I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. 2 Corinthians 11:8-9
Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less? Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery! Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent you? I urged Titus to go to you and I sent our brother with him. Titus did not exploit you, did he? Did we not act in the same spirit and follow the same course? 2 Corinthians 12:14-18
Even though Paul made it clear that he had a “right” to profit from the gospel, he refused to do so. This is because ministry in the Kingdom is not about claiming your right but doing what is right.
There is a theme throughout Paul’s letters that he worked to support himself as much as possible, even working so that he could give beyond what it took to support himself.
Paul did this for several reasons. First, he did not wish to be a burden. As a spiritual father to them, he did not wish for his spiritual children to support him.
Second, he desired instead to be a blessing. He knew it was more blessed to give than receive.
Third, he did it to be an example to the Church, that everyone should support themselves whenever possible so that the Body would have the resources necessary to truly help those among them in need.
This was all done out of love. He didn’t like money going to him instead of those in need. The fact that the Macedonians forced him to take their money is telling — he called it robbery — because they gave out of their poverty.
Ministers within the Church, especially those with teaching and evangelistic roles, are worthy of our money or other material gifts. But they would be more like Paul if they refused it as much as they could.
Peace.