1 Corinthians 9:23

For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

If others share this authority over you, do we not more? Nevertheless, we did not use this authority, but we endure all things so that we will cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.

So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel.

For if I proclaim the gospel, I have nothing to boast, for I am under compulsion. For woe is me if I do not proclaim the gospel.

not because we do not have the authority, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would imitate us.