1 Corinthians 9:8

“Say I these things as a man? etc.] After the manner of men, reasoning from things common among men, and obvious to everyone’s observation: or saith not the law the same also? As the subject the apostle is upon was capable of being illustrated and confirmed by instances common unto, and easy of observation among men; so it might be supported by divine authority; it was not only a clear point from the reason of things, but was certain by the law of God.”

“as a man--I speak thus not merely according to human judgment, but with the sanction of the divine law also.”

“Say I these things as a man? - Do I speak this on my own authority, or without the sanction of God? Is not this, which appears to be so reasonable and equitable, also supported by the authority of God? Or saith not the law the same also? - The Law of Moses, to which the “Jewish” part of the church at Corinth - which probably had mainly urged these objections - professed to bow with deference. Paul was accustomed, especially in arguing with the Jews, to derive his proofs from the Old Testament. In the previous verse he had shown that it was equitable that ministers of the gospel should be supported. In this and the following verses he shows that the same principle was recognized and acted on…”

“Do I speak as a man - Barely on the authority of human reason? Does not God also say, in effect, the same thing? The ox that treadeth out the corn - This was the custom in Judea, and many eastern nations. In several of them it is retained still. And at this day, horses tread out the corn in some parts of Germany. 1 Corinthians 9:9”

“as: Co1 7:40; Rom 6:19; Th1 2:13, Th1 4:8 or: Co1 14:34; Isa 8:20; Rom 3:31 1 Corinthians 9:9”