In 1 Corinthians 9:7–12a, Paul’s aim is to prove that a preacher of the gospel truly has the right to be supported by the church. He starts to build his case by using three illustrations from daily life.
First, a soldier who is engaged in service can expect to have his daily needs met by his commander. Second, a farmer who plants a vineyard has the right to eat of its fruit. And third, a goatherd can drink of his goats’ milk.
These illustrations are aptly chosen. They are all connected to the theme of eating and drinking (1 Corinthians 9:4), a theme that in its turn is connected to the matter of food offered to idols (1 Corinthians 8:1–13).
7 Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk?