I Corinthians Study I Corinthians 9:1-27 Paul’s Defense of His Apostleship

Having dealt with the subject of Christian Liberty with reference to eating meat in Chapter 8, Paul will discuss his right as an Apostle in Chapter 9.  He defends his Apostleship because it was often challenged!  From verses 1-2, the Apostle Paul was qualified to be an Apostle and the Corinthians were evidence of his Apostleship.  He did not have to defend his Apostleship among the Corinthians.

In defending his Apostleship, Paul had the right to eat meat and to drink.  However, in exercising his right, he would not use his liberty to cause a brother to stumble (vv. 3-4).  Referring to verse 5, Paul indicated that he had chosen to surrender many of his own rights – which he might have demanded on biblical grounds – for the sake of others.  Paul was not alone in refusing this right but had an ally in Barnabas (v. 6).  Commitment to this practice may have marked their first missionary journey together (Acts 13:1-14:28) and apparently continued to characterize their separate ministries.

In verses 7-15, Paul gave up the right to be financially supported by those he ministered to.  In verses 16-19, Paul maintained a strong desire to preach the gospel; however, Paul did not preach the gospel for an ulterior motive.  Paul, in verses 20-23, had even given up his right to freedom from the Mosaic law when he was with the Jews, so as not to offend them.  He had done this, to “make himself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.”

Paul concludes this chapter by pointing out that only by setting a goal and working toward it can an athlete win the prize (vv. 24-27).  As a Christian, Paul has the goal of ministry; he will sacrifice everything to achieve it.  Paul was not just preaching self-sacrifice to the Corinthians.  He lived a self-sacrificial life for their sake!

May God Bless!