1 Corinthians 9
Paul's Rights as an Apostle
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? References Jesus: Acts 9:17, Romans 1:1. References Christ: Galatians 5:1, 1 Timothy 2:7. References Lord: Acts 23:11. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 3:6, 9:19, Acts 9:3, 2 Corinthians 6:1, 2 Timothy 1:11 +5
2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. Parallel theme: John 6:27, 2 Corinthians 12:12
3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,
4 Have we not power to eat and to drink?
5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? References Lord: 1 Corinthians 7:39, Galatians 1:19. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 7:7, Matthew 8:14, Mark 1:30, 6:3, John 1:42, Acts 1:14, Romans 16:1, Hebrews 13:4 +5
6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 20:6, Proverbs 27:18
8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. Hope: Romans 15:4. Parallel theme: 2 Timothy 2:6
11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? Holy: Leviticus 6:26. Sacrifice: 1 Corinthians 10:18, 1 Samuel 2:28. Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 10:9
14 Even so hath the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospelGospel: εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion). The Greek euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) means good news or gospel—the message of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection. It's 'the power of God unto salvation' (Romans 1:16)., I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. References Christ: 2 Corinthians 4:5, 1 Thessalonians 2:6. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 7:31, 8:9, 10:33
Paul's Self-Discipline
19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the lawLaw: νόμος (Nomos). The Greek nomos (νόμος) denotes law—particularly the Mosaic law. While believers are not under law but under grace (Romans 6:14), Christ fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17) and wrote it on believers' hearts (Hebrews 8:10)., as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally., but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Salvation: 1 Corinthians 7:16, 10:33, Romans 11:14. Creation: 1 Corinthians 9:19. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 8:13, Romans 15:1, Galatians 6:1 +2
23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Parallel theme: Mark 8:35, Galatians 2:5, 2 Timothy 2:10, Hebrews 3:14, 1 John 1:3
24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. Parallel theme: Galatians 5:23, 1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 2:5, James 1:12, 1 Peter 1:4, 5:4, 2 Peter 1:6, Revelation 2:10, 3:11 +4
26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 8:13, 9:25, Psalms 50:16, Luke 9:25, Romans 8:13, 2 Corinthians 11:27, Colossians 3:5, 2 Timothy 2:22, 1 Peter 2:11, 2 Peter 2:15 +5