For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
The Scripture (Deuteronomy 25:4; 1 Corinthians 9:9). The Spirit often designs a fuller meaning under literal precepts.
The ox that treadeth out - Greek, 'an ox while treading,' etc. Threshing was performed by oxen either by treading or by being attached to a threshing-wain.
The labourer is worthy of his reward - or "hire" (Luke 10:7; whereas Matthew 10:10 has "his meat," or 'food.' Paul, if, as seems natural, "the Scripture" apply to the second quotation as well as the first, hereby recognizes the gospel of Luke, his own helper (whence appears the undesigned appositeness of the quotation), as inspired "Scripture." That gospel was probably in circulation then eight or nine years.