1 Corinthians 9:1

Apostle. This chapter superficially considered may have the appearance of a digression from the main trend of thought dwelt upon in the preceding chapter. However, it is a continuation of the theme of that chapter, especially of v. 13. Paul illustrates his willingness to forgo his rights for the sake of others, by showing what he has forgone of his rightful claims as an apostle. Furthermore, his claim to being an apostle had been challenged (v. 3). He proceeds to state the proofs of his apostleship. The statement of his right to be recognized as an apostle constitutes one of the most beautiful, elevated, and ennobling accounts to be found anywhere concerning the virtue of self-denial and the principles that ought to motivate the minister of the gospel. One who is filled with the spirit of Christ is willing to do anything and be anything in order to advance the interests of the kingdom of God.

Am I not free? Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) reversing the order of the first two questions. Placing the question “Am I not free?” first makes the connection between this verse and what has preceded it in ch. 8 more definite. It is as though Paul said: “I am asking you to give up your freedom, and to refrain from using it arbitrarily. I ask you to consider the spiritual condition of your weaker brethren, and to control your liberty accordingly. Am I not doing the same? I have certain privileges as an apostle of which I am not taking advantage, lest by so doing I should hinder some from making proper progress in the Christian path.” The construction of the questions in this verse shows that they all expect an affirmative answer.

Seen Jesus Christ. One objection to Paul’s claim to apostleship was that Paul had not been a companion of Christ while Christ was on earth. Jesus called the apostles His witnesses (see Acts 1:8). It is true that Paul had not been a companion of the Lord prior to His death, but he saw Him after His resurrection, and thus could claim inclusion in the company of the apostles (see Acts 9:3-5; see on 1 Cor. 15:8). It is worth noting that Paul frequently supported his claim to being an apostle by reference to his vision of the Lord (see Acts 22:14, 15; 26:16; 1 Cor. 15:8, 9).

My work. The apostle refers to the fact that the very ones who were raising objections to his being an apostle had been converted to the Lord under his ministry. He offers this as proof that Jesus recognized him as an apostle and blessed him in that work. It is unreasonable to think that God would so bless an impostor; therefore the establishment of the church at Corinth under Paul’s ministry was a witness to his apostleship. A minister may properly point to the blessing that attends his work of preaching the gospel as proof of the fact that he is called of God to the ministry of the Word (see Matt. 7:16, 20).

In the Lord. Paul admits that all that had been done by him had been accomplished by the power supplied by the Lord. He knew that of himself he could do nothing (cf. John 15:5). All his power and wisdom came from the Lord, who had called him to the apostolic office (Rom. 1:1; 1 Cor. 1:1; 1 Tim. 2:7; 2 Tim. 1:1; Titus 1:1). This complete submission to the will of God and intelligent acknowledgment of the inability of a man to do anything in his own strength, is the first and most important factor in the making of a successful minister of the gospel.