Who Says These Things 1 Corinthians 9:8

Paul the apostle questioned the Corinthian church members as to whether there should be remuneration to those who “go to war”, “plant a vineyard” or “feed a flock”, and in chapter nine and verse eight of First Corinthians, Paul asked the Corinthians whether they thought he said “these things as a man” or did “the law” say “the same also?” where we read:

Say I these things as a man? or says not the law the same also?

The verse begins, “Say I these things as a man?” Paul began with the words, “Say I” which means “Did Paul utter, speak, talk or articulate” “these things” or “the words Paul shared concerning remuneration for labor” “as a man” or “as a human being whether male or female”? Paul questioned the church members as to whether they thought he “spoke” these only as “a man”.

The verse goes on to say, “or says not the law the same also?”. Paul continued with the words, “or says” which means “or does it utters, states or declares” “not the law” which means “the rule producing a state approved of God” “the same” which means “the like kind things” “also” or “even and indeed”? Paul rhetorically asked them whether they knew “the law” actually spoke of remuneration for work.

When we think through these words from Paul, we recognize his desire to have a reference to which the church members would give credence. Though he had authority to instruct them as an “apostle of Jesus Christ”, he questioned whether they thought he asked them “as a man”. He then referred to “the law” and it's mention of receiving wages for work. Jesus Christ takes care of His ministers, and Paul is confirming that the church members in Corinth knew “the law” and not just “man” validates his claim.

Next time Paul tells the Corinthians, “you shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the corn”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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