1Cor 9:11-18 | TNotes

9:12 ^a Compared with other Christian workers supported by the Corinthians, Paul claimed an even greater right to be supported by them, because he was the one who first brought the Good News to them. But to avoid criticism, he had never used this right (see 9:6 ^b, 14-15 ^c, 18 ^d; cp. Acts 18:3 ^e; 2 Cor 11:7-9 ^f; 12:13-14 ^g).
9:13 ^h Paul might be referring to Levites and priests at God’s temple in Jerusalem (see Deut 18:1-4 ⁱ; cp. Lev 6:16-17 ^j, 26 ^k; Num 18:8-32 ^l), but the pagan priests in temples around Corinth would have done similarly.
9:14 ^m the Lord ordered: See Matt 10:10 ⁿ; Luke 10:7 ^o; see also Gal 6:6 ^p; 1 Tim 5:17-18 ^q.
9:15 ^r Paul had never pressed his rights, nor was he now seeking to do so. Rather, he was illustrating the importance of giving up one’s rights for the sake of others (cp. 8:13 ^s).
9:16 ^t compelled by God to do it: Acts 22:14-15 ^u; 26:16-18 ^v.
9:18 ^w Paul’s satisfaction came from preaching the Good News without charging anyone. This is another example of the way Christians must be willing to give up their rights out of consideration for others (cp. 8:13 ^x).