1 Corinthians 9:15-27
In the first half of chapter 9, Paul established his authority as an apostle to expect financial support. But with verse 15, he transitions with this statement: “ But I have used none of these things. ” Paul had rights as an apostle, the right to demand support, but he had not used that right. And this passage was not a subtle attempt to ask them for it. Paul had laid aside those rights—even beyond that, Paul made many sacrifices and acts of self-abasement that were not strictly necessary. He did things he did not have to do and refrained from things that were not absolutely wrong. Verse 18 says that Paul did not abuse his power in the gospel. The word abuse can mean 'use to the full extent'. The NET Bible says that Paul did “ not make full use of my rights in the gospel. ” Why? Paul gives three answers in this passage. Paul gives the first answer in verses 15b-18. This is a very complex passage, and there isn't a clear consensus on what precisely Paul means. I am going to...
