1 Corinthians 9:7

Goeth a warfare. Gr. strateuō, “to serve as a soldier,” in times of either war or peace. The expression is used of military service in general. The soldier devotes his life to military service on behalf of his own people and land. It is his duty to guard the interests of those employing him as a soldier, even by giving his life if necessary. But the soldier rightfully expects those who enlist him to provide for all his needs, thus leaving him entirely free to devote his energies to the work entrusted to him. As it is right for the worldly soldier to receive his pay from those who employ him, so it is right for the minister of the gospel to look for support to those to whom he ministers. This is the first illustration.

Charges. Gr. opsōnion, “army rations,” “stipend,” “allowances,” “wages.” Anciently it was customary to pay soldiers partly in rations of meat, grain, or fruit. Soldiers did not expect to be obliged to secure their own food; that was the responsibility of those who enlisted them. In the same way the gospel worker should not be under the necessity of devoting his time and energy to obtaining his own food and other necessities.

Vineyard. The second illustration is taken from the realm of agriculture. The man who plants a vineyard does not expect that his labor will be in vain; he looks forward to enjoying the fruit of the vineyard. In the same way the minister gives his time, labor, and talents to the establishment of the church, which is God’s vineyard, and it is right that he should receive his support from it (see Ps. 80:8, 9; Isa. 5:1-4; 27:2, 3).

Flock. The third illustration strengthens the point of the preceding two. Perhaps the figure of the church of God as a flock of sheep (John 10:7-9, 11; Heb. 13:20), and the minister as a shepherd (Eph. 4:11; here “pastors” means, literally, “shepherds”), was in Paul’s mind in his choice of the illustration.

An important lesson that is taught by this divine plan for the support of the ministry should not be overlooked. The natural heart is extremely selfish; man is continually striving to accumulate material wealth. The arrangement whereby the church supports those who minister to it in spiritual things helps the members to overcome the natural tendency of the heart toward selfishness. It also provides a way to give practical expression to their appreciation of the efforts put forth on their behalf by the minister.

Even more important, it is a means of expressing their gratitude to God for His love and care for them, which is manifested through the services of His appointed ministers.