“Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who plunder them.” (Proverbs 22:22-23) This proverb perhaps sums up Paul’s attitude toward the mission Christ gave him, bringing the gospel to the Gentiles. Not that the members of the Corinthian congregation were financially poor and needy. They were actually one of the wealthiest congregations. They were, however, spiritually poor and needy.
Paul confidently asks them the sarcastic question, “Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent you?” The answer is no. He even promised, “I will not be a burden to you,” when he returned.
This is the way of the servants of Christ, which is in stark contrast to fake Christian teachers, the very likes of Paul’s opponents. Apostle Peter says of them, “In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.” (2 Peter 2:3)
Jesus did not charge for his teaching, though people did invite him to lunch and supper and to have a place to rest. The apostles did not charge for passing on Jesus’ teaching. The first church lived communally until Stephen was stoned to death. Then they scattered and became self-supporting house churches. Paul and many others maintained an occupation most of the time as they spread the gospel into new lands. What Jesus started, I will continue. I live by faith, not by sight.
