Hey Bible readers, I'm Tara Lee Cobble and I'm your host for the Bible recap.

Paul opens today in his letter to the church at Corinth with the reminder of his role

in their lives.

Apparently, some people discredit him or refuse to view him as an apostle.

Some are saying he's not an apostle because he doesn't receive money from them.

But he says, the same authority that allows me the right to receive money from you is the

authority that allows me to deny money from you.

You're writing me a paycheck is not what makes me an apostle.

I'm an apostle because God appointed me, not you.

He goes on to list the other things apostles have the right to do, including have their

physical needs taken care of, get married, and make their soul living an income through

ministry.

He argues that he has every right to receive support from them, but that he is chosen

to deny that right so that they can't second guess his motives, but it seems to backfire

on him.

They're second guessing him because he's denying their money.

How ridiculous is it that he has to defend his right to not get paid?

But essentially, he says, you didn't hire me so you can't fire me.

I'm going to preach the gospel regardless.

When we get to second Corinthians, we'll find out more of what's happening behind the

scenes here, but in the meantime, he's restricting his own rights in order to preach the gospel

to more people without putting any kind of stumbling block in their way.

...