1 Corinthians 9:3

3 This is my defense against those who criticize me.

1 Corinthians 9:3 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 9:3

Mine answer to them that do examine me is this.
] These words are referred by some to the following, as if the apostle's answer lay in putting the questions he does in the next verses; but they rather seem to belong to the preceding, and the meaning to be this, that when any persons called in question his apostleship, and examined him upon that head, what he thought fit to say in answer to them, and in defence of himself, was by referring them to the famous church at Corinth, who were as particular persons, and as a church, his work in the Lord, and everyone of them as so many seals of his apostleship; he being the first preacher of the Gospel to them, the founder of them as a church, and the instrument of their conversion.

1 Corinthians 9:3 In-Context

1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus our Lord? Aren't you my work in the Lord?
2 If I'm not an apostle to others, at least I am to you! You are the seal that shows I'm an apostle.
3 This is my defense against those who criticize me.
4 Don't we have the right to eat and drink?
5 Don't we have the right to travel with a wife who believes like the rest of the apostles, the Lord's brothers, and Cephas?
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