9:13 {9} Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live [of the {l} things] of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are {m} partakers with the altar?
(9) Last of all he brings forth the express law concerning the nourishing of the Levites, which privilege nonetheless he will not use.
(l) This is spoken by the figure of speech metonymy, for those things that are offered in the temple.
(m) Are partakers with the altar in dividing the sacrifice.
9:13 They which minister about holy things. He now shows that the temple teaches the same lesson. The priests and Levites are sustained by the temple offerings.
Partakers with the altar. A part of the sacrifice was consumed on the altar and a part was awarded to the priests.
9:1-14 It is not new for a minister to meet with unkind returns for good-will to a people, and diligent and successful services among them. To the cavils of some, the apostle answers, so as to set forth himself as an example of self-denial, for the good of others. He had a right to marry as well as other apostles, and to claim what was needful for his wife, and his children if he had any, from the churches, without labouring with his own hands to get it. Those who seek to do our souls good, should have food provided for them. But he renounced his right, rather than hinder his success by claiming it. It is the people's duty to maintain their minister. He may wave his right, as Paul did; but those transgress a precept of Christ, who deny or withhold due support.
