Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
In vv. 1-18 Paul is reasoning with the Corinthian church that as an apostle, he has every right to be paid for preaching and teaching there. But he says that he is not making an issue out of it, not demanding that he be paid. He says he would preach and teach anyway, with or without pay. He seemed to want the reward of preaching the gospel without pay by his own choice.
I believe Paul wanted the Corinthian church to know that he was truly an apostle and did not need an earthly reward.
In applying that for us today, I would think it would be like giving sacrificially and whole heartedly without expecting or wanting anything in return.
In vv. 1-18 Paul is reasoning with the Corinthian church that as an apostle, he has every right to be paid for preaching and teaching there. But he says that he is not making an issue out of it, not demanding that he be paid. He says he would preach and teach anyway, with or without pay. He seemed to want the reward of preaching the gospel without pay by his own choice.
I believe Paul wanted the Corinthian church to know that he was truly an apostle and did not need an earthly reward.
In applying that for us today, I would think it would be like giving sacrificially and whole heartedly without expecting or wanting anything in return.
v.6 Or is it only I and Barnabas who must work for a living?
I suddenly realized when I read these verses that Paul and Barnabas were the exception. The other apostles received an income off preaching the gospel.
I've often heard people say that pastors should all be like Paul and Barnabas and not be paid but rather have a 'tent ministry'. However "the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas" don't appear to have other income.
As you say, inside the shrink, I think Paul wanted the reward of preaching the gospel without pay by his own choice.
v.6 Or is it only I and Barnabas who must work for a living?
I suddenly realized when I read these verses that Paul and Barnabas were the exception. The other apostles received an income off preaching the gospel.
I've often heard people say that pastors should all be like Paul and Barnabas and not be paid but rather have a 'tent ministry'. However "the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas" don't appear to have other income.
As you say, inside the shrink, I think Paul wanted the reward of preaching the gospel without pay by his own choice.
I always really liked v.22:
I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
I love Paul's passion to save souls.
I always really liked v.22:
I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
I love Paul's passion to save souls.
v.27 I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
I find it interesting that Paul talks about not being disqualified for the prize. I don't think he is talking about heaven but rather rewards.
v.27 I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
I find it interesting that Paul talks about not being disqualified for the prize. I don't think he is talking about heaven but rather rewards.
v.12 On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
Again we see Paul's passion.
I pray that the church today would have that kind of passion.
v.12 On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
Again we see Paul's passion.
I pray that the church today would have that kind of passion.
v.24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
As Christians we all have the opportunity to receive a prize as we are not competing against each other but ourselves. Self-discipline will get us the prize.
v.24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
As Christians we all have the opportunity to receive a prize as we are not competing against each other but ourselves. Self-discipline will get us the prize.