In the same wayThis phrase connects the current teaching to previous examples or principles. In the context of
1 Corinthians 9, Paul discusses the rights of apostles and uses examples from everyday life, such as soldiers, farmers, and shepherds, to illustrate the principle of receiving material support for spiritual work. This connection emphasizes continuity with established practices and divine principles.
the Lord has prescribed
The term "prescribed" indicates a command or ordinance from Jesus Christ Himself. This reflects the authority of Christ in establishing guidelines for His followers. In the Gospels, Jesus sends out His disciples and instructs them to rely on the hospitality and support of those they minister to (Matthew 10:10,Luke 10:7). This prescription underscores the divine mandate for the support of those dedicated to ministry.
that those who preach the gospel
"Preach the gospel" refers to the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. This task is central to the mission of the church and is a continuation of the apostolic mission. The role of preaching is vital for the spread of Christianity and the edification of believers, as seen throughout the New Testament (Romans 10:14-15).
should receive their living from the gospel
This principle establishes that those who dedicate their lives to the ministry of the gospel are entitled to financial and material support from the community they serve. This is consistent with Old Testament practices where priests and Levites were supported by the offerings of the people (Numbers 18:21). The New Testament reinforces this principle, as seen inGalatians 6:6 and1 Timothy 5:17-18, where Paul emphasizes the responsibility of the church to support its leaders. This support allows ministers to focus on their spiritual duties without the distraction of financial concerns.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth about the rights of apostles and those who preach the gospel.
2.
The Church in CorinthA diverse and often troubled early Christian community in the city of Corinth, to whom Paul is writing.
3.
The Lord (Jesus Christ)Referred to by Paul as the one who has ordained the principle that gospel preachers should be supported by their ministry.
4.
Preachers of the GospelIndividuals who dedicate their lives to spreading the message of Jesus Christ and are entitled to receive support from their ministry.
5.
The GospelThe good news of Jesus Christ's death, resurrection, and offer of salvation, which is the central message preached by Paul and others.
Teaching Points
Divine Ordination of SupportThe principle of supporting those who preach the gospel is not merely a human tradition but is ordained by the Lord Himself. This underscores the importance of valuing and sustaining those who dedicate their lives to ministry.
The Role of the Church CommunityThe local church has a responsibility to ensure that its leaders and preachers are adequately supported. This support allows them to focus on their spiritual duties without undue financial stress.
Stewardship and GenerosityBelievers are called to be good stewards of their resources, which includes being generous in supporting their church leaders. This reflects a heart aligned with God's purposes and a commitment to the spread of the gospel.
The Value of Gospel WorkPreaching the gospel is a noble and essential task. Recognizing its value means acknowledging the need for those who preach to be sustained by the community they serve.
Practical Implications for Modern BelieversIn today's context, this principle can be applied by ensuring that pastors and missionaries are not only financially supported but also encouraged and prayed for by their congregations.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 9:14?
2.How does 1 Corinthians 9:14 guide financial support for church leaders today?
3.What does "preach the gospel" imply about responsibilities of church ministers?
4.How does 1 Corinthians 9:14 connect with Jesus' teachings in Matthew 10:10?
5.How can your church better implement 1 Corinthians 9:14 in its practices?
6.What personal actions can you take to support those who "preach the gospel"?
7.What does 1 Corinthians 9:14 imply about financial support for church leaders?
8.How does 1 Corinthians 9:14 align with the concept of voluntary ministry?
9.Does 1 Corinthians 9:14 suggest a mandatory tithe for supporting ministers?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 9?
11.What defines vocational ministry?
12.What is the meaning of "Double Honor"?
13.If modern scholarship questions Paul’s authorship of 1 Timothy, how does that impact the legitimacy of the church leadership guidelines in chapter 5?
14.Why do Paul’s letters lack many of Jesus’ teachings from the Gospels?What Does 1 Corinthians 9:14 Mean
in the same way“In the same way” points back to Paul’s earlier illustrations—priests sharing in temple offerings (1 Corinthians 9:13) and workers eating from the vineyard they tend (1 Corinthians 9:7–10). Just as God provided materially for Old Testament priests (Numbers 18:8-12) and affirmed a laborer’s right to wages (Deuteronomy 25:4;Luke 10:7), He intends a parallel principle for gospel ministry.
the Lord has prescribedA “prescription” is more than advice; it is a binding directive from Jesus Himself (Matthew 10:10;Luke 10:1-9). The same Lord who sent out the Twelve with instructions on support now speaks through Paul with equal authority, underscoring both continuity and divine endorsement.
those who preach the gospelThis refers to men set apart to proclaim Christ crucified and risen (Romans 10:14-15;2 Timothy 4:2). Their calling is spiritual, yet real-world needs remain. Paul includes himself but widens the application to every faithful herald of the message.
should receive their living“Receive” indicates an intentional, ongoing provision—not occasional tips. Scriptural patterns show:
• The congregation at Philippi regularly supplied Paul (Philippians 4:15-18).
• Jesus accepted support from devoted women (Luke 8:1-3).
• Elders who labor in preaching are “worthy of double honor” (1 Timothy 5:17-18).
This sustained care liberates preachers to focus wholly on the Word (Acts 6:2-4).
from the gospelThe gospel’s spiritual riches overflow into practical generosity (Galatians 6:6; 3John 5-8). When believers give, they are not purchasing sermons; they are partnering in the advance of the kingdom. The same message that saves souls also funds its own proclamation through willing hearts (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).
summaryGod has woven material provision into the very fabric of gospel ministry. Just as temple priests lived from the altar, so pastors and missionaries are meant to live from the Good News they proclaim. This is not a human convenience but a divine command: Jesus ordains that His messengers be freed from worldly anxiety so they can devote themselves to feeding His flock. Believers, therefore, honor the Lord and participate in His mission when they supply the needs of those who preach the gospel.
(14)
Even so.--These words explain why the Apostle again referred to Jewish law, after having in
1Corinthians 9:9 already made use of an appeal to the Law as an argument. It is now again referred to only to introduce the crowning argument that Christ Himself perpetuated this law in its application to the Christian ministry. (See
Matthew 10:10;
Luke 10:7.)
They which preach the gospel.--The preaching of the gospel is in the Christian ministry the function which corresponds to the offering of sacrifice in the Jewish priesthood. Bengel well remarks, "If the Mass were a sacrifice, Paul would undoubtedly have accommodated to it the apodosis here."
Verse 14. -
Hath the Lord ordained (
Matthew 10:10;.
Luke 10:7). The reference has special interest, because it shows that St. Paul was at least orally familiar with the discourses of Christ. Indeed, there is nothing impossible or improbable in the supposition that some of these were already being circulated in manuscript.
Should live of the gospel. If, that is, they desired and had need to do so. He does not say, "to live of the altar," because Christians have no "altar" except in the metaphorical sense in which the cross is called an altar in
Hebrews 13:10.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
In the same way,οὕτως(houtōs)Adverb
Strong's 3779:Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).theὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.LordΚύριος(Kyrios)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.has prescribed thatδιέταξεν(dietaxen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1299:To give orders to, prescribe, arrange. From dia and tasso; to arrange thoroughly, i.e. institute, prescribe, etc.those whoτοῖς(tois)Article - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.preachκαταγγέλλουσιν(katangellousin)Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2605:To declare openly, proclaim, preach, laud, celebrate. From kata and the base of aggelos; to proclaim, promulgate.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.gospelεὐαγγέλιον(euangelion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2098:From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.should receive their livingζῆν(zēn)Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 2198:To live, be alive. A primary verb; to live.fromἐκ(ek)Preposition
Strong's 1537:From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.gospel.εὐαγγελίου(euangeliou)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2098:From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.
Links
1 Corinthians 9:14 NIV1 Corinthians 9:14 NLT1 Corinthians 9:14 ESV1 Corinthians 9:14 NASB1 Corinthians 9:14 KJV
1 Corinthians 9:14 BibleApps.com1 Corinthians 9:14 Biblia Paralela1 Corinthians 9:14 Chinese Bible1 Corinthians 9:14 French Bible1 Corinthians 9:14 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:14 Even so the Lord ordained that those (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) 
