1 Corinthians, 9
17. For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation [of the gospel] is committed unto me.
17. For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation [of the gospel] is committed unto me.
Chapter 9 of 1 Corinthians addresses the question of Paul's apostolic law and how he chooses not to use his rights so as not to be an obstacle to the gospel. He discusses the role of an apostle and what it means to be a servant of Christ.
Matthew 10:10-11: "Do not take gold, no silver, nor cover in their belts; they do not take any travel bag, nor extra tunic, nor sandals, nor staff; for the worker is worthy of his livelihood." In this verse, Jesus is instructing his disciples before sending them on a mission and tells them to take nothing to them. This is related to the theme of Chapter 9, where Paul talks about how he chose not to use his rights as an apostle.
Philippians 4:17: "It is not that I am looking for offers, but I am seeking fruit that increases your credit." In this verse, Paul talks about how he is not looking for financial offerings, but a fruit that increases church credit. This shows how he is not interested in using his position to get personal financial benefits, but to help the church.
2 Corinthians 11:7-9: "Or did I eat any sin by lowering me so that you were high? Nothing I will be heavy. In fact, both in me and in Tito, we have not proceeded in any way sinful about you. " In this verse, Paul is talking about how he didn't charge anything from the Corinthians, unlike other preachers who were charging for his services. This shows how he chose not to use his right as an apostle to be paid for his work.
1 Peter 5:2-3: "Shepherd the flock of God who is under your care, not out of obligation, but because you want to serve God; not out of greed, but goodwill; not as dominators of those who were to them entrusted, but as examples for the flock. " In this verse, Peter is talking about how shepherds should shepherd the flock of God. This is related to the theme of Chapter 9, where Paul is talking about how he chose not to use his apostolic rights to be an example for the church.
Philippians 2:16: "Firmly retaining the word of life, that I may be proud of the day of Christ that I have not ran or struggled in vain." This verse talks about the importance of maintaining God's Word and preaching it faithfully, without discouraging or giving up. This relates to the theme addressed in 1 Corinthians 9 on spiritual race and the need for perseverance and self -control.
“O meu passado, Senhor, à Tua misericórdia. O meu Presente, ao Teu amor. O meu futuro, à Tua Providência.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
