THOU SHALT NOT MUZZLE THE MOUTH OF THE OX

1 Corinthians 9:9-10 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith He it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

In the days this letter was written, in later days, and even today, false teachers thrive on discrediting the character, reputation, and the authority, of gospel preachers that proclaim God's word. Such was the case with Paul. Not only did he receive criticism from those outside the body of Christ, but, also, some of his most severe critics were within the church. He was criticized by the Jewish nation for becoming a Christian, and by many Christians for his reputation of severely persecuting the church of Christ.

From verse 1, of this chapter, some even questioned his apostleship. In the form of rhetorical questions, Paul makes an affirmative assertion that he is, indeed, an apostle, (and) free to all the rights and privileges due to an apostle of Jesus Christ. In order for them to testify of His resurrection from the dead, it was necessary for all apostles to have witnessed Jesus Christ alive after his death on the cross of Calvary. Paul, as did all apostles, also saw Jesus Christ after His resurrection, and heard his voice speaking to him, on the road to Damascus.

The fact that the church at Corinth existed affirms Paul as an apostle of Christ - ...for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord (Vs. 2). Later on in this letter, Paul confirms, in a most humble way, their conversion, as well as his apostleship, by saying, For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, He was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God (1 Cor. 15:3-9).

To those that question his authority as an apostle of Christ, Paul answers, again rhetorically, that he has the power to eat and to drink (Vs. 4) - that is, to require, expect, and receive all things necessary to support his physical well-being, such as food, drink, clothing, and a place to rest at night. Such necessities were supplied to other apostles and Paul had the same right to be equally supported. Paul also had the right to be married to a sister in Christ, as well as other apostles, ...brethren of the Lord, and Cephas (Peter) (Vs. 5). These verses indicate that Paul's authority as an apostle of Christ was questioned because he chose to provide for his own well-being rather than rely solely on support from the church. Some also doubted because, unlike other apostles, Paul was not married. Paul's answer was that he, as well as Barnabas, had the right to do these things, however, he chose not to exercise that right in the same way as other apostles did (Vs. 6).

In verse 7, Paul clearly affirms the right of physical support for a preacher of the gospel of Christ with several examples; soldiers are paid for their services, vinedressers eat freely of the harvest, and herders feed on the milk of the flocks. Paul assured the Christians at Corinth, this was not merely his human opinion, but God also sanctions it. Quoting Deuteronomy 25:4, Paul writes that, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. Oxen are free to eat the grain, which they tread out from the stalks and husks. God, not only has laws that provided for the care of oxen, but also for all that labor in His spiritual fields and vineyards. The one that plows the field, sows the grain, reaps the harvest, and separates the grain from the husks, are deemed worthy of partaking of the fruit of their effort. Such was true of apostles, preachers, and elders of the church of Christ (See 1 Tim. 5:17-18). Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they, which preach the gospel should live of the gospel (1 Cor. 9:14). So it is, and so it should ever be!