May 6 (Judges 19–21; Psalm 115; 1 Corinthians 8–9)

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Jackie Hill Perry" – Episode Released May 6, 2025

Overview

In this episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year," hosted by Crossway and featuring bestselling author Jackie Hill Perry, listeners embark on a profound journey through selected passages of the Bible. The episode for May 6 focuses on three key sections: Judges 19–21, Psalm 115, and 1 Corinthians 8–9. Each segment is meticulously read and dramatized by different voices, bringing the scriptures to life and offering listeners an immersive biblical experience.

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1. Judges 19–21: The Tragic Tale of the Levite and His Concubine

Narrative Summary: The opening segment delves into the harrowing narrative of a Levite, his concubine, and the ensuing conflict within the tribe of Benjamin. Set "in those days when there was no king in Israel," the story portrays societal breakdown, moral decay, and the severe consequences of unchecked immorality.

Key Points:

• Levite's Journey: The Levite travels with his concubine to Bethlehem in Judah, where she leaves him, leading him to seek reconciliation (Judges 19:1-2).
• Hospitality and Violence: Despite the Lucius hospitality from the girl's father, the situation spirals as the concubine is brutally abused by the men of Gibeah, resulting in her death (Judges 19:23-30).
• Nationwide Crisis: The gruesome act ignites a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin, highlighting the fractures within Israelite society (Judges 19:31-30:6).

Notable Quotes:

• Levite (04:49): "I came to Gibeah, that belongs to Benjamin, I and my concubine to spend the night."
• Narrator (05:42): "From the day that the people of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt until this day, consider it, take counsel and speak."

Insights: This passage underscores the importance of societal leadership and the dire consequences when moral and ethical standards are abandoned. It serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for kingship and structured governance to maintain order and justice.

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2. Psalm 115: A Call to Trust in God Over Idols

Narrative Summary: Psalm 115 is a lyrical affirmation of faith, contrasting the transient nature of idols with the eternal sovereignty of God. It encourages believers to place their trust solely in the Lord, rejecting the futility of idolatry.

Key Themes:

• Trust in God: Emphasizes reliance on God's eternal power and presence (Psalm 115:1-2).
• Futility of Idols: Highlights the impotence of idols made by human hands, incapable of hearing, seeing, or responding (Psalm 115:4-7).
• Divine Blessings: Calls for God's blessings upon those who fear Him, promising prosperity and growth (Psalm 115:12-15).

Notable Quotes:

• Old Man (15:42): "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak... O Israel, trust in the Lord. He is their help and their shield."
• Old Man (16:51): "Nor do any who go down into silence. But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore praise the Lord."

Insights: Psalm 115 serves as a theological rebuttal to idolatry, reinforcing monotheistic faith and encouraging believers to acknowledge God's supremacy. It inspires worship and trust, reminding listeners of God's active role in their lives.

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3. 1 Corinthians 8–9: Paul's Teachings on Christian Liberty and Apostolic Rights

Narrative Summary: The final segment features Paul's discourse addressing the complexities of Christian liberty, particularly concerning food offered to idols, and his defenses of apostolic rights and ministry.

Key Points:

• Knowledge vs. Love (1 Corinthians 8:1-3): Paul distinguishes between intellectual understanding and love-driven actions, cautioning against causing others to stumble (8:7).
• Sensitivity to the Weak (1 Corinthians 8:9-13): He emphasizes prioritizing others' consciences over personal freedoms to maintain unity and edification within the church (8:9).
• Apostolic Rights (1 Corinthians 9:1-18): Paul defends his rights as an apostle, including the right to financial support, but willingly foregoes them for the sake of the Gospel (9:12).
• Self-Discipline and Mission (1 Corinthians 9:19-27): He illustrates his adaptability and self-control, portraying himself as a servant to win others for Christ (9:22-23).

Notable Quotes:

• Old Man (17:04): "Now, concerning food offered to idols, we know that all of us possess knowledge. This knowledge puffs up, but love builds up."
• Old Man (19:32): "Do you not know that 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."

Insights: Paul's teachings in these chapters navigate the balance between theological convictions and interpersonal sensitivity. He advocates for prioritizing love and the community's well-being over personal liberties, demonstrating a profound commitment to fostering unity and safeguarding the spiritual growth of believers.

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Conclusion

This episode of "Through the ESV Bible in a Year" offers a comprehensive exploration of critical biblical narratives and teachings. From the tragic events in Judges highlighting the need for righteous leadership, through the worshipful declarations in Psalm 115, to Paul's strategic guidance in 1 Corinthians, listeners are provided with deep theological insights and practical applications. Jackie Hill Perry's curatorial selection and Crossway's faithful dramatization invite both seasoned believers and new seekers to engage thoughtfully with Scripture, encouraging a transformative journey through the Bible.

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Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps:

• Levite (04:49): "I came to Gibeah, that belongs to Benjamin, I and my concubine to spend the night."
• Old Man (15:42): "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands... O Israel, trust in the Lord. He is their help and their shield."
• Old Man (19:32): "Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple?"

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This structured summary captures the essence of the episode, providing detailed insights into each reading while highlighting significant passages and their implications for the listener.

Transcript

[Narrator]

A reading from the Book of Judges. In those days when there was no king in Israel, a certain Levite was.

[Levite]

Sojourning in the remote parts of the.

[Narrator]

Hill country of Ephraim, who took to himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. And his concubine was unfaithful to him.

[Levite]

And she went away from him to.

[Narrator]

Her father's house at Bethlehem in Judah, and was there some four months.

[Levite]

Then her husband arose and went after.

[Narrator]

Her to speak kindly to her and bring her back.

[Levite]

He had with him his servant and.

[Narrator]

A couple of donkeys, and she brought.

[Levite]

Him into her father's house. And when the girl's father saw him.

[Narrator]

He came with joy to meet him. And his father in law, the girl's father made him stay, and he remained with him three days. So they ate and drank and spent the night there.

[Levite]

And on the fourth day they arose.

[Narrator]

Early in the morning, and he prepared to go.

[Levite]

But the girl's father said to his.

[Narrator]

Son in law, strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread, and after that you may go.

[Levite]

So the two of them sat and ate and drank together.

[Narrator]

And the girl's father said to the man, be pleased to spend the night, and let your heart be merry.

[Levite]

And when the man rose up to.

[Narrator]

Go, his father in law pressed him till he spent the night there again.

[Levite]

And on the fifth day he arose.

[Narrator]

Early in the morning to depart. And the girl's father said, strengthen your heart, and wait until the day declines. So they ate both of them.

[Levite]

And when the man and his concubine and his servant rose up to depart.

[Narrator]

His father in law, the girl's father said to him, behold, now the day has waned toward evening.

[Levite]

Please spend the night.

[Old Man]

Behold, the day draws to its close.

[Levite]

Lodge here, and let your heart be merry, and tomorrow you shall arise early.

[Narrator]

In the morning for your journey and go home. But the man would not spend the night.

[Levite]

He rose up and departed and arrived opposite Jebus, I.e.

[Narrator]

Jerusalem.

[Old Man]

He had with him a couple of.

[Narrator]

Saddled donkeys, and his concubine was with him. When they were near Jebus, the day was nearly over. And the servant said to his master.

[Levite]

Come, now let us turn aside to.

[Narrator]

The city of the Jebusites and spend the night in it. And his master said to him, we.

[Levite]

Will not turn aside into the city.

[Narrator]

Of foreigners who do not belong to the people of Israel, but we will pass on to Gibeah. And he said to his young man.

[Levite]

Come, and let us draw near to.

[Narrator]

One of these places and spend the night at Gibeah. Or at Ramah. So they passed on and went their way. And the sun went down on them near Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin. And they turned aside there to go in and spend the night at Gibeah.

[Levite]

And he went in and sat down in the open square of the city.

[Narrator]

For no one took them into his house to spend the night.

[Levite]

And behold, an old man was coming.

[Narrator]

From his work in the field at evening.

[Levite]

The man was from the hill country.

[Narrator]

Of Ephraim, and he was sojourning in Gibeah. The men of the place were Benjaminites. And he lifted up his eyes and saw the traveler in the open square of the city. And the old man said, where are you going, and where do you come from? And he said to him, we are.

[Levite]

Passing from Bethlehem and Judah to the remote parts of the hill country of.

[Narrator]

Ephraim, from which I come. I went to Bethlehem and Judah, and.

[Levite]

I am going to the house of the Lord.

[Narrator]

But no one has taken me into his house.

[Levite]

We have straw and feed for our donkeys with bread and wine for me.

[Narrator]

And your female servant and the young man, with your servants there is no lack of anything. And the old man said, peace be to you. I will care for all your wants.

[Levite]

Only do not spend the night in the square.

[Narrator]

So he brought him into his house.

[Levite]

And gave the donkeys feet.

[Narrator]

And they washed their feet and ate and drank as they were making their hearts merry. Behold, the men of the city. Worthless fellows surrounded the house, beating on the door.

[Levite]

And they said to the old man.

[Narrator]

The master of the house, bring out.

[Levite]

The man who came into your house.

[Narrator]

That we may know him.

[Levite]

And the man, the master of the house, went out to them and said.

[Narrator]

To them, no, my brothers, do not act so wickedly since this man has.

[Levite]

Come into my house.

[Narrator]

Do not do this vile thing. Behold, here are my virgin daughter and his concubine. Let me bring them out now.

[Levite]

Violate them and do with them what.

[Narrator]

Seems good to you. But against this man, do not do this outrageous thing. But the men would not listen to them.

[Levite]

So the man seized his concubine and.

[Narrator]

Made her go out to them. And they knew her and abused her all night until the morning. And as the dawn began to break, they let her go.

[Levite]

And as morning appeared, the woman came.

[Narrator]

And fell down at the door of.

[Levite]

The man's house where her master was.

[Narrator]

And until it was light. And her master rose up in the morning.

[Levite]

And when he opened the doors of the house and went out to go.

[Narrator]

On his way, behold, there was his.

[Levite]

Concubine, lying at the door of the.

[Narrator]

House, with her hands on the threshold, he said to her, get up, let us be going. But there was no answer. Then he put her on the donkey.

[Levite]

And the man rose up and went.

[Narrator]

Away to his home. And when he entered his house, he took a knife.

[Levite]

And taking hold of his concubine, he.

[Narrator]

Divided her limb by limb into 12 pieces and sent her throughout all the territory of Israel. And all who saw it said, such a thing has never happened or been seen.

[Levite]

From the day that the people of.

[Narrator]

Israel came up out of the land of Egypt until this day, consider it, take counsel and speak. Then all the people of Israel came out from Dan to Beersheba, including the land of Gilead.

[Levite]

And the congregation assembled as one man.

[Narrator]

To the Lord at Mizpah.

[Levite]

And the chiefs of all the people of all the tribes of Israel presented.

[Narrator]

Themselves in the assembly of the people of God. 400,000 men on foot that drew the sword. Now the people of Benjamin heard that the people of Israel had gone up to Mizpah. And the people of Israel said, tell us, how did this evil happen? And the Levite, the husband of the woman who was murdered, answered and said.

[Levite]

I came to Gibeah, that belongs to Benjamin.

[Narrator]

I, I and my concubine to spend the night.

[Levite]

And the leaders of Gibeah rose against me and surrounded the house against me.

[Narrator]

By night they meant to kill me. And they violated my concubine, and she is dead. So I took hold of my concubine and cut her in pieces and sent.

[Levite]

Her throughout all the country of the.

[Narrator]

Inheritance of Israel, for they have committed abomination and outrage in Israel. Behold, you people of Israel, all of you give your advice and counsel here.

[Levite]

And all the people arose as one.

[Narrator]

Man, saying, none of us will go to his tent and none of us.

[Levite]

Will return to his house.

[Narrator]

But now this is what we will do to Gibeah. We will go up against it by lot. And we will take 10 men of.

[Levite]

A hundred throughout all the tribes of.

[Narrator]

Israel, and a hundred of a thousand and a thousand of ten thousand to bring provisions for the people, that when.

[Levite]

They come, they may repay Gibeah of.

[Narrator]

Benjamin for all the outrage that they have committed in Israel. So all the men of Israel gathered against the city united as one man.

[Levite]

And the tribes of Israel sent men.

[Narrator]

Through all the tribes of Benjamin, saying, what evil is this that has taken place among you?

[Levite]

Now therefore, give up the men, the.

[Old Man]

Worthless fellows in Gibeah, that we may.

[Levite]

Put them to death and purge evil from Israel.

[Narrator]

But the Benjaminites would not listen to the voice of their brothers, the people of Israel.

[Levite]

Then the people of Benjamin came together out of the cities to Gibeah to.

[Narrator]

Go out to battle against the people of Israel.

[Levite]

And the people of Benjamin mustered out of their cities on that day 26,000.

[Narrator]

Men who drew the sword besides the inhabitants of Gibeah, who mustered 700 chosen men.

[Levite]

Among all these were 700 chosen men.

[Narrator]

Who were left handed.

[Levite]

Everyone could sling a stone at a.

[Narrator]

Hare and not miss. And the men of Israel, apart From.

[Levite]

Benjamin, mustered 400,000 men who drew the sword.

[Narrator]

All these were men of war.

[Levite]

The people of Israel arose and went.

[Narrator]

Up to Bethel and inquired of God.

[Old Man]

Who shall go up first for us.

[Narrator]

To fight against the people of Benjamin? And the Lord said, judah shall go up first. Then the people of Israel rose in the morning and encamped against Gibeah. And the men of Israel went out.

[Levite]

To fight against Benjamin.

[Narrator]

And the men of Israel drew up the battle line against them at Gibeah.

[Levite]

The people of Benjamin came out of.

[Narrator]

Gibeah and destroyed on that day 22,000 men of the Israelites. But the people, the men of Israel, took courage and again formed the battle.

[Levite]

Line in the same place where they.

[Narrator]

Had formed it on the first day. And the people of Israel went up and wept before the Lord until the evening.

[Levite]

And they inquired of the Lord, shall.

[Narrator]

We again draw near to fight against our brothers? The people of Benjamin. And the Lord said, go up against them. So the people of Israel came near against the people of Benjamin the second day.

[Levite]

And Benjamin went against them out of.

[Narrator]

Gibeah the second day and destroyed 18,000 men of the people of Israel.

[Levite]

All these were men who drew the sword.

[Narrator]

Then all the people of Israel, the whole army went up and came to Bethel and wept. They sat there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. And the people of Israel inquired of the Lord, for the ark of the.

[Levite]

Covenant of God was there in those days. And Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son.

[Narrator]

Of Aaron, ministered before it in those days, saying, shall we go up once more to battle against our brothers, the people of Benjamin, or shall we cease? And the Lord said, go up for tomorrow I will give them into your hand. So Israel set men in ambush around Gibeah.

[Levite]

And the people of Israel went up against the people of Benjamin on the.

[Narrator]

Third day and set themselves in array against Gibeah as at other times. And the people of Benjamin went out against the people and were drawn away from the city.

[Levite]

And as at other times, they began to strike and kill some of the.

[Narrator]

People in the highways, one of which goes up to Bethel, and the other to Gibeah. And in the open country, about 30 men of Israel. And the people of Benjamin said, they are routed before us, as at the first. But the people of Israel said, let.

[Levite]

Us flee and draw them away from.

[Old Man]

The city to the highways.

[Narrator]

And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place and set themselves in array at BAAL Tamar.

[Levite]

And the men of Israel who were.

[Narrator]

In ambush rushed out of their place from Mero Geba.

[Levite]

And there came against Gibeah 10,000 chosen.

[Narrator]

Men out of all Israel. And the battle was hard.

[Levite]

But the Benjaminites did not know that.

[Narrator]

Disaster was close upon them. And the Lord defeated Benjamin before Israel.

[Levite]

And the people of Israel destroyed 25,100.

[Narrator]

Men of Benjamin that day. All these were men who drew the sword. So the people of Benjamin saw that they were defeated. The men of Israel gave ground to Benjamin because they trusted the men in ambush whom they had set against Gibeah. Then the men in ambush hurried and rushed against Gibeah.

[Levite]

The men in ambush moved out and.

[Narrator]

Struck all the city with the edge of the sword.

[Levite]

Now the appointed signal between the men.

[Narrator]

Of Israel and the men in the.

[Levite]

Main ambush was that when they made a great cloud of smoke rise up.

[Narrator]

Out of the city, the men of Israel should turn in battle.

[Levite]

Now Benjamin had begun to strike and.

[Narrator]

Kill about 30 men of Israel.

[Old Man]

They said, surely they are defeated before.

[Narrator]

Us as in the first battle.

[Levite]

But when the signal began to rise.

[Narrator]

Out of the city in a column of smoke, the Benjaminites looked behind them.

[Levite]

And behold, the whole of the city.

[Narrator]

Went up in smoke to heaven. Then the men of Israel turned, and the men of Benjamin were dismayed, for they saw that disaster was close upon them.

[Levite]

Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel in the direction of the wilderness.

[Narrator]

But the battle overtook them, and those.

[Levite]

Who came out of the cities were.

[Narrator]

Destroying them in their midst. Surrounding the Benjaminites, they pursued them and trod them down from Nohah as far as opposite Gibeah on the east. 18,000 men of Benjamin fell, all of them men of valor.

[Levite]

And they turned and fled toward the.

[Narrator]

Wilderness, to the rock of Rimmon.

[Levite]

5,000 men of them were cut down.

[Narrator]

In the highways, and they were pursued hard to get them. And 2000 men of them were struck down.

[Old Man]

So all who fell that day of.

[Narrator]

Benjamin were 25,000 men who drew the sword, all of them men of valor.

[Levite]

But 600 men turned and fled toward.

[Narrator]

The wilderness, to the rock of Rimmon. And remained at the rock of Rimmon four months. And the men of Israel turned back against the people of Benjamin.

[Levite]

And struck them with the edge of the sword.

[Narrator]

The city men and beasts and all that they found.

[Levite]

And all the towns that they found.

[Narrator]

They set on fire. Now, the men of Israel had sworn at Mizpah.

[Levite]

No one of us shall give his.

[Narrator]

Daughter in marriage to Benjamin. And the people came to Bethel and sat there till evening before God. And they lifted up their voices and wept bitterly. And they said, o Lord, the God of Israel, why has this happened in Israel?

[Elder]

That today there should be one tribe lacking in Israel?

[Levite]

And the next day the people rose.

[Narrator]

Early and built there an altar.

[Levite]

And offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.

[Narrator]

And the people of Israel said, which.

[Levite]

Of all the tribes of Israel did not come up in the assembly?

[Narrator]

To the Lord.

[Levite]

For they had taken a great oath concerning him who did not come up.

[Narrator]

To the Lord to Mizpah, saying, he shall surely be put to death. And the people of Israel had compassion.

[Levite]

For Benjamin, their brother.

[Narrator]

And said, one tribe is cut off from Israel this day.

[Old Man]

What shall we do for wives for.

[Narrator]

Those who are left, since we have.

[Levite]

Sworn by the Lord that we will.

[Narrator]

Not give them any of our daughters for wives? And they said, what one is there.

[Levite]

Of the tribes of Israel that did.

[Narrator]

Not come up to the Lord to Mizpah?

[Levite]

And behold, no one had come to.

[Narrator]

The camp from Jabesh Gilead to the assembly. For when the people were mustered, behold, not one of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead was there.

[Levite]

So the congregation sent 12,000 of their bravest men there.

[Narrator]

And commanded them, go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead with the edge of the sword.

[Levite]

Also the women and the little ones.

[Narrator]

This is what you shall do. Every male and every woman that has lain with a male you shall devote to destruction. And they found among the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead 400 young virgins who had not known a man by lying with him. And they brought them to the camp at Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan.

[Levite]

Then the whole congregation sent word to.

[Narrator]

The people of Benjamin. Who were at the rock of Rimmon and proclaimed peace to them. And Benjamin returned at that time.

[Levite]

And they gave them the women whom.

[Narrator]

They had saved alive of the women of Jabesh Gilead. But they were not enough for them.

[Levite]

And the people had compassion on Benjamin. Because the Lord had made a breach.

[Narrator]

In the tribes of Israel. Then the elders of the congregation said.

[Old Man]

What shall we do for wives for.

[Narrator]

Those who are left, since the women are destroyed out of Benjamin? And they said, there must be an inheritance for the survivors of Benjamin that a tribe not be blotted out from Israel. Yet we cannot give them wives from our daughters. For the people of Israel had sworn, cursed be he who gives a wife to Benjamin.

[Levite]

So they said, behold, there is the.

[Elder]

Yearly feast of the Lord at Shiloh, which is north of Bethel, on the east of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem and south of Lebonah.

[Narrator]

And they commanded the people of Benjamin, saying, go and lie in ambush in the vineyards and watch.

[Levite]

If the daughters of Shiloh come out.

[Narrator]

To dance in the dances, then come out of the vineyards and snatch each.

[Levite]

Man his wife from the daughters of.

[Narrator]

Shiloh and go to the land of Benjamin.

[Levite]

And when their fathers or their brothers.

[Narrator]

Come to complain to us, we will say to them, grant them graciously to us, because we did not take for each man of them his wife in battle. Neither did you give them to them, else you would now be guilty. And the people of Benjamin did so.

[Levite]

And took their wives according to their.

[Narrator]

Number from the dancers whom they carried off.

[Levite]

Then they went and returned to their.

[Narrator]

Inheritance and rebuilt the towns and lived in them. And the people of Israel departed from there at that time. Every man to his tribe and family and they went out from there, every man to his inheritance. In those days, there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. A reading from the Book of Psalms. Not to us, O Lord.

[Old Man]

Not to us. But to your name give glory for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness. Why should the nations say, where is their God? Our God is in the heavens.

[Narrator]

He does all that he pleases.

[Old Man]

Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak. Eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear. Noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel. Feet, but do not walk, and they do not make a sound in their throat. Those who make them become like them, so do all who trust in them. O Israel, trust in the Lord. He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord. He is their help and their shield. You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord. He is their help and their shield. The Lord has remembered us. He will bless us. He will bless the house of Israel. He will bless the house of Aaron. He will bless those who fear the Lord. Both the small and the great May the Lord give you increase you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord.

[Narrator]

Who made heaven and earth.

[Old Man]

The heavens are the Lord's heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man.

[Narrator]

The dead do not praise the Lord.

[Old Man]

Nor do any who go down into silence. But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore praise the Lord.

[Narrator]

A reading from the book of 1 Corinthians.

[Old Man]

Now, concerning food offered to idols, we know that all of us possess knowledge. This knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that an idol has no real existence and that there is no God but one. For although there may be so called gods in heaven or on earth, as indeed there are many gods and many lords, yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist. However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol. And their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this rite of yours does not somehow become a stumbling.

[Narrator]

Block to the weak.

[Old Man]

For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so, by your knowledge, this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died, thus sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience. When it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord? This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to eat and drink? Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of.

[Narrator]

The Lord and Cephas?

[Old Man]

Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living, who serves as a soldier at his own expense, who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Or who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say these things on human authority? Does not the law say the same?

[Levite]

For it is written in the law.

[Old Man]

Of Moses, you shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain. Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not certainly speak for our sake?

[Narrator]

It was written for our sake because.

[Old Man]

The plowman should plow in hope, and the thresher thresh in hope of sharing in the crop. If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the Gospel of Christ. Do you not know that 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? In the same way the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the Gospel. But I have made no use of any of these rites, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting, for necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel. 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 a stewardship. What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the Gospel. For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to.

[Narrator]

All, that I might win more of them.

[Old Man]

To the Jews I became as a Jew in order to win Jews. To those under the law, I became as one under the law, though not being myself under the law, that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law, not being outside the law of God, but under the law of Christ, that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak. That I might win the weak, I. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the Gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings. Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath. But we and imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly. I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control. Lest after preaching to others, I myself should be disqualified.