Offering the gospel adapanon : an interpretation and application of 1 Corinthians 9:18

Abstract

Albeit that often the only solution left to poor congregations in Africa is the practice of tentmaker ministry, this phenomenon remains problematic. There is a lack of job opportunities in the rural areas, and dividing one's time between the secular occupation and the ministry becomes increasingly complex. In the light of this situation, an (re–)evaluation of the Biblical foundations for being a tentmaker is certainly called for. Studies such as the book of Meggitt (1998), Paul, poverty and survival, stimulated renewed interest in the economic nature of Paul's ministry and the economic classes of the congregations where he ministered. Paul's offering of the gospel free of charge (1 Cor 9:18), and his sacrifice of "becoming a slave", offer interesting solutions for the poverty stricken churches in Africa, and in particular in Botswana.