They were happy to do it. And of course they owe it to them. The Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings. So the Gentiles should share their earthly blessings with the Jews.
The elders who do the church’s work well are worth twice as much honor. That is true in a special way of elders who preach and teach.Scripture says,“ Do not stop an ox from eating while it helps separate the grain from the straw.”( Deuteronomy 25:4) Scripture also says,“ Workers are worthy of their pay.”( Luke 10:7)
Here is what is written in the Law of Moses.“ Do not stop an ox from eating while it helps separate the grain from the straw.”( Deuteronomy 25:4) Is it oxen that God is concerned about?Doesn’t he say that for us? Yes, it was written for us. Whoever plows and separates the grain hopes to share the harvest. And it is right for them to hope for this.We have planted spiritual seed among you. Is it too much to ask that we receive from you some things we need?Others have the right to receive help from you. Don’t we have even more right to do so? But we didn’t use that right. No, we have put up with everything. We didn’t want to keep the good news of Christ from spreading.People who serve in the temple get their food from the temple. Don’t you know this? People who serve at the altar eat from what is offered on the altar. Don’t you know this?So those who preach the good news should also receive their living from their work. That is what the Lord has commanded.
