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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
He alleges the Law, he alleges the words of Christ, both agreeing herein. For the Law says, "Thou shall not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn." See how he would have the teacher labor! For there is not, indeed there is not, any other labor such as his. But this is from the Law. But how does he quote from Christ? "The laborer is worthy of his reward." Let us not then look only to the reward, but to the terms of the commandment. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
The apostle brings forward testimonies—one from the law, and another testimony of Christ. In both, observe what labor is required of the teacher. Threshing is the most arduous labor: and the teacher likewise must be prepared for every kind of toil, hardship, and grief. By the expression "the laborer," the apostle shows that one must not seek comfort and rest. "The laborer is worthy of his reward," or food. By these words the apostle points to prosperity: for if the laborer is worthy of his reward, then how much more of food. …
Clement of Alexandria
And the same law commands "not to muzzle the ox which treadeth out the corn: for the labourer must be reckoned worthy of his food."
Western Saints
Gregory the Dialogist
And it should be noted what is added: "The laborer is worthy of his hire," because the very food for sustenance is already part of the wages of the work, so that here the reward from the labor of preaching may begin, which is perfected there in the vision of truth. In this matter it should be considered that two rewards are owed to our one work: one on the way, the other in the homeland; one which sustains us in labor, another which recompenses us in the resurrection. …
Thomas Aquinas
Then when he says, for the Scripture says, he proves his statement with two authorities: one is used in the mystical sense and the other in the literal sense, at the laborer is worthy of his reward. He says, therefore, for the Scripture says, namely, Deuteronomy: you shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the corn (Deut 25:4). In 1 Corinthians the Apostle shows that this passage is to be understood for teachers, for does God take care for oxen? (1 Cor 9:8). …
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