of the temple^ i. e. they derive their support from the temple. Those attending the altar share with the altar^ i. e. the priests receive a portion of the sacrifices offered on the altar. If this was an institution ordained by God himself, under the old dis- pensation, it has the sanction of divine authority. The apos- tle's concluding and conclusive argument on this subject is contained in the following verse.
14. Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
Even so (ovtw Kat), so also, i. e. as God had ordained under the Old Testament, so also the Lord (i. e. Christ) had ordained under the New. Christ has made the same ordinance respect- ing the ministers of the gospel, that God made respecting the priests of the law. The Lord hath ordained that, &c., (8i€- Ta|c Tots), he commanded those who preach, &c. It was a com- mand to ministers themselves not to seek their support from secular occupations ; but to live of the gospel, as the priests lived of the temple. Matt. 10, 10. Luke 10, 8. This is the law of Christ, obligatory on ministers and people ; on the lat- ter to give, and on the former to seek a support from the church and not from worldly avocations. There are circum- stances under which, as the case of Paul shows, this command ceases to be binding on preachers. These are exceptions, to be justified, each on its own merits ; the rule, as a rule, re- mains in force. If this subject were viewed in this light, both by preachers and people, there would be little difficulty in sus- taining the gospel, and few ministers would be distracted by worldly pursuits.
15. But I have used none of these things : neither have 1 written these things, that it should be so done unto me : for (it were) better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
Noiw of these things, may refer to the various arguments above mentioned. ' I have availed myself of none of these arguments ; ' or, it may refer to the right itself, which was manifold, the right of a recompense for labour, v. 7 ; the right to an equivalent for benefits conferred, v. 1 1 ; the right to be treated as other ministers were, v. 12; the right to be dealt