¹⁷ Let the elders ^(A)who rule well be considered worthy of ^(B)double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says, ^(C)“You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, ^(D)“The laborer deserves his wages.”

⁷ And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for ^(A)the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house.

¹⁰ no bag for your journey, or two tunics^[a] or sandals or a staff, for ^(A)the laborer deserves his food.

^11 (A)If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? ¹² If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more?

Nevertheless, ^(B)we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything ^(C)rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. ¹³ Do you not know that ^(D)those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? ¹⁴ In the same way, the Lord commanded that ^(E)those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.

¹⁵ But ^(F)I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone ^(G)deprive me of my ground for boasting. ¹⁶ For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For ^(H)necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! ¹⁷ For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with ^(I)a stewardship. ¹⁸ What then is my reward? That in my preaching ^(J)I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.