Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

E. Paul the Rabbi: drawing out principles for the Corinthians

1. Paul’s first illustration: 1 Cor. 9.10 - Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop .

2. Paul’s second illustration: 1 Cor. 9.13 - Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings?

3. Paul’s principle: 1 Cor. 9.14 - In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the Gospel should get their living by the Gospel .

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F. Paul’s discerning of a principle from Scripture

1. He begins with an overwhelming concern: the defense of his apostleship.

2. He compares Scripture with Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9.10 with Exodus 29.32-33; Numbers 18.21.

3. He illustrates the principle in real life: soldier, shepherd, farmer, temple worker.

4. He applies it to his own situation: 1 Cor. 9.11-12 - If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? [12] If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.