9:8 {6} Say I these things {h} as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
(6) Secondly, he brings forth the authority of God's institution by an argument of comparison.
(h) Have I not better ground than the common custom of men?
9:8 Say I these things as a man? Human affairs teach our right to be sustained.
Saith not the law the same also? But the law of Moses teaches the same lesson.
9:8 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.
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.
