1 Corinthians 9:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 9:6
6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 9 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, love, prayer. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-27: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 9:6
6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Acts 4:36, 11:22, 14:12, 18:3, 1 Thessalonians 2:9