Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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1 Corinthians
Book: 1 Corinthians
Chapter: 9
Overview:
The
Apostle shows his authority, and asserts his right to be
maintained.
(1-14) He waved this part of his
Christian liberty,
for the good of others.
(15-23) He did all this, with care and
diligence, in view of an unfading
Crown.
(24-27)
1-14 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.
15-23 It is the
Glory of a
Minister to deny himself, that he
may serve
Christ and save souls. But when a
Minister gives up
his right for the sake of the
Gospel, he does more than his
charge and office demands.
By preaching the
Gospel, freely, the
Apostle showed that he acted from principles of zeal and
Love,
and thus enjoyed much comfort and
Hope in his soul. And though
he looked
On the ceremonial
Law as a
Yoke taken off
By Christ,
yet he submitted to it, that he might work upon the Jews, do
away their prejudices, prevail with them to hear the
Gospel, and
win them over to
Christ. Though he would transgress
No laws of
Christ, to please any
Man, yet he would accommodate himself to
all men, where he might do it lawfully, to gain some. Doing good
was the study and business of his
Life; and, that he might reach
this
End, he did not stand
On privileges. We must carefully
watch against extremes, and against relying
On any thing but
trust in
Christ alone. We must not allow errors or faults,
So as
to hurt others, or disgrace the
Gospel.
24-27 The
Apostle compares himself to the racers and combatants
in the Isthmian
Games,
Well known
By the
Corinthians. But in the
Christian race all may run
So as to obtain. There is the
greatest encouragement, therefore, to persevere with all our
strength, in this course. Those who ran in these
Games were kept
to a spare diet. They used themselves to hardships. They
practised the exercises. And those who pursue the interests of
their souls, must combat hard with fleshly lusts. The body must
not be suffered to rule. The
Apostle presses this advice
On the
Corinthians. He sets before himself and them the danger of
yielding to fleshly desires, pampering the body, and its lusts
and appetites. Holy fear of himself was needed to keep an
Apostle Faithful: how much more is it needful for our
preservation! Let us learn from hence
Humility and caution, and
to watch against dangers which surround us while in the body.