1 Corinthians 9:7

“Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? etc.] Some people have done so, as did the Habessines f149, and the ancient Romans f150; though before the apostle wrote this, the senate had made an act, that the soldiers should have a stipend from the public; and this being now so common, and universally obtaining everywhere, the apostle puts the question he does; and his meaning is, that since ministers of the Gospel are the good soldiers of Jesus Christ, and are engaged in a warfare state, in fighting the good fight of faith, against his enemies, and those of his church, it is but reasonable that their charges should be bore, and they maintained at the public expense: who planteth a…”

“The minister is spiritually a soldier (Ti2 2:3), a vine-dresser (Co1 3:6-8; Sol 1:6), and a shepherd (Pe1 5:2, Pe1 5:4). of the fruit--The oldest manuscripts omit "of."”

“Who goeth a warfare ... - Paul now proceeds to illustrate the right which he knew ministers had to a support 1 Corinthians 9:7-14, and then to show the reason why he had not availed himself of that right; 1 Corinthians 9:15-23. The right he illustrates from the nature of the case 1 Corinthians 9:7, 1 Corinthians 9:11; from the authority of Scripture 1 Corinthians 9:8-10; from the example of the priests under the Jewish law 1 Corinthians 9:18; and from the authority of Jesus Christ; 1 Corinthians 9:14. In this verse (7th) the right is enforced by the nature of the case, and by three illustrations. The first is, the right of a soldier or warrior to his wages. The Christian ministry is compared…”

“9:7-10 These examples support Paul’s point that he and other Christian workers had a right to be supported by those they served.”

“goeth: Co2 10:4, Co2 10:5; Ti1 1:18, Ti1 6:12; Ti2 2:3, Ti2 2:4, Ti2 4:7 planteth: Co1 3:6-8; Deu 20:6; Pro 27:18; Sol 8:12 or: Jer 23:2, Jer 23:3; Joh 21:15-17; Act 20:28; Pe1 5:2 eateth not of the milk: Pro 27:27; Isa 7:22 1 Corinthians 9:8”