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 what is sacrificed on the altar? 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 rights, nor am I writing this so that they may be applied in my case. Indeed, I would rather die than that—no one will deprive me of my ground for boasting! (1Corinthians 9: 12-15)

Our claim of financial and other "rights" is often an obstacle to the way of the gospel.

Believers and non-believers alike have been scandalized by those who have used the gospel as a way to secure personal advantage.

What is being translated as right is the Greek exousia. The translation is correct. But our 21st Century American notion of rights and that of 1st Century Corinthians are not the same.

According to Marcelo Boeri in classical Greek literature and philosophy exousia means "the act of wanting to do something and of being able to do something." The ability to act in this way - the ability to practically choose - is the fundamental right.

Paul, like Jesus, has made the choice to be self-giving. He does not claim what is due him. The choice to give ones self - and to forsake our claims - is a courageous expression of freedom, even freedom from our own desires.

Above is the Crucifixion by Emil Nolde.