1 Corinthians 9:12, Hinder the Gospel of Christ

1 Corinthians 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.

The Apostle Paul did not receive support from the Corinthian church. It is not that he should not be supported materially speaking rather he chose to work with his hands to provide for his necessities. He affirmed he ought to be compensated for spiritual work through material support.

Although he had a material need, he chose not to receive from the Corinthian church because of their suspicious attitude and critical spirit. Although he had physical needs, he preferred not be supported by the Corinthians and then suffer the criticism that he was preaching for the sake of money … In the eighteen months that he lived among them, it was necessary for him to be remembered by the poor Macedonians. It seemed that working with his hands as a tentmaker was not sufficient to meet his meagre needs.  [Zodhiates]

The Apostle Paul testified that he had to suffer or endure all things so that the gospel work be advanced in Corinth. Thank God for such dedication and service. May God’s servants learned precious lessons from the Apostle Paul’s example. Amen.