1 Corinthians 9:4
Have we not power to eat and to drink?
1 Corinthians 9:4
Verse 4 asks, “Have we not power to eat and to drink?” Paul is arguing for the legitimate rights of apostles to sustenance—essentially, the right to support from those they minister to. In the early church, itinerant teachers could rely on the generosity of those they served; Paul emphasizes that his apostleship includes practical provisions like food and drink. The Greek context emphasizes the right to participate in common meals and the distribution of communal resources. This is not mere craving for comfort; it is about the integrity of mission—avoiding scandal, ensuring ministry is viable, and modeling dependence on God’s people in reciprocal trust.
The verse foregrounds the relationship between gospel proclamation and material provision. It asserts that those who labor in the gospel deserve to reap the benefits of their labor, echoing Jesus’ teaching about workers deserving their wages (Luke 10:7). The broader theological theme is good stewardship: the church must care for its messengers so the message can advance unhindered. Paul’s stance also guards against suspicion that he ministers solely for money, showing that legitimate rights can be exercised with humility and trust in God’s provision.
In modern churches, this prompts conversation about pastoral compensation, benefits, and attendant responsibilities. Practical steps: transparent financial policies, clear allowances for housing, meals, travel, and accountability to the congregation. For congregants, it’s a reminder to support leaders who faithfully invest in spiritual nourishment. It also invites believers to consider generosity—supporting missionaries, volunteers, or church staff when finances are tight. Individuals can model restraint by avoiding excessive demands or creating entitlements that distract from ministry. The underlying ethic is mutual support: leaders and congregations partnering to sustain mission, not nursing grievances over rights that could hinder the gospel.
Cross-References: 1 Timothy 5:17; Luke 10:7; 1 Corinthians 9:7; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:14-18