1 Corinthians 9:4

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Do we [i.e., Barnabas and Paul. See verse 6] not have the right to eat and drink [i.e., at the expense of the church]?

Cross References

Matthew 10:10

or a traveling bag [for personal belongings], or a change of jackets or shoes, or [even] a walking stick [Note: By comparing this and the restriction in Matt. 10:10 with the permission given in Mark 6:8, the harmony seems to be “if you do not already have a walking stick, do not get one”]. For the worker deserves having his food provided.

Luke 10:7

And you should remain in that same house [i.e., the peace-loving one], eating and drinking whatever they serve you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move from house to house [i.e., wasting time].

Acts 20:33

[You know that] I had no greedy desire for anyone’s silver, gold or clothing.

1 Corinthians 9:3

My defense to those people who [want to] examine my credentials is this:

Galatians 6:6

But the person who is taught the word [of God] should provide his teacher with what he needs.

1 Thessalonians 2:6

[And] we were not looking for honor from people, either from you or from anyone else, even though, as apostles of Christ, we could have become a burden [to you]. [Note: The idea seems to be that the apostles could have claimed financial support, but chose not to].

1 Thessalonians 2:9

For you brothers remember how we labored and toiled, working hard night and day, so that we would not burden any of you [while] we proclaimed to you the Gospel of God.