Why did Paul refuse to take payment for his apostolic work?
Paul refused payment for his apostolic work so no one could accuse him of doing it for money. He had also seen in his earlier life in Judaism how money could corrupt him, and that same fear of greed drove his refusal.
Les teaches that Paul had every right to compensation as an apostle for his time and suffering, just as a vineyard owner deserves a return and a shepherd may partake of the milk. Yet Paul never took it, because he did not want anyone to point a finger and say he was doing it for money. Les also notes that in Paul’s earlier life in Judaism money was a factor, and Paul had seen how it could corrupt him. Les compares this to his own fear that taking money could make a person greedy, and suggests this drove Paul.