1 Corinthians 9:10

Altogether. Gr. pantos, “certainly,” “assuredly,” “at all events,” “without doubt.” However, Paul does not deny the literal application of the law (see on v. 9). He is simply making such a wide application of the principle that in comparison with the extent of the application the literal interpretation is, as it were, insignificant.

Our sakes. Paul now makes definite application of this law to those who are called by God to proclaim the gospel. It might be asked, in what sense was this regulation given for the sake of the ministry? The reply shows that it is God’s plan that all who honestly toil may rightfully hope for reward. Not that the reward is the great objective in the case of the gospel worker; he preaches because, like Paul, he cannot do otherwise (see v. 16). But the Lord demonstrates His kind consideration for His workers. Although the true minister of the gospel is under deep compulsion to labor for the salvation of his fellow men, he is not expected to do so without hope of compensation, in the form of both material support and future joy (see Jer. 20:9; 2 Cor. 1:14; 1 Thess. 2:19, 20).

Plow in hope. He who engages in tilling the soil should be inspired to put forth his utmost efforts. In order to accomplish this, he ought to have the justifiable hope and expectation that his industry and diligence will be crowned with success. He should labor with the confident assurance that he will be permitted to enjoy the fruits of his labors.

One who is obliged to work without this inspiring hope is greatly handicapped and is not likely to be able to put forth his maximum effort. How can one who has no assurance of receiving an adequate compensation manifest great interest in his labor? How can he be expected to devote himself unselfishly and untiringly to the task committed to him? How can his mind be free from anxiety as he considers the needs of his family? If such is the case with him who is engaged in the work of the world, is it not also true of him who labors in the Lord’s vineyard?

Partaker of his hope. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “in hope of sharing.” God, in the plan of salvation, uses many instrumentalities for the accomplishment of His purposes. As in agriculture one man may prepare the soil and another reap the harvest, so in the great work of winning souls for the kingdom of God, the Holy Spirit may use one person to sow the gospel seed in the heart of a seeker after truth, and another to lead that person through the water of baptism into the church (see ch. 3:6, 7). Whatever part a worker may have in the conversion of a soul to Christ, he will share in the reward with all others whom the Lord has used in drawing that one to Himself (see Matt. 20:8-10; John 4:36-38; 1 Cor. 3:8, 14). Similarly, the worker who sows the seed of truth is entitled to material support as truly as the worker who at a later date has the privilege of establishing a church composed of those who were introduced to the gospel by the first laborer (see 2 Tim. 2:6).