1 Corinthians 9:11
If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?
If we have sown
The phrase "sown" comes from the Greek word "speirō," which means to scatter seed. In the context of Paul's ministry, this metaphorical language reflects the act of teaching and spreading the Gospel. The imagery of sowing is deeply rooted in agricultural practices familiar to the audience of the time, emphasizing the labor and intentionality involved in sharing spiritual truths. Paul is drawing a parallel between the physical act of sowing seeds and the spiritual act of imparting wisdom and knowledge of Christ.

spiritual seed
The term "spiritual" is derived from the Greek "pneumatikos," indicating that which pertains to the spirit. The "seed" here symbolizes the teachings and doctrines of Christianity, which are intended to take root in the hearts of believers and produce spiritual growth and maturity. This concept is consistent with the broader biblical theme of the Word of God as seed, as seen in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13). The spiritual seed is invaluable, as it leads to eternal life and transformation.

among you
This phrase indicates the recipients of Paul's ministry, the Corinthian church. The use of "among" suggests a close, communal relationship between Paul and the believers. It highlights the personal investment and presence of Paul in their lives, emphasizing that his work was not distant or detached but intimately connected with their spiritual journey.

is it too much
The rhetorical question posed by Paul challenges the Corinthians to consider the fairness and reasonableness of his request. The Greek word "polus" implies a sense of magnitude or extent. Paul is appealing to their sense of justice and reciprocity, suggesting that it is not excessive to expect some form of material support in return for the spiritual benefits they have received.

if we reap
The word "reap" comes from the Greek "therizō," which means to harvest. This continues the agricultural metaphor, indicating the natural outcome or reward of labor. In this context, reaping refers to receiving material support or sustenance. Paul is drawing on the principle that those who work deserve to benefit from their labor, a concept supported by both Old Testament law and Jesus' teachings.

a material harvest
The term "material" is translated from the Greek "sarkikos," meaning pertaining to the flesh or physical realm. "Harvest" refers to the tangible, financial, or physical support that Paul and his companions might receive. This phrase underscores the contrast between the spiritual and material, highlighting the practical needs of those who dedicate their lives to ministry.

from you
This phrase personalizes the appeal, directing it specifically to the Corinthian believers. It emphasizes the mutual relationship and responsibility between the minister and the congregation. Paul is not demanding support from strangers but from those who have directly benefited from his ministry, reinforcing the idea of community and shared obligation within the body of Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth. He is defending his rights as an apostle to receive material support from the church.

2. The Church in Corinth
A diverse and often troubled congregation in the city of Corinth, known for its wealth and immorality, which Paul seeks to guide and correct through his letters.

3. Spiritual Sowing
Refers to the teaching and preaching of the Gospel and the spiritual guidance provided by Paul and other apostles.

4. Material Harvest
The support and sustenance that Paul argues should be provided to those who minister spiritually, such as financial or material assistance.

5. Apostolic Ministry
The broader context of Paul's ministry, which includes preaching, teaching, and establishing churches, often without demanding financial support.
Teaching Points
The Principle of Reciprocity
Paul highlights a principle of reciprocity between spiritual and material realms. Just as farmers expect a harvest from their labor, spiritual leaders who sow the Word should expect support from those who benefit.

Valuing Spiritual Leadership
The church is encouraged to recognize and value the spiritual leadership and teaching they receive by providing for their leaders' material needs.

Generosity and Stewardship
Believers are called to practice generosity and good stewardship, understanding that supporting spiritual leaders is an investment in the Kingdom of God.

The Balance of Rights and Sacrifice
While Paul asserts his right to material support, he often chooses to forego it for the sake of the Gospel, teaching us about the balance between rights and sacrificial service.

The Role of the Church Community
The church community is responsible for ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to ministry are not burdened by financial concerns, allowing them to focus on their spiritual mission.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Paul's argument in 1 Corinthians 9:11 challenge our understanding of the relationship between spiritual and material support in the church today?

2. In what ways can we, as a church community, better support our spiritual leaders, both materially and spiritually?

3. How does the principle of sowing and reaping, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:11, apply to other areas of our Christian life and service?

4. Reflect on a time when you have benefited from spiritual teaching. How did you respond in terms of support or gratitude?

5. How can we balance the rights of spiritual leaders to receive support with the call to sacrificial service, as demonstrated by Paul in his ministry?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Galatians 6:6
This verse emphasizes the principle of sharing all good things with those who instruct in the Word, reinforcing the idea of material support for spiritual leaders.

1 Timothy 5:17-18
Paul instructs that elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching, further supporting the concept of providing for spiritual leaders.

Matthew 10:10
Jesus instructs His disciples that the worker is worthy of his keep, which aligns with Paul's argument for receiving material support.
How St. Paul Regarded His Apostleship and its RightsC. Lipscomb 1 Corinthians 9:1-14
The Support of the MinistryE. Hurndall 1 Corinthians 9:1-15
A True MinisterA. F. Barfield.1 Corinthians 9:1-22
Abstinence from Rightful PrivilegesF. W. Robertson, M. A.1 Corinthians 9:1-22
Maintenance of the MinistryM. Dods, D. D.1 Corinthians 9:1-22
Ministerial IndependenceJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 9:1-22
Signs of ApostleshipProf. J. R. Thomson.1 Corinthians 9:1-22
The Claims of the Christian MinisterJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 9:1-22
The Leading Characteristics of a Truly Great Gospel MinisterD. Thomas, D. D.1 Corinthians 9:1-22
The Right of the Ministry to SupportJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 9:1-22
The Seal of ApostleshipJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 9:1-22
The Successful MinisterJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 9:1-22
Ministerial SupportH. Bremner 1 Corinthians 9:4-18
The Duty of Supporting the MinistryR. Tuck 1 Corinthians 9:7-12
Christ Present with His Servants1 Corinthians 9:7-14
Christian MinistersH. H. Beamish, M. A.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
How Christians May Hinder the GospelThain Davidson, D. D.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
Human Consciousness of the RightJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
Ministers, Pay OfJ. A. Macfadyen, D. D.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
Oxen UnmuzzledA. M. Symington, D. D.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
Partakers with the Altar1 Corinthians 9:7-14
Paying the MinistryThoreau.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
Payment of MinistersPaxton Hood.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
Ploughing in HopeH. A. Boardman, D. D.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
Ploughing in HopeW. Clayton.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
Principles of EquityJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
Rights Asserted and ForegoneProf. J. R. Thompson.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
Support of the MinistryProf. Park.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
The Baffle of LifeC. H. Spurgeon.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
The Christian MinistryA. Bonar.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
The Duty of Ministerial SupportM. H. Wilder.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
The Inspiration of the Law of Moses is Established ByJ. Lyth, D. D.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
The Obligation of the Churches to Support the MinistryJ. Bennett, D. D.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
The Pastor's Duty and ClaimsJ. Dorrington.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
ThreshingG. Clayton.1 Corinthians 9:7-14
Rights Asserted and ForegoneJ.R. Thomson 1 Corinthians 9:11, 12
People
Barnabas, Cephas, Christians, Corinthians, Paul, Peter
Places
Corinth
Topics
Benefits, Carnal, Fleshly, Grain, Harvest, Material, Matter, Planting, Reap, Seed, Seem, Sow, Sowed, Sown, Spirit, Spiritual, Temporal
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Corinthians 9:1-18

     5504   rights

1 Corinthians 9:3-15

     8356   unselfishness

1 Corinthians 9:3-18

     5109   Paul, apostle

1 Corinthians 9:4-18

     5216   authority, nature of

1 Corinthians 9:7-11

     5522   servants, work conditions

1 Corinthians 9:7-12

     5289   debt

1 Corinthians 9:7-14

     7026   church, leadership

1 Corinthians 9:7-15

     5603   wages

1 Corinthians 9:9-11

     4510   sowing and reaping

1 Corinthians 9:10-11

     4464   harvest

1 Corinthians 9:10-13

     6214   participation, in Christ

1 Corinthians 9:11-14

     7709   apostles, authority
     7726   evangelists, ministry
     7742   missionaries, support

Library
Third Sunday Before Lent
Text: First Corinthians 9, 24-27; 10, 1-5. 24 Know ye not that they that run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? Even so run; that ye may attain. 25 And every man that striveth in the games exerciseth self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, as not uncertainly; so fight I, as not beating the air: 27 but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others,
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

How the victor Runs
So run, that ye may obtain.'--1 COR. ix. 24. 'So run.' Does that mean 'Run so that ye obtain?' Most people, I suppose, superficially reading the words, attach that significance to them, but the 'so' here carries a much greater weight of meaning than that. It is a word of comparison. The Apostle would have the Corinthians recall the picture which he has been putting before them--a picture of a scene that was very familiar to them; for, as most of us know, one of the most important of the Grecian
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

'Concerning the Crown'
'They do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we are incorruptible.'--1 COR. ix. 25. One of the most famous of the Greek athletic festivals was held close by Corinth. Its prize was a pine-wreath from the neighbouring sacred grove. The painful abstinence and training of ten months, and the fierce struggle of ten minutes, had for their result a twist of green leaves, that withered in a week, and a little fading fame that was worth scarcely more, and lasted scarcely longer. The struggle and the discipline
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

The Sin of Silence
'For though I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel! 17. For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward.'--1 COR. ix. 16, 17. The original reference of these words is to the Apostle's principle and practice of not receiving for his support money from the churches. Gifts he did accept; pay he did not. The exposition of his reason is interesting, ingenuous, and chivalrous. He strongly asserts his right, even
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

A Servant of Men
'For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21. To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Preach the Gospel
Now, these words of Paul, I trust, are applicable to many ministers in the present day; to all those who are especially called, who are directed by the inward impulse of the Holy Spirit to occupy the position of gospel ministers. In trying to consider this verse, we shall have three inquiries this morning:--First, What is it to preach the gospel? Secondly, Why is it that a minister has nothing to glorify of? And thirdly, What is that necessity and that woe, of which it is written, "Necessity is laid
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

The Heavenly Race
And now, in entering upon the text, I shall have to notice what it is we are to run for: "So run that ye may obtain;" secondly, the mode of running, to which we must attend--"So run that ye may obtain;" and then I shall give a few practical exhortations to stir those onward in the heavenly race who are flagging and negligent, in order that they may at last "obtain." I. In the first place, then, WHAT IS IT THAT WE OUGHT TO SEEK TO OBTAIN? Some people think they must be religious, in order to be respectable.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 4: 1858

"Now the God of Hope Fill You with all Joy and Peace in Believing," &C.
Rom. xv. 13.--"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing," &c. It is usual for the Lord in his word to turn his precepts unto promises, which shows us, that the commandments of God do not so much import an ability in us, or suppose strength to fulfil them, as declare that obligation which lies upon us, and his purpose and intention to accomplish in some, what he requires of all: and therefore we should accordingly convert all his precepts unto prayers, seeing he hath made
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Bunyan -- the Heavenly Footman
John Bunyan was born in the village of Elstow, near Bedford, England, in 1628. Because of his fearless preaching he was imprisoned in Bedford jail from 1660 to 1672, and again for six months in 1675, during which latter time it is said his wonderful "Pilgrim's Progress" was written. While his sermons in their tedious prolixity share the fault of his time, they are characterized by vividness, epigrammatic wit, and dramatic fervor. The purity and simplicity of his style have been highly praised, and
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Vol. 2

Against Vain Judgments of Men
"My Son, anchor thy soul firmly upon God, and fear not man's judgment, when conscience pronounceth thee pious and innocent. It is good and blessed thus to suffer; nor will it be grievous to the heart which is humble, and which trusteth in God more than in itself. Many men have many opinions, and therefore little trust is to be placed in them. But moreover it is impossible to please all. Although Paul studied to please all men in the Lord, and to become all things to all men,(1) yet nevertheless
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Apostles To-Day?
"Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are ye not my work in the Lord?"--1 Cor. ix. 1. We may not take leave of the apostolate without a last look at the circle of its members. It is a closed circle; and every effort to reopen it tends to efface a characteristic of the New Covenant. And yet the effort is being made again and again. We see it in Rome's apostolic succession; in the Ethical view gradually effacing the boundary-line between the apostles and believers;
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Though in Order to Establish this Suitable Difference Between the Fruits or Effects of virtue and vice,
so reasonable in itself, and so absolutely necessary for the vindication of the honour of God, the nature of things, and the constitution and order of God's creation, was originally such, that the observance of the eternal rules of justice, equity, and goodness, does indeed of itself tend by direct and natural consequence to make all creatures happy, and the contrary practice to make them miserable; yet since, through some great and general corruption and depravation, (whencesoever that may have
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality
AN ESSAY ON THE SCRIPTURAL DOCTRINE OF IMMORTALITY BY THE REV. JAMES CHALLIS, M.A., F.R.S., F.R.A.S. PLUMIAN PROFESSOR OF ASTRONOMY AND EXPERIMENTAL PHILOSOPHY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, AND FELLOW OF TRINITY COLLEGE. Anagke gar moi epikeitai ouai gar moi estin, ean me euaggelzumai --1 Cor. ix. 16 RIVINGTONS London, Oxford, and Cambridge MDCCCLXXX RIVINGTONS London . . . . . . Waterloo Place Oxford . . . . . . Magdalen Street Cambridge . . . . Trinity Street [All rights reserved]
James Challis—An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality

Concerning Christian Liberty
CHRISTIAN faith has appeared to many an easy thing; nay, not a few even reckon it among the social virtues, as it were; and this they do, because they have not made proof of it experimentally, and have never tasted of what efficacy it is. For it is not possible for any man to write well about it, or to understand well what is rightly written, who has not at some time tasted of its spirit, under the pressure of tribulation. While he who has tasted of it, even to a very small extent, can never write,
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

The Edict of Banishment, 1729-1736.
But Zinzendorf was not long allowed to tread the primrose path of peace. As the news of his proceedings spread in Germany, many orthodox Lutherans began to regard him as a nuisance, a heretic, and a disturber of the peace; and one critic made the elegant remark: "When Count Zinzendorf flies up into the air, anyone who pulls him down by the legs will do him a great service." He was accused of many crimes, and had many charges to answer. He was accused of founding a new sect, a society for laziness;
J. E. Hutton—History of the Moravian Church

But He Speaks More Openly in the Rest which He Subjoins...
9. But he speaks more openly in the rest which he subjoins, and altogether removes all causes of doubting. "If we unto you," saith he, "have sown spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?" What are the spiritual things which he sowed, but the word and mystery of the sacrament of the kingdom of heaven? And what the carnal things which he saith he had a right to reap, but these temporal things which are indulged to the life and indigency of the flesh? These however
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

Hence Arises Another Question; for Peradventure one May Say...
23. Hence arises another question; for peradventure one may say, "What then? did the other Apostles, and the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas, sin, in that they did not work? Or did they occasion an hindrance to the Gospel, because blessed Paul saith that he had not used this power on purpose that he might not cause any hindrance to the Gospel of Christ? For if they sinned because they wrought not, then had they not received power not to work, but to live instead by the Gospel. But if they had received
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

We are not Binding Heavy Burdens and Laying them Upon Your Shoulders...
37. We are not binding heavy burdens and laying them upon your shoulders, while we with a finger will not touch them. Seek out, and acknowledge the labor of our occupations, and in some of us the infirmities of our bodies also, and in the Churches which we serve, that custom now grown up, that they do not suffer us to have time ourselves for those works to which we exhort you. For though we might say, "Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? Who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

And He Comes Back Again, and in all Ways...
10. And he comes back again, and in all ways, over and over again, enforceth what he hath the right to do, yet doeth not. "Do ye not know," saith he, "that they which work in the temple, eat of the things which are in the temple? they which serve the altar, have their share with the altar? So hath the Lord ordained for them which preach the Gospel, to live of the Gospel. But I have used none of these things." [2500] What more open than this? what more clear? I fear lest haply, while I discourse wishing
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

But Now, that as Bearing with the Infirmity of Men He did This...
12. But now, that as bearing with the infirmity of men he did this, let us hear what follows: "For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. To them that are under the law, I became as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law." [2505] Which thing he did, not with craftiness
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

There Resulteth Then from all These this Sentence...
41. There resulteth then from all these this sentence, that a lie which doth not violate the doctrine of piety, nor piety itself, nor innocence, nor benevolence, may on behalf of pudicity of body be admitted. And yet if any man should propose to himself so to love truth, not only that which consists in contemplation, but also in uttering the true thing, which each in its own kind of things is true, and no otherwise to bring forth with the mouth of the body his thought than in the mind it is conceived
St. Augustine—On Lying

The Great Synod Has Stringently Forbidden any Bishop, Presbyter...
The great Synod has stringently forbidden any bishop, presbyter, deacon, or any one of the clergy whatever, to have a subintroducta dwelling with him, except only a mother, or sister, or aunt, or such persons only as are beyond all suspicion. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon III. No one shall have a woman in his house except his mother, and sister, and persons altogether beyond suspicion. Justellus. Who these mulieres subintroductæ were does not sufficiently appear...but they were neither wives
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

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