December 19, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 9
1 Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?
2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,
4 Have we not power to eat and to drink?
5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
9 For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
1 Corinthians Chapter 9 is a passionate plea by the Apostle Paul for the rights and freedoms of an apostle, but also for the selfless dedication that accompanies the preaching ministry. Paul defends his authority as an apostle and illustrates how he is willing to forego his rights in order to proclaim the Gospel of Christ without hindrance. He emphasizes the necessity of adapting to different people to win them for Christ, and calls on believers to lead their lives with dedication and purpose.
Commentary
1. The Defense of the Apostleship (Verses 1–6)
Paul begins the chapter with rhetorical questions to affirm his apostleship. He points out that he has seen the Lord Jesus and that the Corinthians themselves are the seal of his apostleship. He explains that apostles have the right to receive material support and refers to biblical principles, such as the provision for workers, to underpin his argument.
2. The Right to Support and the Renunciation of It (Verses 7–18)
Paul compares the ministry of an apostle with everyday work like farming or soldiering, where workers benefit from the fruits of their labor. Nevertheless, he emphasizes that he has consciously waived this right in order to preach the Gospel freely and without suspicion of selfish gain. For Paul, it is not a matter of glory, but a commitment: he feels obliged to preach the Gospel, regardless of external circumstances.
3. Adaptation Out of Love for the Gospel (Verses 19–23)
Paul describes his strategy of adapting to different people to win as many as possible for Christ. He becomes a Jew to Jews, a Gentile to Gentiles, a weak man to the weak, and so on. This approach is an expression of his love and desire to save others. However, he always maintains his integrity in faith and remains committed to the law of Christ.
4. The Race of Faith (Verses 24–27)
Paul concludes the chapter with a sporting metaphor. He encourages believers to live their faith with the same discipline and dedication as an athlete preparing for a competition. However, the goal is not a perishable crown, but an imperishable life in Christ. Paul describes his own ministry as a disciplined, purpose-driven life that does not fall short but is oriented toward the glorification of God.
Summary
1 Corinthians Chapter 9 is a powerful depiction of Paul’s understanding of apostleship and Christian freedom. He defends his right to support but chooses to forego it to proclaim the Gospel without hindrance. His willingness to adapt and discipline his own life demonstrates his deep dedication to Christ and the goal of saving others. This chapter inspires believers to use their freedom and discipline in faith to promote God’s kingdom and calls for a purpose-driven, selfless life marked by love for the Gospel.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 80—In Joseph’s Tomb
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
Chapter 80 describes the final hours of Good Friday and the Sabbath, during which Jesus rests in the tomb after His crucifixion. This section highlights the significance of Jesus’ death and the rest in the tomb in relation to creation and redemption. At the same time, it establishes the symbolic connection between Jesus’ sacrificial death and the Sabbath rest. The chapter paints a profound picture of human sorrow, divine providence, and the priests’ efforts to suppress the memory of Jesus.
Commentary:
Jesus’ Rest in the Tomb and Its Significance Jesus’
Sabbath rest in the tomb mirrors God’s rest after creation. While creation was completed on the seventh day, Jesus’ rest symbolizes the completion of the redemptive work. This connection demonstrates that the cross is not only a place of suffering but also of triumph over sin. The Sabbath becomes a day of hope, pointing to the restoration of creation and eternal life.
Testimonies and Confessions After the Crucifixion
The words of the Roman centurion and the conversion of many spectators of the crucifixion serve as evidence that Jesus’ life and death had transformative power. The faith of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus is highlighted in this chapter, as they courageously advocate for Jesus’ dignified burial despite their previous hesitations. This shows that Jesus’ death also moves hidden believers to take action.
The Priests’ Uneasy Conscience
Despite their apparent triumph, the priests are plagued by fear and doubt. Their efforts to seal and guard Jesus’ tomb reflect their uncertainty. Their attempt to prevent Jesus’ resurrection ultimately fulfills God’s plan and provides stronger evidence of His divinity.
The Testimony of Creation
Nature itself testifies to Jesus’ divinity: the darkness during the crucifixion, the earthquake, and the torn temple veil. These events underscore the significance of Jesus’ death and His connection to creation and the plan of redemption.
Summary:
Chapter 80 emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ rest in the tomb as a symbol of completed redemption and connects it with the Sabbath rest of creation. While Jesus’ enemies continue to try to suppress His influence, their actions ultimately provide evidence of His divinity. The chapter shows how Jesus’ death moves not only His disciples but also other witnesses of His crucifixion. The Sabbath following the crucifixion becomes a day of silence and reflection, harboring hope for the resurrection. The triumph of God over human plans and the glorification of His name are central themes of this chapter.
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