Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

The Apostle Paul did not receive support from the Corinthian church. It is not that he should not be supported materially speaking rather he chose to work with his hands to provide for his necessities. He affirmed he ought to be compensated for spiritual work through material support.

What are the spiritual things? Matthew Poole defined well, “The apostle meaneth the doctrine and sacraments of the gospel; which are called spiritual things, because they come from heaven, they affect the soul and spirit of a man, they tend to make men spiritual, they prepare the soul for heaven.”

There is reward awaiting the faithful worker. He that sow in tears shall reap with joy. Indeed, he that ploughs should plough in hope. There is an eternal reward but also there is a reward for the faithful servant of God on earth. In the process of threshing of crushing, the straw is crushed and the grain is collected. Just like the worker who would receive his wages for his day’s labour, the man who ploughs and thresheth in God’s vineyard receives reward for his labour.

The law of just compensation for the worker is not just a human law but it is also God’s law as given Deuteronomy 25:4 Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. The owner of the oxen who expects the oxen to plow the field must also ensure the oxen is properly fed. The oxen is to be treated such, even so the man.

Here are three questions that beg answers in the negative! Which soldier serves at any time at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends the flock and does not feed on the milk of the flock? For the shepherd to feed on the milk of the flock he tends, it is perfectly legitimate and natural for the servant of Christ to be a partaker in the work in which he engages. The Lord is a just paymaster, The Apostle Paul believes that a worker was “worthy of his hire” (1 Timothy 5:18). [Zodhiates]

When Paul and Barnabas ministered in Corinth with the establishment of the church, they did not want support from those in Corinth although they had every right to do so. There were many Corinthians who were materially affluent. They did not want any misunderstanding and be accused of coming to Corinth to enrich themselves. Instead, they worked with their hands as tent-makers. [Zodhiates]

The Apostle Paul states clearly that as a servant of God, he has the right to marry and to have his wife supported also by the church as he goes about in the work of the ministry. The fact that he is not married does not mean that he does not have the basic privilege to have a help-meet in a marital union. And by not excercising his right to marriage does not mean that others has choose to remain unmarried.