1 Corinthians 9:14

King James Version (KJV)

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

Even so hath the Lord ordained - This is evidently a reference to our Lord's ordination, Matthew 10:10; : The workman is worthy of his meat. And Luke 10:7; : For the laborer is worthy of his hire. And in both places it is the preacher of the Gospel of whom he is speaking. It was a maxim among the Jews, "that the inhabitants of a town where a wise man had made his abode should support him, because he had forsaken the world and its pleasures to study those things by which he might please God and be useful to men." See an ordinance to this effect in the tract Shabbath, fol. 114.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

Even so - In the same manner, and for the same reasons.

Hath the Lord ordained - Hath the Lord appointed, commanded, “arranged” that it should be so ( διέταξε dietaxe). The word here means that he has made this a law, or has required it. The word “Lord” here doubtless refers to the Lord Jesus, who has sent forth his ministers to labor in the great harvest of the world.

That they which preach the gospel - They who are sent forth by him; who devote their lives to this work; who are called and employed by him in this service. This refers, therefore, not only to the apostles, but to all who are duly called to this work, and who are his ambassadors.

Should live of the gospel - Should be supported and maintained in this work. Paul here probably refers to the appointment of the Lord Jesus, when he sent forth his disciples to preach, Matthew 10:10; Luke 10:8; compare Galatians 6:6. The man may be said to “live in the gospel” who is supported while he preaches it, or wire derives his maintenance in that work. Here we may observe:

(1) That the command is that they shall “live” ( ζῇν zēn) of the gospel. It is not that they should grow rich, or lay up treasures, or speculate in it, or become merchants, farmers, teachers, or bookmakers for a living; but it is that they should have such a maintenance as to constitute a livelihood. They should be made comfortable; not rich. They should receive so much as to keep their minds from being harassed with cares, and their families from want not so much as to lead them to forget their dependence on God, or on the people. Probably the true rule is, that they should be able to live as the mass of the people among whom they labor live; that they should be able to receive and entertain the poor, and be willing to do it; and so that the rich also may not despise them, or turn away from their dwelling.

(2) this is a command of the Lord Jesus; and if it is a command, it should be obeyed as much as any other law of the Redeemer. And if this is a command, then the minister is entitled to a support; and then also a people are not at liberty to withhold it. Further, there are as strong reasons why they should support him, as there are why they should pay a schoolmaster, a lawyer, a physician, or a day-laborer. The minister usually toils as hard as others; expends as much in preparing for his work; and does as much good. And there is even a higher claim in this case. God has given an express command in this case; he has not in the others.

(3) the salary of a minister should not be regarded as a “gift” merely, any more than the pay of a congressman, a physician, or a lawyer. He has a claim to it; and God has commanded that it should be paid. It is, moreover, a matter of stipulation and of compact, by which a people agree to compensate him for his services. And yet, is there anything in the shape of “debt” where there is so much looseness as in regard to this subject? Are people usually as conscientious in this as they are in paying a physician or a merchant? Are not ministers often in distress for that which has been promised them, and which they have a right to expect? And is not their usefulness, and the happiness of the people, and the honor of religion intimately connected with obeying the rule of the Lord Jesus in this respect?

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

It is not new for a minister to meet with unkind returns for good-will to a people, and diligent and successful services among them. To the cavils of some, the apostle answers, so as to set forth himself as an example of self-denial, for the good of others. He had a right to marry as well as other apostles, and to claim what was needful for his wife, and his children if he had any, from the churches, without labouring with his own hands to get it. Those who seek to do our souls good, 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 wave his right, as Paul did; but those transgress a precept of Christ, who deny or withhold due support.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

14. Ordained. Gr. diatass?, “to arrange,” “to appoint,” “to give order.” God has arranged that in general His ministers on earth shall be relieved of the dual responsibility of preaching the gospel and providing for their own material needs. Jesus sent out His disciples into the towns and villages of Palestine and told them to make no provision for their physical needs?that was the responsibility of those among whom they labored (see Matt. 10:9, 10; Luke 10:7). God told the Israelites that one tenth of all their possessions was His and they were duty bound to pay a faithful tithe to the priests in the Temple (see Lev. 27:30, 32; Num. 18:21; Mal. 3:10, 11; Heb. 7:5). Jesus endorsed this plan when He was on earth (see Matt. 23:23). Thus the pattern has been clearly laid down for the divinely ordained method that the Christian church is to follow for the material support of the ministry. Israel of old departed from the plain instructions of God in this matter, and they were cursed (see Mal. 3:8, 9). Failure to pay God that which is His exposes the professed Christian to the same curse that was pronounced on Israel, whereas loving, willing compliance with this just and equitable requirement qualifies the believer to claim the wonderful promise that is given to the obedient tithepayer (see Mal. 3:10-12). Man is by nature extremely selfish. He naturally follows the example of the great adversary of truth who lost his exalted position in heaven by cultivating the desire to exalt self (see Isa. 14:12-15; Jer. 17:9).

Tithe paying and the giving of offerings provide a continual check against man’s selfishness, in addition to helping him to place his reliance on God and not on material things of this world (see Matt. 6:19-21). So it becomes apparent that tithe paying and the giving of offerings for the support of the ministry and the advancement of the work of God throughout the earth bring blessings to both giver and receiver. Selfishness is checked, and interest is created and sustained in the work of the church. At the same time, those who have given themselves to the work of the ministry are adequately provided for without the burden and anxiety of trying to attend to secular matters as well as spiritual things.

Should live. If all church members are faithful in tithe paying and the giving of offerings, there will be an abundant supply of means for carrying forward the work of the gospel. More laborers can be employed and the coming of the Lord hastened. It is the duty of ministers to educate church members in this matter of church finance, in order that the believers may receive the blessings God has promised to those who comply with His plan in this matter, and also to promote the interests of the worldwide proclamation of the gospel (see 2 Cor. 8:4-8, 11, 12; 9:6-12; AA 345).

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

14. Ordained. Gr. diatassÃ…Â, “to arrange,” “to appoint,” “to give order.” God has arranged that in general His ministers on earth shall be relieved of the dual responsibility of preaching the gospel and providing for their own material needs. Jesus sent out His disciples into the towns and villages of Palestine and told them to make no provision for their physical needsÃ¢â‚¬â€that was the responsibility of those among whom they labored (see Matt. 10:9, 10; Luke 10:7). God told the Israelites that one tenth of all their possessions was His and they were duty bound to pay a faithful tithe to the priests in the Temple (see Lev. 27:30, 32; Num. 18:21; Mal. 3:10, 11; Heb. 7:5). Jesus endorsed this plan when He was on earth (see Matt. 23:23). Thus the pattern has been clearly laid down for the divinely ordained method that the Christian church is to follow for the material support of the ministry. Israel of old departed from the plain instructions of God in this matter, and they were cursed (see Mal. 3:8, 9). Failure to pay God that which is His exposes the professed Christian to the same curse that was pronounced on Israel, whereas loving, willing compliance with this just and equitable requirement qualifies the believer to claim the wonderful promise that is given to the obedient tithepayer (see Mal. 3:10-12). Man is by nature extremely selfish. He naturally follows the example of the great adversary of truth who lost his exalted position in heaven by cultivating the desire to exalt self (see Isa. 14:12-15; Jer. 17:9).

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

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Ellen G. White
The Acts of the Apostles, 335-6

In his first letter to the church at Corinth, Paul gave the believers instruction regarding the general principles underlying the support of God's work in the earth. Writing of his apostolic labors in their behalf, he inquired: AA 335.1

“Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? or saith He it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. AA 335.2

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