“Do we not have the right to eat and drink? Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?” (1 Corinthians 9:4–5 ESV).
Paul wrote these words to the believers in Corinth as part of his defense of his apostleship and his choice to forego certain rights for the sake of the gospel. In the larger context of 1 Corinthians 8–9, he addressed disputes over Christian liberty, using himself as an example. He pointed out that, like the other apostles, he had the right to material support for his ministry and even the right to marry and bring along a believing wife. Yet, unlike others, Paul chose to support himself through tentmaking and remain single so that no one could accuse him of preaching for personal gain or be hindered by divided attention. His willingness to relinquish these rights was not because they were illegitimate, but because his highest aim was to remove every obstacle to the gospel’s advance.
As I sit here in Pachuca, Mexico, in the home of the Castros—dear members of our church planting a new work in Zapata—I can’t help but think how much better I have it than Paul. My wife Robin is with me, and we have been welcomed and cared for with Christlike hospitality. The Castros picked us up at the airport in Mexico City and brought us to their home, making sure we had everything we needed. This is a reminder that the Lord often provides for His servants through His people. Paul’s example reminds me that ministry isn’t about demanding my rights but about being willing to lay them down for the sake of the gospel. Today, I am enjoying blessings Paul willingly set aside. And so did Jesus, who willingly set aside heaven in order to come and die on the cross for our sins. May we be willing, when the time comes, to set aside our comfort for Christ’s cause.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the ways You provide for us through Your people. We thank You for the hospitality of Your people and the joy of serving You together. Help us to follow the apostle Paul’s example, and especially the example of Jesus, to be willing to lay down our rights and comforts so that nothing would hinder the good news of Jesus. In His name we pray, amen