I think we would all agree that this is true on occasion, but there are also exceptions to this. At times, “you get more than you pay for.” For example, at times a sports team will sign an athlete for a small amount of money who turns out to be a superstar or a movie made on a shoestring budget soars at the box office.
There are also times when “you don’t get what you pay for.” Using the same illustrations—on occasion a professional sport team will sign an athlete for an astronomical amount of money who will have a career ending injury and that movie that took millions upon millions of dollars to make, will tank at the box office. So there are exceptions to the statement, “You get what you pay for.”
In the first part of 1 Corinthians 9, we learn that the Christians at Corinth were also an exception to this rule as well in that they got something they did not pay a dime for—namely the Apostle Paul. In this chapter, we learn that they received guidance and direction and biblical instruction from Him for free. Paul gave everything to them and did not receive anything in return. Why? Why would he do that? Well, he tells us why at the end of v. 12 and in vv. 15-18.
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul spends the majority of the first half of the chapter (vv. 1-14) establishing the right that he has to be compensated for his work in ministry and then four verses (vv. 15-18) explaining how and why he waived that right. At the end of v. 12, Paul says,
Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.
After establishing the right he has to be compensated for his work in ministry, Paul says, “We have not made use of this right.” Why? He tells us—“(to not) put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.” Paul was concerned that if he started asking for money, outsiders would begin to question his motives in ministry, which might hinder the spread of the Gospel.
He also waived his right to compensation because it thrilled him to “present the gospel free of charge.” He says, “Though, I have the right to support—I will never use it—I have refused it, so that you are not burdened or hindered by anything; so that you can receive the wonderful message of the Gospel free of charge.”
