to give them deep impression. It also tells us that if the preachers are good at using widely known examples there will be of good effects.

 

1Cor.9:8 “Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? ”

   YLT: “According to man do I speak these things? or doth not also the law say these things?”

Literal Meaning: “do I say these things as a mere man?” ---- It means that one is deserved to receive the reward (Rom. 4:4).

“Or does not the law say the same also?” ---- “The law” here refers to the Scriptures. The whole verse means that the Scriptures have also given us clear teachings.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Christians shall not only use the knowledge that men have commonly known but also quote the words in the Scriptures. Though the human knowledge is good it is not better than the words of God.

2)    “Man’s will” tends to be different from “the will of God”. Then we have to say “not as I will but as your will” (Matt. 26:39).

 

1Cor.9:9 “For it is written in the law of Moses "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it oxen God is concerned about? ”

   YLT: “for in the law of Moses it hath been written `thou shalt not muzzle an ox treading out corn;' for the oxen doth God care?”

The Background: in the ancient times men often used oxen to tread out the grain so as to thresh the grain from the chaff. Then men raised the grain and chaff together before the wind so the lighter chaff would float further and the weightier grain would fall down nearer so that the grain could be separated from the chaff.

Literal Meaning: “for it is written in the law of Moses” the following scriptures are quoted from the Book of Deuteronomy (25:4).

“You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” ---- It means that when the ox works it can eat any grain around it.

“Is it oxen God is concerned about?” ---- It indicates that the law is not only set for the ox but also for men actually (see v.10).

Enlightenment in the Word: the workers of the Lord are “oxen” that tread out the grain. We should work hard and faithfully like the ox but should not be “bull headed”.

 

1Cor.9:10 “Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes no doubt this is written that he who plows should plow in hope and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. ”

   YLT: “or because of us by all means doth He say ? yes because of us it was written because in hope ought the plower to plow and he who is treading of his hope to partake in hope.”

Literal Meaning: “or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes no doubt this is written” it indicates that the commandment in verse nine actually cares for “man”.

“That he who plows should plow in hope” it suggests that all the farmers who plow go to plow in hope.

“And he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope” all those who thresh go to thresh in hope of receiving grain.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Since God is concerned about the ox (v.9) He will be more concerned about the workers who work diligently as oxen for the gospel.

2)    The will of God is that we should have enjoyment in our works. If one has only payment but no fruit in the Lord’s works or has only labor but no enjoyment the man or the works may have some problem.

 

1Cor.9:11 “If we have sown spiritual things for you is it a great thing if we reap your material things?”

   YLT: “If we to you the spiritual things did sow -- great if we your fleshly things do reap?”

Literal Meaning: “if we have sown spiritual things for you” the preachment of the gospel is sowing spiritual seeds for the purpose of producing spiritual life (see Matt. 13:18-23; 1Cor. 3:6-8).

“Is it a great thing if we reap your material things?” ---- “Is it a great thing” it means that it is reasonable.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Let him that is taught in the word communicate to him that teaches in all good things (Gal. 6:6).

2)    What believers communicates to the workers of the Lord will not be more than what the workers communicate to believers for one is spiritual and the other is material; and one is a great thing and the other is a small thing; and one is of life and the other is in the flesh.

 

1Cor.9:12 “If others are partakers of this right over you are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. ”

   YLT: “if others do partake of the authority over you -- not we more? but we did not use this authority but all things we bear that we may give no hindrance to the good news of the Christ.”

Meaning of Words: “endure”: roof over cover with silence bear; “hinder”: obstacle cut off the way;

Literal Meaning: “if others are partakers of this right over you are we not even more?” ---- “Others” suggest that there were men who had been provided by the church at Corinth.

“Nevertheless we have not used this right” “this right” relates to the right of enjoying the provision of money and substance from the church.

“But endure all things” “all things” refer to the works of preachment and livelihood and all the sufferings because of them. “Endure”: endure physical and spiritual sufferings.

“Lest we hinder the gospel of Christ” Paul cleared all the hindrances of the gospel of Christ and was willing to give up all his rights of enjoyment.

Enlightenment in the Word:

Though we Christians have some rights of believers when applying these rights we shall still restricted by a higher law namely the law of love. The law of love by no means focuses on one’s self. Love makes man give up his right for the sake of others.

Believers should most gladly spend and be utterly spent for man’s soul (2Cor. 12:15). The workers of the Lord give up their rights lest they hinder the gospel of Christ. This is a kind of most gladly spending and being utterly spent.

 

1Cor.9:13 “Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar?”

   YLT: “Have ye not known that those working about the things of the temple -- of the temple do eat and those waiting at the altar -- with the altar are partakers?”

Literal Meaning: “do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple” this is the taking care of priests and the Levites in the Law of Moses (see Lev. 6:16 26; 7:31-36; Num. 18:8 31; Deut. 18:1-3). “Holy things” refer to the hollowed things and things belonging to the temple. “Minister” means labor. “The things of the temple” refer to the showbread and the offerings.

“And those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar?” ---- “Serve”: attend as a servant; “serve…the altar” it includes slaughtering the bullock or sheep cutting them up into pieces lighting the fire pouring out the ashes and etc. “The offerings of the altar” refer to the sacrifices.

 

1Cor.9:14 “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.”

   YLT: “so also did the Lord direct to those proclaiming the good news: of the good news to live.”

Literal Meaning: “even so the Lord has commanded” the following words may be quoted from the Book of Matthew according to its meaning (10:10).

“That those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel” its meaning is the same as the words of the Lord: “for the workman is worthy of his nourishment”.

 

1Cor.9:15 “But I have used none of these things nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. ”

   YLT: “And I have used none of these things; neither did I write these things that it may be so done in my case for good for me rather to die than that any one may make my glorying void;”

The Background: Paul had received the provision of his life in other churches (see Phil. 4:15-16). Only in Corinth he earned a living by making tents (see Acts. 18:3) and did not receive anything of the church at Corinth at all. He even said here it would be better for him to die than that anyone should make his boasting void. From the two epistles that Paul wrote to the Corinthians we can see that it is because believers in Corinth were not only carnal but also unfriendly and examined and opposed him in many ways (see 1Cor. 2:3; 4:3 18; 9:3; 11:16; 14:37-38; 16:17; 1Cor. 1:17 23; 6:12; 10:2 6-7; 11:4-9 16-20; 12:11 13-16; 13:2-3 10).

Literal Meaning: “but I have used none of these things” it means that Paul has never received the provision of the church at Corinth.

“Nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me” Paul spoke it out at this time for the purpose of teaching them to learn his example of giving up the rights for others not gain sympathy from them.

“For it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void” “my boasting” someone explained that he had not lived from the gospel lest others should say he was hired to preach the gospel. If such explanation was right Paul would have to keep the same attitude towards other churches. But the fact was not thus (see the background). Therefore the best explanation was that his boasting was his example that he matched his words with deeds (see Matt. 23:3). He taught other to walk according to love instead of knowledge (see 1Cor. 8:1) lest he make the weak brothers stumble on account of the liberty of Christians (see 1Cor. 8:9-13). Most of the believers that Paul met in Corinth were of the flesh so Paul gave up his right so as not to offend them.

What Paul boasted of was his example that he gave up his right for the sake of the weak brothers. He said it would be better for him to die than that believers should defame his testimony so as to humiliate the name of the Lord.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The Lord did not come to be served but serve. He serves without seeking man’s reward. This is the loftiest testimony of service for priests and preachers.

2)    The faithful servant of the Lord is willing to pay the cost of life to keep the testimony of Christ.

 

1Cor.9:16 “For if I preach the gospel I have nothing to boast of for necessity is laid upon me; yes woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!”

   YLT: “for if I may proclaim good news it is no glorying for me for necessity is laid upon me and wo is to me if I may not proclaim good news;”

Literal Meaning: “for if I preach the gospel I have nothing to boast of for necessity is laid upon me” “necessity is laid upon me”: I am pressed by the necessity.

  Believers are entrusted by the Lord to preach the gospel (see v.17) so they have to preach. Since it is not of their own will they have no boasting.

“Yes woe is me if I do not preach the gospel” if he did not preach the gospel he would disobey the commandment of God and be unfaithful to his duty and would thus be disciplined by God.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    All those who are seized by the Lord have none other thing to do but preaching the words of God for it is started by the Lord. There is no alternative for men themselves.

2)    Those who have right knowledge of the preachment of the gospel have nothing to boast about for the preachment of the gospel is their duty.

 

1Cor.9:17 “For if I do this willingly I have a reward; but if against my will I have been entrusted with a stewardship.”

   YLT: “for if willing I do this I have a reward; and if unwillingly -- with a stewardship I have been entrusted!”

Literal Meaning: “for if I do this willingly I have a reward” “do this” refers to the preachment of the gospel. If one is faithful to the preachment of the gospel entrusted by God he will have a reward from God.

“But if against my will I have been entrusted with a stewardship” “stewardship” refers to the ministry of steward. When Paul met the Lord he was entrusted by the Lord to receive the responsibility of stewardship concerning the preachment of the gospel (see Acts 9:15; 26:16-18).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    When Paul preaches the gospel he does not pay particular attention to whether he is in good mood whether it is smooth in environment whether it is in season or out of season whether he has the burden or not he has to do it for the Lord has already entrusted him the mission.

2)    Our preachment of the gospel is not on account of the encouragement of others but the duty entrusted by God to us. Therefore if we do it willingly we shall have rewards. If we do not preach the gospel we have disobeyed the commandment of God and woe will be us (v.16).

3)    The way of a preacher is chosen by himself. Since he has made the choice he should be willing to fulfill the ministry. Since one has already walked in the way of preaching the gospel and has taken the responsibility of preaching the gospel if he is unwilling woe will be to him. No one having laid his hand on plough and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62).

4)    If one who has already been entrusted to preach the gospel is unwilling to do it he has owned others and destroyed himself and woe will indeed be to him. Therefore one who has chosen such a way he should firstly learn to have willingness and be fully confident that it is predestinated and glorious. If he preaches the gospel joyfully with such readiness he will surely be rewarded. No man can understand the joy that labors for the Lord.

5)    One who has really been entrusted by God to preach the gospel shall have the same heart like the prophet Jeremiah “and I said I will not make mention of him nor speak any more in his name: but it was in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones; and I became wearied with holding in and I could not.” (Jer. 20.9).

 

1Cor.9:18 “What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel I may present the gospel of Christ without charge that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel. ”

   YLT: “What then is my reward? -- that proclaiming good news without charge I shall make the good news of the Christ not to abuse my authority in the good news;”

Literal Meaning: “then”: “therefore”;

“What is my reward? That when I preach the gospel I may present the gospel of Christ without charge” it suggests that the cost for the sake of the gospel shall become his reward. The more one par the more will he be rewarded.

“That I may not abuse my authority in the gospel” in Paul’s account book of the gospel every time he uses the right of the gospel the remaining sum will be reduced. However every time he presents the gospel of Christ to others without charge his reward will be increased. Therefore he can not use up what is in his account book.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The gospel is God’s grace and is given to men freely. Man can receive the gospel without any cost. Though those who have received the grace are supposed to devote material things to the deliverer of grace (see v.11) the apostle Paul would rather give up this right in order to clearly declare that the full grace of God in Christ does not need man’s cost and is far beyond the exchange of man’s cost.

2)    Those who most gladly spend and be utterly spent for the gospel just lay up their treasures in heaven. The deposit in his heavenly account shall not only not be used up but also be gradually increased.

 

1Cor.9:19 “For though I am free from all men I have made myself a servant to all that I might win the more;”

   YLT: “for being free from all men to all men I made myself servant that the more I might gain;”

Literal Meaning: “for though I am free from all men” he himself is his master and he is not ruled by anyone.

“I have made myself a servant to all” but he is willing to give up his freedom to be a bondman to serve all.

“That I might win the more” the purpose of his giving up liberty and being a bondman to all is to win more men. “Win” in the original is “earn”. The preachment of the gospel is earning more souls for God.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The Lord Jesus said to the fisherman Peter “I will make you become fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). Today He will say to us “I will make you become earners of men”.

2)    Christians are not “earners of money” but “earners of men”.

 

1Cor.9:20 “and to the Jews I became as a Jew that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law as under the law that I might win those who are under the law;”

   YLT: “and I became to the Jews as a Jew that Jews I might gain; to those under law as under law that those under law I might gain;”

Literal Meaning: “to those who are under the law as under the law” “law” refers to the Law of Moses. “Under the law” it refers to those who uphold the law (Rom. 2:17-20). “As under the law” Paul was a Pharisees and zealous for the law (see Phil. 3:5-6). And since Christ is the end of the law (Rom. 10:4) believers who are jointed to Him are no longer under the law but under grace (Rom. 6:14).

“That I might win those who are under the law” it means that Paul is willing to keep the law of the Jews (see Acts 16:3; 18:18; 21:20-26) for the sake of the Jews.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    As long as it does not go against the truth of the salvation the preachers of the gospel have to consider the conditions of men and bend to them so as to make them receive the gospel easily.

2)    Accommodating ourselves to others is neither sailing with the mind nor associating with evil tides nor being assimilated into the world but “being prudent as the serpents and guileless as the doves” (Matt. 10:16) as well as “being wise to that which is good and simple to evil” (Rom. 16:19).

 

1Cor.9:21 “to those who are without law as without law (not being without law toward God but under law toward Christ) that I might win those who are without law; ”

   YLT: “to those without law as without law -- (not being without law to God but within law to Christ) -- that I might gain those without law;”

Literal Meaning: “to those who are without law as without law…that I might win those who are without law” “those who are without law” refer to the Gentiles who have not been taught according to the Law of Moses; “as without law” it does not mean he has destroyed the circumcision and will no longer keep the position of a Jew (see 1Cor. 7:18 20) but that he has identified himself with the Gentiles (see Gal. 2:11-14) among them as long as it does not go against the truth of salvation.

  Paul is as without law in order to gain those who are without law. There are examples as below: 1) He was like a Galatian among the Galatians (Gal. 4:12); 2) in the city of Athens he spoke from the unknown God of them (Acts 17:22-31); 3) to the Corinthians Paul applied things that they were familiar with ---- the building (1Cor. 3:10-15) sports (see v.24-27) and the verses of Greek poets (1Cor. 15:33 “evil communications corrupt good manners”) and etc.

“Not being without law toward God” Paul does everything as to the Lord and not to men (Col. 3:23) so he must in no wise walk without law.

“But under law toward Christ)” though Paul is apparently not restricted by any law in his walking he actually has his position and truth and standard namely “the law of Christ”. That is to say he is ruled by Christ and focuses on His will only.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Christ has released us so that we can partake of the liberty of Christian in Him. However it does not mean our liberty has no limitation and the limitation is being governed by Christ ---- from then on Christ controls our whole life. Many times we cannot even do the most lawful thing that others can do.

2)    Those who let Christ have the first place in all things (Col. 1:18) seem to have no law but there is actually an irresistible power in them to govern them and promote them.

 

1Cor.9:22 “to the weak I became as weak that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men that I might by all means save some. ”

   YLT: “I became to the infirm as infirm that the infirm I might gain; to all men I have become all things that by all means I may save some.”

Literal Meaning: “to the weak I became as weak that I might win the weak” “the weak” refers to those who are weak in faith and conscience (see Rom. 14:1-2; 1Cor. 8:7).

“I have become all things to all men” “become all things” it means that Paul adjusts his manner of life and walking to adapt to different men to whom he preaches the gospel.

“That I might by all means save some” the primary purpose is saving men.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    We shall accommodate ourselves to others in our walking in order to supply the salvation of Christ. It is supposed to be the principle of our walking in life.

2)    Since the workers of the Lord live for serving others they should focus on others in everything and consider others and sacrifice themselves.

 

1Cor.9:23 “Now this I do for the gospel's sake that I may be partaker of it with you.”

   YLT: “And this I do because of the good news that a fellow-partaker of it I may become;”

Literal Meaning: “now this I do for the gospel's sake” “for the gospel's sake” for the enlargement of the preachment of the gospel.

“That I may be partaker of it with you” that Paul shall be the partaker of the gospel namely to enjoy the gospel with others together. 

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Concerning the preachment of the gospel we shall not only preach to others but also give help and convenience to others as much as we can when getting alone with them for the gospel’s sake. Thus men shall be easily partakers of the gospel with us.

2)    The workers of the Lord shall have the attitude of “being partakers of the gospel with men”: a) the preachment of the gospel is for the purpose of being partakers of the gospel with others; b) to impart spiritual gifts and have mutual comfort by the faith of one another (Rom. 1:12); c) now we live if you stand firm in the Lord (1Thess. 3:8).

 

1Cor.9:24 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ”

   YLT: “have ye not known that those running in a race -- all indeed run but one doth receive the prize? so run ye that ye may obtain;”

The Background: in the ancient times the Isthmus Sports Meeting was held in the city of Corinth every two years which ranked second only to the Olympic Games. Men who took part in the competition had to be free men. And they would be counted as qualified after the preliminary contest. The one who won the race in the final would be rewarded by the crown woven by branches. 

Literal Meaning: “do you not know that those who run in a race all run” here Paul compares the preachment of the gospel with the race. Every believer should take part in the preachment of the gospel.

“But one receives the prize?” ---- “One” it does not mean there will be “only one” believer who will be able to obtain the reward of the Lord but that there will be “” that will be rewarded by the Lord.

“Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” ---- “Run in such a way” it shows the spirit of race ---- run diligently (see Heb. 12:1) and preach the gospel laboriously.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The glorious prize that God will give attracts the apostle Paul so much that He is willing to run so laboriously and diligently. The prize is none other but the full Christ ---- the prize of the high calling of God. Therefore this prize has become the certain (v.26) mark that he seeks throughout his life as well as the glorious crown (v.25) in the end.

2)    “Run in such a way” it means that one shall run in the hope of triumph and obtaining the prize so that he can obtain the prize. If one has no hope of victory how can he be victorious?

3)    If a runner wants to win he should devote every effort to the race. Likewise believers should also run diligently in the way of service and life.

4)    All those who desire to win the prize have to sweep up all things that hinder or encumber them in the race. We Christians possess the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. He is the prize that we seek. We have suffered the loss of all and count them to be filth that we may gain Christ (Phil. 3:8).

 

1Cor.9:25 “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown but we for an imperishable crown. ”

   YLT: “and every one who is striving is in all things temperate; these indeed then that a corruptible crown they may receive but we an incorruptible;”

Literal Meaning: “and everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things” it means that all those who take part in the race have to be temperate in their normal exercises and daily life e.g. eating sleeping and etc. Thus they may keep them in a good physical condition so that they can arrive at the peak state in the race.

  “Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown” any achievement in the world will perish and pass away.

“But we for an imperishable crown” spiritual achievement brings about spiritual prize which is imperishable as well as a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory (2Cor. 4:17).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The race on the earth (v.24) is merely to obtain a perishable crown. Today we seek the Lord to obtain the imperishable crown in the heaven. Therefore we should run diligently and seek hard in the spiritual way.

2)    The runners have to be temperate in all things and take much exercise to obtain even the perishable crown on the earth. Since we believers have the eternal prize lying before us we should control ourselves more and clear away anything that may hinder us from running ahead to obtain the prize.

 

1Cor.9:26 “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. ”

   YLT: “I therefore thus run not as uncertainly thus I fight as not beating air;”

Literal Meaning: “therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty” “with uncertainty” it means run about aimlessly.

“Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air” “beats the air” have not hit the mark.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    We Christians should focus on the mark when doing everything so that we shall not labor in vain.

2)    The deceitful Satan often uses many substitutes that seem good to distract our attention so that we may lose the direction and mark. Believers should beware when running on the heavenly way.

 

1Cor.9:27 “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection lest when I have preached to others I myself should become disqualified.”

   YLT: “but I chastise my body and bring into servitude lest by any means having preached to others -- I myself may become disapproved.”

Literal Meaning: “but I discipline my body and bring it into subjection” “discipline my body” it means in the original beating one’s face black. It is not harsh treatment of the body (see Col. 2:23) but putting to death the members which upon the earth (Col. 3:5) for the purpose of letting the body work for the Lord’s works.

“Lest when I have preached to others I myself should become disqualified” “preach”: declare announce. It is just like that an ambassador of a nation declares the qualification of a citizen but he himself is unexpectedly disqualified and will be deposed and be driven out of the nation. It is also like the referee declares the rules of the race but he himself has even disobeyed the rules and been expelled. “Disqualified” here it means that one is washed out and cannot obtain the prize.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    One regards others as the rivals in the boxing on the earth. However the spiritual boxing takes the old man as the mark. One should firstly defeat himself and discipline his own body.

2)    No matter what words the Lord’s workers preach they should not forget to take part into the practice personally. He who preaches the words of the cross should firstly walk in the way of the cross himself. He who preaches the Jesus is the Lord should personally let Jesus reign in everything.

3)    If a preacher encourages others to “run” in the heavenly way but he himself does not “run” and lives without any temperance he is “disqualified” and will not be approved by the Lord. This is the crisis of the preachers as well as those who hear the Lord’s words.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Examples of the Free One

A.   He is the apostle but he is unwilling to use the right of the apostle for the gospel’s sake (v.1-18).

B.   He is free but he becomes the bondman of all for the sake of the profit of others (v.19-27).

 

The Identities and Rights of the Worker of the Lord

A.   Who is a preacher ---- who has the right eat and drink and live from the gospel (v.4 14);

B.   Who is an apostle ---- who has the right to take along a believing wife (v.5);

C.   Who is the worker of the Lord ---- who has the right to refrain from working in the world (v.6);

D.   Who is warrior of the kingdom of God ---- who does not go to war at his own expense (v.7a);

E.   Who is a husbandman that plants a vineyard and plows and threshes ---- who can eat of the fruit in the yard and receive the grain (v.7b 10);

F.    Who is a shepherd ---- who can drink of the milk of the flock (v.7c);

G.   Who is an ox that treads out the grain ---- who can eat the grain (v.9);

H.   Who is a priest that ministers the holy things and serves at the altar ---- who can eat of the things of the temple and partake of the offerings of the altar (v.13);

 

The Reasons Why the Preachers Can Receive the Provision of the Church for Their Livelihood

A.   Because of the three precedents of the ministers in the early church (v.4-6):

1.    They had the right to eat and drink from the gospel (v.4);

2.    They had the right to take along a believing wife (v.5)

3.    They had the right to refrain from working (v.6)

B.   Because of the three phenomena in the natural world (v.7):

1.    He who goes to war is not at his own expense;

2.    He who plants a vineyard eats of its fruit;

3.    He who tends a flock drinks of the milk of the flock;

C.   Because of the three teachings in the Scriptures:

1.    You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain (v.9).

2.    Those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar (v.13).

3.    The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel (v.14).

 

The Sense of Responsibility that a Preachers Should Have

A.   Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel (v.16)!

B.   I have been entrusted with a stewardship (v.17).

C.   That when I preach the gospel I may present the gospel of Christ without charge (v.18).

D.   I might by all means save some (v.22).

E.   Now this I do for the gospel's sake (v.23).

 

The Reason Why Paul Gave up the Right of the Gospel

A.   He is unwilling to go against the principle of God’s grace ---- I may present the gospel of Christ without charge (v.18);

B.   He is restricted by Christ ---- not being without law toward God but under law toward Christ (v.21).

C.   He is attracted by the prize ---- but we for an imperishable crown (v.25).

 

The Attitudes of Paul Towards the Preachment of the Gospel and the Lord’s Works

A.   To present the gospel of Christ without charge (v.18);

B.   To make myself a servant to all

C.   To draw near everything according to their background (v.20-22);

D.   To do for the gospel's sake (v.23);

E.   To run diligently in the spirit of running a race (v.24);

F.    To be temperate in all things (v.25);

G.   To seize the goal (v.26);

H.   To discipline my body and bring it into subjection (v.27);

 

The Ways of Winning More Men

A.   Adjust the way of one’s service (v.19-23);

B.   Develop one’s potential in order to preach the gospel and win men (v.24-27);

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Mary Zhou