1 Corinthians 9:6
Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Βαρναβᾶς
Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾶς
Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
5 of 11
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
ἔχομεν
have
G2192
ἔχομεν
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 11
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἐξουσίαν
power
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
8 of 11
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 18:3And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.Acts 4:36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,1 Thessalonians 2:9For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.Acts 11:22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.Acts 14:12And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
Historical Context
Barnabas, Paul's early missionary companion, was a Levite from Cyprus (Acts 4:36) who sold property to support the Jerusalem church. He partnered with Paul on the first missionary journey (Acts 13-14) and shared Paul's conviction that gospel ministry should not financially burden new converts. Their tent-making (Acts 18:3) was countercultural in a society where teachers expected patronage, but it protected the gospel from accusations of greed.
Questions for Reflection
- Why do Paul and Barnabas stand out among apostles for continuing manual labor?
- How does self-support in ministry both honor the gospel and protect it from suspicion?
- When is it appropriate for ministers to work secularly, and when should churches provide full support?
Analysis & Commentary
Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? Paul names his missionary partner Barnabas (Acts 13-14), noting that both of them uniquely continued to work manual labor rather than living exclusively from gospel ministry. The Greek mē ergazesthai (μὴ ἐργάζεσθαι, "to not work") means ceasing secular employment to devote full time to preaching. Other apostles exercised this right; Paul and Barnabas did not.
The rhetorical question expects the answer "Yes, we have that right"—yet Paul and Barnabas voluntarily surrendered it. Why? Paul will explain (v. 12, 18): to remove any obstacle to the gospel, to avoid being a financial burden, and to model self-sacrificial ministry. This is the chapter's hinge: Paul asserts his rights (v. 4-14) only to renounce them (v. 15-18), demonstrating that Christian freedom is most gloriously displayed when willingly limited for love of others.