I randomly opened my bible to Corinthians 9 this morning; and was shocked at how plainly Paul delivers his message.  Though the whole chapter is very good and relates to the topic at hand, I focus here on the first 19 verses.  I see little need for me to expound on what Paul has written, so I will mostly highlight.

Paul begins this chapter by earnestly defending his apostleship to the Corinthians.  "Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you!  For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord." (verse 2)

Then Paul gets to the point of why he needs to defend himself: "This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me.  Don't we have the right to food and drink?"  (verses 3 and 4)  Apparently Paul's companions were taking advantage of their rights as apostles.  I'm not sure exactly how this got Paul in trouble (perhaps simply accepting something that he was offered), but his defense of their right (and his) to benefit physically from their spiritual labor is the message of this first section.

Among other arguments worth reading, Paul points out biblical evidence of this right.  "For it is written in the Law of Moses: 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.'   Is it about oxen that God is concerned?  Surely he says this for us, doesn't he?  Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they out to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest."  (verses 9 and 10)  Paul has good point.  This sounds a lot like Jesus' statement that the worker is worthy of his hire.

Now, I was thinking about this in context of NoLessDays.org.  Everything we distribute is free.  (Perhaps we haven't yet made this amply clear.)  Not only is it free to access and view, but free for you to redistribute, copy and otherwise utilize, because we believe that the gospel should be free.  But it sounds like there is a place for a small "fee" in return for the service of ministry (at least to those who have been brought into the faith through the laborer's ministry).

But Paul makes it clear that he dose not take advantage of his right to physical benefit for his spiritual labor.  In fact, in verse 15 he says, "But I have not used any of these rights.  And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me.  I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast."  Wow, strong words Paul!  A bit egotistical?  No, not really.  You read the section -- this isn't for his sake.  So why the big feelings, and if you don't take physical benefit from your labor, how are you paid?

"What then is my reward?  Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it."  (verse 18)

This does leave a final question, and Paul indirectly answers it in the remainder of the chapter.  Why is preaching the gospel for free a reward for Paul?  I recommened you read the chapter for yourself, but I'll tell you why.  Paul is desperate to "win as many as possible."  Paul desires that there be nothing of him or his needs standing between another person and salvation!

Paul obviously did not entirely refuse any assistance ever (think of Aquila and Perscilla), but it appears that he never asked for or required assistance.  And here's a 'good news' extension: if Paul was so interested in the salvation of others that he refused to ask for assistance (even though it was his right) for fear that it could hinder someone, how much more has God made every effort and provision that there should be nothing to hinder us.

Wow!  You know, this is why I want to give what God has offered me for free.  I have peace and hope of a future because of how big my God's love for me is.  And this something anybody can enjoy!  No wonder Paul desired to "win as many as possible!"  Don't you?