1 Corinthians 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?
Original Language Analysis
ἀπόστολος
an apostle
G652
ἀπόστολος
an apostle
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
3 of 21
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
ἐλεύθερος
free
G1658
ἐλεύθερος
free
Strong's:
G1658
Word #:
6 of 21
unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e., (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or lia
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦν
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
8 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
11 of 21
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἑώρακα
seen
G3708
ἑώρακα
seen
Strong's:
G3708
Word #:
13 of 21
by extension, to attend to; by hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 9:17And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.Acts 23:11And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.Acts 9:3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:1 Corinthians 3:6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.1 Timothy 2:7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.1 Corinthians 9:19For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.Romans 1:1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,2 Corinthians 6:1We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.Galatians 5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.2 Timothy 1:11Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
Historical Context
Paul writes from Ephesus (c. AD 55) during his third missionary journey. Corinth—a commercial hub notorious for pride, factionalism, and libertine ethics—questioned Paul because he worked with his hands (Acts 18:3) rather than accepting patronage like Greek philosophers. Ancient teachers expected financial support; Paul's tent-making was seen as undignified, casting doubt on his status.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul ground his apostolic authority in Christ's resurrection appearance, not human appointment?
- Why does Paul appeal to the Corinthians themselves as evidence of his apostleship?
- How does surrendering Christian liberty for others' sake actually demonstrate greater freedom?
Analysis & Commentary
Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Paul opens with four rhetorical questions asserting his apostolic credentials. The Greek eleutheros (ἐλεύθερος, "free") introduces the chapter's theme: Christian liberty. Paul's freedom rests on three pillars—apostolic commission, resurrection encounter with Christ (Acts 9:1-9; 1 Cor 15:8), and fruitful ministry. Are not ye my work in the Lord? The Corinthians themselves are the living sphragis (σφραγίς, "seal" v. 2) authenticating his apostleship.
This defense (Greek apologia, v. 3) responds to critics questioning Paul's apostolic authority—likely because he refused financial support (v. 12-18) and lacked connection to the Twelve. But chapter 9 is not merely self-defense; it's a strategic pivot from chapter 8. Having urged the "strong" to surrender their freedom to eat idol-meat for the sake of the "weak," Paul now demonstrates his own willingness to surrender apostolic rights for the gospel's advance. He models the very self-limitation he commands.