1 Cor 9:16-20
The New Testament > 1 Corinthians > Chapter 9
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Questions
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Lexical notes
Verse 17
- Dispensation of the gospel. The Greek word oikonomia (translated "dispensation of the gospel" here) means "household management" and has the same root as the Greek word for steward. Also, the Greek root word for "committed" here, pisteuo, has the meaning "trust" or "have faith in," which suggests a close relationship the phrase "household of faith" in Gal 6:10 and D&C 121:45 (cf. 1 Tim 1:4).
Exegesis
Verse 18
Paul explains why he does not take recompense for preaching, even when he has every right to do so: "That I may make the gospel of Christ without charge.
Paul's approach to the issue of "priestcraft" is similar to his approach on many other issues of right and wrong. Instead of coming out and saying "priestcraft is wrong," he says in effect, "I have every right to take money for my preaching, but I don't do it, for the greater good."
This type of argument reflects Paul's unique views on "the law." Paul believes that as a Christian, the law is dead to him, and that he has attained complete freedom through Christ. This freedom allows him to do whatever he wants, but he doesn't do it because he is alive in Christ, and would never do anything that didn't reflect the reality of that relationship. It's a complicated way of getting around "the law," and in the end, Paul obeys laws and commandments, same as everyone else. However, the motivations for obedience are different. Paul's motivation for avoiding priestcraft was not because he thought it was wrong, and would be punished. His motivation came the heart, a pure desire, springing from his union with Christ and his love for his fellow men: "that I might gain more" converts, that he might not "hinder the gospel of Christ."
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