In the last chapter, Paul has dealt with the question that had been put to him regarding meat that had been offered in sacrifice to idols. He has taken occasion to point out that in matters which are morally indifferent, true and loving Christians will consider the scruples of their brothers and sisters who have weaker minds. He has inculcated the duty of accommodating ourselves to the consciences of less enlightened persons, as long as we can do so without transgressing the Lord’s commandments. Paul made it clear that for his own part, he was prepared – as long as the world stands – to surrender his Christian liberty, if his usage of that liberty was a temptation to the conscience of any weaker brother. But keeping pace (as he always does) with the thoughts of those to whom he writes, he no sooner makes this emphatic statement than it occurs to him that those in the Corinthian church who do not necessarily care for him would misinterpret and misconstrue even his self-denial. They would say that it is all very fine for Paul to use this language concerning his yielding of his liberty; but that, in point of fact, the precarious position which he held in the minds of the members of the Corinthian church actually made it necessary for him to deny himself and become “all things to all people.” They would claim that his Apostleship stood upon such an insecure basis that he had no choice in this matter, and that he must give up his liberties in order to win favor from all parties. In their mind, Paul was not on the same platform as the original Apostles, who could reasonably stand upon their Apostleship, claim exemption from manual labor, and expect monetary support for themselves and their families. And so these people in Cor-inth would convince themselves that Paul remained unmarried, worked as a tentmaker to support himself, and accommodated himself to the weaker brethren around him because he was aware that his Apostolic right to receive support from the church was doubtful.
It is not surprising, therefore, that Paul proceeds here – with some pardonable warmth and righteous indignation – to assert his freedom and Apostleship (verses 1-2), and to prove his rights to the same privileges and support as the other Apostles enjoyed (verses 3-14). Then, from the 15th to the 18th verses, he gives the true reasons for his willingness to forego his rightful claims; and in verses 19-22, he reaffirms the principle upon which he uniformly acted – that is, becoming “all things to all men,” and accommodating himself in matters that were not salvation-issues, so that “he might by all means save some.”
Paul clearly proved his right to claim monetary compensation from those to whom he preached the Gospel, and he also gave his reasons for declining to press this claim. He was resolved that no one should have any grounds for mis-understanding his motives for preaching the Gospel. He was quite content to live a poorer lifestyle – not merely so that he might keep himself above suspicion; but also so that those who heard the Gospel might see it simply as the Gospel, and not be hindered from accepting it by any thought of the preacher’s motives. This was his main reason for supporting himself by his own labor. But he also had another reason – namely, “that he might be himself a partaker of the benefits he preached” (verse 23). Paul’s own soul was in equal need of the Gospel of Jesus. Even though he was an Apostle, he still had his own salvation to look after. He himself was not saved by proclaiming salvation to others, any more than a baker is fed by making bread for others, or a physician is kept in health by prescribing medicine for others. But he persistently resolved to not be “a castaway” after he had been the instrument of salvation to so many other people.
In an endeavor to warn his audience against resting in a mere profession of faith in Jesus, without a commitment to diligent labor in the Christian life, Paul cites two great examples which prove that there is often ultimate failure, even where there has been considerable promise of success. First, he cites their own world-renowned games – in which contests, as they all well knew, not everyone who entered for the prizes was successful. Paul does not mean that salvation goes by competition. But he does mean that just as in a race, not all who run will obtain the prize for which they run; so also, in the Christian life, not all who enter it will put out sufficient energy to bring them to a happy outcome. The mere fact of recognizing that the prize is worth winning, and even of entering for it, is not enough.
However, the value of the crown that was the prize for the winner of the Greek games fails to even compare to the crown of glory that will be bestowed upon those who run the race of the Christian life! The wreath of the victor in the games was corruptible and liable to decay. No permanent, eternal satisfaction could result from being victorious in such a contest of physical strength, activity, or skill. But for every child of God, they shall be the recipient of an incorruptible crown, which shall always and forever be to them a joy as thrilling and a distinction as honorable as at the moment they received it! Truly, it is a crown that is worthy of the determined and sustained effort of a lifetime. Into one side of a scale, put all perishable distinctions, honors, and prizes that have stimulated men to the most strenuous endeavors. Add in all that a grateful nation bestows on its heroes and benefactors, and every other worldly treasure for which men sacrifice everything. Yet all of these shall be found to be lighter than air when you put into the other side of the scale the incorruptible crown that shall be the reward of each one of the Lord’s children!
Lord Jesus, we praise You as the Author and Finisher of our faith – to Whom we may look as we run the race that is set before us, striving for the possession of that incorruptible crown! Amen.
Prefer to listen?
Join other families all around the globe and receive the full-color, freely downloadable format of these Family Bible Guides in your email every day!
Follow on your favorite social and podcast platforms!
0 Comments