Paul intentionally refrained from requesting financial support from the Corinthians to avoid being burdensome and to safeguard his apostolic integrity.
In the evidence, Les Feldick explains that Paul voluntarily gave up his right to support, even from well-to-do Corinthians, because he didn't want anyone to accuse him of preaching for money. Instead, he accepted support from the poorer Macedonian believers and worked to keep himself from being chargeable to the Corinthians. This reflects his commitment to the gospel above personal gain.
2 Corinthians 11:9 — This verse directly states Paul was not a burden to the Corinthians and that Macedonian brethren supplied his needs.
1 Corinthians 9:15 — Paul declares he would rather die than have anyone make his boasting void, referencing his refusal to use his right to support.
Paul himself explains his practice in 2 Corinthians 11:9, where he says, "And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself." This shows that while he was in Corinth, he purposely did not accept financial support from them, even though he was in need. Instead, he received help from believers in Macedonia. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul clarifies his rights as an apostle but then chooses not to use them. He writes, "But I have used none of these things: neither have I 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 boasting void" (1 Corinthians 9:15). He also says he would rather "suffer all things" than hinder the gospel of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:12). Paul's actions demonstrate a deliberate choice to forgo financial support to prevent any obstacle to the gospel, as he was concerned about how it might be perceived.
Les Feldick teaches that Paul's refusal to take financial support from the Corinthians was a deliberate safeguard against any accusation of preaching for personal gain. In his commentary, Les points out that even though some Corinthians were wealthy, Paul refused to take from them, instead accepting support from the poorer Macedonian believers. Les emphasizes that Paul's background in Judaism, where he saw money corrupt religious leaders, fueled his determination to remain free from any financial obligation. This principle of not being burdensome is also reflected in Les's own ministry, as he often mentions he never asks for money but trusts God to provide.
According to Les Feldick, Paul knew there were well-to-do people in the Corinthian church, as seen by their behaviour at the Lord's Supper. Yet he declined their support. Les explains that Paul's concern was not the amount but the perception: he didn't want anyone to point a finger at him and claim he was in it for the money. This motivated him to accept support from the poverty-stricken Macedonian churches instead, as they freely supplied his needs.
Les teaches that Paul's experience in Judaism, where he had seen how money could corrupt religious leaders, made them adamant about never accepting payment for his apostolic work. He feared that human nature could lead to greed, so he avoided any financial compensation to maintain a clear conscience and witness.
Les notes that Paul admonished the Corinthians to give toward the poor saints in Jerusalem, but he never asked them to support his own ministry. He wanted their giving to be voluntary and cheerful, not under pressure. Les also points out that in his own ministry, he never asks for money, trusting that God will supply the needs without resorting to fundraising.
Power of the Gospel
Les highlights how the gospel spreads powerfully without financial incentives, as seen with the Thessalonians, implying that Paul's ministry was not dependent on money.
Paul Spared the Corinthians
Les explains that Paul refused support from wealthy Corinthians to avoid being burdensome, even though they could afford it.
Motivated by Past Corruption
Les teaches that Paul's early experience with corruption in Judaism made him adamant about never accepting payment for ministry.
Admonition to Give, but Not to Him
Les shows that while Paul encouraged giving to others, he did not ask for personal support, reflecting his principle of not being a burden.
Les Never Asks for Money
Les parallels Paul's approach by stating he never asks for money, trusting God to supply needs.
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That�s up to you as a believer, as God has prospered you, and He has enough respect for your free will as a believer that you�re going to give as much as you can. Then He says He wants to have them do it before He gets there so that they wouldn�t be under any of His influence. He doesn�t want them to dig down in their other pocket, �Well, Paul is here, and he better see how much I�m giving.
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I did not come to Corinth purposely so that I would not be more stringent in His reproof, and a letter would be a better kinder way of doing it. And so he just knew that time was not ripe for him to make a personal appearance amongst this congregation, and don't forget everything we learned in 1 Corinthians with all the problems and all the necessary reproofs that were brought upon that congregati…
Are Christians Required to Tithe? 2 Corinthians 8:7-9 Explained
And he's telling the Corinthians that the men that are coming, probably headed up by Titus, are men of integrity, and they don't have to worry about turning over their offering to them, because they will get every penny of it to Jerusalem where it's supposed to go. Now I want to come quickly over to chapter 9, verse 1, "...
2 Corinthians 11:9: And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.
This verse directly shows Paul's practice of not being a financial burden to the Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 9:12: If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
Paul explains that he gave up his right to support to avoid hindering the gospel.
1 Corinthians 9:15: But I have used none of these things: neither have I 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 boasting void.
Paul strongly emphasizes his refusal to use his right to support, even preferring death.
2 Corinthians 8:9: For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
Les references this in the clip to show Paul's example of selflessness, though it is not central to the support question.
Paul chose not to be a financial burden to the Corinthians, even though some were wealthy, because he didn't want anyone to question his motives. He accepted support from the Macedonian believers instead, and he worked to keep himself independent.
No, Paul never asked for personal financial support. He encouraged giving toward the poor saints in Jerusalem, but he refused to accept payment for his own ministry to avoid any accusation of greed.
Les teaches that we should trust God to supply our needs without resorting to manipulative fundraising. Paul's example shows that ministry should not be motivated by money, and we should seek to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.
Watch the Teaching: Why God's Strength Is Made Perfect in Weakness — 2 Corinthians 12:9