I Corinthians 9:7
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Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk?
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
The minister is spiritually a soldier (Ti2 2:3), a vine-dresser (Co1 3:6-8; Sol 1:6), and a shepherd (Pe1 5:2, Pe1 5:4). of the fruit--The oldest manuscripts omit "of."
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle seems to answer some cavils against himself. I. He asserts his apostolical mission and authority, and gives in his success among them as a testimony to it (Co1 9:1, Co1 9:2). II. He claims a right to subsist by his ministry, and defends it by several arguments from natural reason and the Mosaical law, and asserts it also to be a constitution of Christ (Co1 9:3-14). III. He shows that he had willingly waived this privilege and power for their benefit (Co1 9:15-18). IV. He specifies several other things, in which he had denied himself for the sake of other men's spiritual interest and salvation (Co1 9:19-23). And, V. Concludes his argument by showing what animated him to this course, even the prospect of an incorruptible crown (Co1 9:24 to the end.)
Open source ↗9:7-10 These examples support Paul’s point that he and other Christian workers had a right to be supported by those they served.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit, and he who looks after his master will be honored.
Has any man planted a vineyard and not begun to enjoy its fruit? Let him return home, or he may die in battle and another man enjoy its fruit.
Keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood.
But my own vineyard is mine to give; the thousand shekels are for you, O Solomon, and two hundred are for those who tend its fruit.
You will have plenty of goats’ milk to feed you— food for your household and nourishment for your maidservants.
Timothy, my child, I entrust you with this command in keeping with the previous prophecies about you, so that by them you may fight the good fight,
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
and from the abundance of milk they give, he will eat curds; for all who remain in the land will eat curds and honey.
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession before many witnesses.