1 Corinthians 9:13 Commentary and Bible Study

The same principle is taught by Moses in the privileges granted to the priests in the temple. God gave to Aaron and his sons a right to eat of certain sacrifices offered up in the temple (Exodus 29:27-28; Numbers 18:20-24; Leviticus 6:16, 26). Deuteronomy 18:1 explains what God gave to all the tribe of Levi: ‘The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the LORD made by fire, and his inheritance.’ In exchange for their service in the temple and as teachers of the law, God gave them support from the other tribes. The application of this to New Testament apostles and teachers is obvious. Just as the priests and Levites were given full time service by the Lord, and were to be supported by the people in doing this work, so New Testament apostles, evangelists, and pastor teachers are to be supported so that they can dedicate themselves to the work of the Lord without needing to do a secular job to earn an income and feed themselves. It is in the interests of the church that their ministers do not have to engage in secular work so that they give time and energy to the Lord’s work.