1 Corinthians 9:1 - The Right to Receive Support
Verse 9:1
"Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?"
Context
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul addresses the issue of his right to receive financial support from the Corinthian church. The Corinthian Christians had been questioning Paul's authority and apostleship, and Paul responds by asserting his rights as an apostle.
Paul's Defense of His Apostleship
In this verse, Paul asks a series of rhetorical questions to assert his apostolic authority. He asks if he is not an apostle, if he is not free, and if he has not seen Jesus Christ the Lord. These questions emphasize Paul's apostolic credentials, which were being doubted by some in the Corinthian church.
The Significance of Seeing Jesus
Paul's statement "have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?" is significant because it distinguishes him from other Christian leaders. As one who had seen the risen Christ, Paul had a direct commission from Jesus to preach the gospel (Galatians 1:1, 12). This vision of Jesus was a pivotal event in Paul's life, and he often referred to it as a key aspect of his apostolic authority (1 Corinthians 15:8-9, Acts 9:1-31).
The Corinthian Church: Paul's Work in the Lord
Paul's question "are not ye my work in the Lord?" highlights the Corinthian church as a fruit of his apostolic ministry. The church in Corinth was a direct result of Paul's preaching, and he had a paternal affection for them (1 Corinthians 4:14-15). By reminding them of their spiritual heritage, Paul is emphasizing his apostolic authority and legitimacy.
Conclusion
In 1 Corinthians 9:1, Paul asserts his apostolic authority and legitimacy by emphasizing his direct commission from Jesus Christ. He reminds the Corinthian church of their spiritual heritage and his role as their spiritual father. Paul's defense of his apostleship serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and respecting spiritual authority in the church.
