They which minister about holy things

Paul’s activities were strictly governed by divine principles. His God-ordained apostleship was no mere occupation, because his service entailed ‘holy things’, v. 13. Although he was not motivated by money, the scriptures clearly gave precedence for servants like him to receive financial support from other believers, ‘But I have used none of these things’, says the faithful missionary, v. 15. Rather than send the wrong message to new and potential converts in Corinth, he ministered without any pecuniary requirement towards his hearers. Elsewhere, he declares that he did not use the gospel as ‘a cloak of covetousness’, 1 Thess. 2. 5. Sadly, many false teachers still use holy things for material advantage, giving Christian workers a bad name.

Like the high priests who ate some of the offerings, Paul had scriptural warrant for living ‘of the gospel’, 9. 13, 14. He gave up his right to remuneration in order to maintain an irreproachable testimony in a region where wandering philosophers and teachers frequently fleeced their gullible followers. The Lord’s things are holy and must not be profaned. Any service for Him must be conducted in accordance with His word. There are also times when legitimate personal desires must take a backseat to what benefits others spiritually and glorifies the Almighty.

Ministry in holy things functions according to different principles from the world. Like the God they serve, Christians must count it a privilege to put themselves last for the blessing of others. Paul considered it his reward, v. 18, to present the gospel free of charge, even though it meant that it ‘cost’ him financially. He not only placed others’ interests before his own, he also reckoned it a great recompense for his labours. Indeed, his heart was so captivated by the sacred good news that was committed to his trust that he pronounced woe upon himself if he failed to proclaim it, v. 16. He laid aside personal considerations such as culture, diet, and dress, in pursuit of the greater purpose of winning people to Christ. Personal pride was shelved in favour of humbly sitting where one’s hearers sit, dispensing with anything that might distract from God’s truth.