It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.
For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,
Do we not have the right to eat and drink? Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the Law say the same?
Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.
Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.
For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.
Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com.