1 Corinthians 9

Paul Surrenders His Rights

1 Am a I not an apostle? Am I not free? b Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? c Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are d the 1 seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 e Do we have no 2 right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along 3 a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, f the brothers of the Lord, and g Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I h who have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever i goes to war at his own expense? Who j plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who k tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?

8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, l "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." 4 Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that m he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 n If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things?

12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? o Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things p lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 q Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the r temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? 14 Even so s the Lord has commanded t that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.

15 But u I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for v it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for w necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this willingly, x I have a reward; but if against my will, y I have been entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What is my reward then? That z when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel 5 of Christ without charge, that I a may not abuse my authority in the gospel.

19 For though I am b free from all men, c I have made myself a servant to all, d that I might win the more; 20 and e to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the 6 law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 f to g those who are without law, as without law h (not being without 7 law toward God, but under 8 law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 i to the weak I became 9 as weak, that I might win the weak. j I have become all things to all men, k that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? l Run in such a way that you may 10 obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize 11 is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for m an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: n not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 o But I discipline my body and p bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become q disqualified.

  1. Cross References
    Acts 9:15
    But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
    2 Corinthians 12:12
    Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.
  2. Cross References
    Acts 9:3
    As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and sudd...
    Acts 9:17
    And Ananias went his way and entered the house;...
    Acts 18:9
    Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vi...
    Acts 22:14
    Then he said, 'The God of our fathers has chose...
    Acts 22:18
    "and saw Him saying to me, 'Make haste and get ...
    Acts 23:11
    But the following night the Lord stood by him a...
    1 Corinthians 15:8
    Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by ...
  3. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 3:6
    I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.
    1 Corinthians 4:15
    For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
  4. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 12:12
    Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.
  5. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 9:14
    Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
    1 Thessalonians 2:6
    Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.
    1 Thessalonians 2:9
    For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
    2 Thessalonians 3:8
    Nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.
  6. Cross References
    Matthew 13:55
    Is this not the carpenter's son? Is not His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?
  7. Cross References
    Matthew 8:14
    Now when Jesus had come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother lying sick with a fever.
    John 1:42
    And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, "You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas" (which is translated, A Stone).
  8. Cross References
    Acts 4:36
    And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus.
    2 Thessalonians 3:8
    Nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.
  9. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 10:4
    For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.
    1 Timothy 1:18
    This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare.
    2 Timothy 2:3
    You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
  10. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 20:6
    Also what man is there who has planted a vineyard and has not eaten of it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man eat of it.
    Proverbs 27:18
    Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; So he who waits on his master will be honored.
    1 Corinthians 3:6
    I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.
    1 Corinthians 3:8
    Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
  11. Cross References
    John 21:15
    So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs.
  12. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 25:4
    You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.
    1 Timothy 5:18
    For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages.
  13. Cross References
    2 Timothy 2:6
    The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.
  14. Cross References
    Romans 15:27
    It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.
    1 Corinthians 9:14
    Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.
  15. Cross References
    Acts 18:3
    So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.
    Acts 20:33
    I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.
    1 Corinthians 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.
    1 Corinthians 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.
  16. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 11:12
    But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast.
  17. Cross References
    Leviticus 6:16
    And the remainder of it Aaron and his sons shall eat; with unleavened bread it shall be eaten in a holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of meeting they shall eat it.
    Leviticus 6:26
    The priest who offers it for sin shall eat it. In a holy place it shall be eaten, in the court of the tabernacle of meeting.
    Leviticus 7:6
    Every male among the priests may eat it. It shall be eaten in a holy place. It is most holy.
    Leviticus 7:31
    And the priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'.
  18. Cross References
    Numbers 18:8 - 31
    And the LORD spoke to Aaron: "Here, I Myself have also given you charge of My heave offerings, all the holy gifts of the children of Israel; I have given them as a portion to you and your sons, as an ordinance forever.
    Deuteronomy 18:1
    The priests, the Levites - all the tribe of Levi - shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel; they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and His portion.
  19. Cross References
    Matthew 10:10
    Nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.
    Luke 10:7
    And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house.
    Luke 10:8
    Whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you.
    1 Timothy 5:18
    For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages.
  20. Cross References
    Romans 10:15
    And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!
  21. Cross References
    Acts 18:3
    So, because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked; for by occupation they were tentmakers.
    Acts 20:33
    I have coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.
    1 Corinthians 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.
    1 Corinthians 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.
  22. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 11:10
    As the truth of Christ is in me, no one shall stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
  23. Cross References
    Acts 9:15
    But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
    Romans 1:14
    I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise.
  24. Cross References
    John 4:36
    And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.
    1 Corinthians 3:8
    Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
    1 Corinthians 3:14
    If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
    1 Corinthians 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.
  25. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 4:1
    Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
    Galatians 2:7
    But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter
    Ephesians 3:2
    If indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you.
    Colossians 1:25
    Of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God.
  26. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 10:33
    Just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
  27. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 7:31
    And those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.
    1 Corinthians 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.
  28. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 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?
  29. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 4:5
    For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake.
    Galatians 5:13
    For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
  30. Cross References
    Matthew 18:15
    Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.
    1 Peter 3:1
    Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives.
  31. Cross References
    Acts 16:3
    Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek.
    Acts 21:23 - 26
    Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow.
    Romans 11:14
    If by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them.
  32. Cross References
    Galatians 2:3
    Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.
    Galatians 3:2
    This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
  33. Cross References
    Romans 2:12
    For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law
    Romans 2:14
    For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves.
  34. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 7:22
    For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ's slave.
    Galatians 6:2
    Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
  35. Cross References
    Romans 14:1
    Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things.
    Romans 15:1
    We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
    2 Corinthians 11:29
    Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation?
  36. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 10:33
    Just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
  37. Cross References
    Romans 11:14
    If by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them.
  38. Cross References
    Galatians 2:2
    And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.
    2 Timothy 4:7
    I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
    Hebrews 12:1
    Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
  39. Cross References
    2 Timothy 4:8
    Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
    James 1:12
    Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
    1 Peter 5:4
    And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.
    Revelation 2:10
    Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
    Revelation 3:11
    Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
  40. Cross References
    2 Timothy 2:5
    And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.
  41. Cross References
    Romans 8:13
    For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
  42. Cross References
    Romans 6:18
    And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.
  43. Cross References
    Jeremiah 6:30
    People will call them rejected silver, Because the LORD has rejected them.
    2 Corinthians 13:5
    Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you are disqualified.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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