1 Corinthians 9:3

3 That is my defense when people put me under examination.

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 a free man? Am I not an emissary of the Messiah? Haven't I seen Yeshua our Lord? And aren't you yourselves the result of my work for the Lord?
2 Even if to others I am not an emissary, at least I am to you; for you are living proof that I am the Lord's emissary.
3 That is my defense when people put me under examination.
4 Don't we have the right to be given food and drink?
5 Don't we have the right to take along with us a believing wife, as do the other emissaries, also the Lord's brothers and Kefa?
Complete Jewish Bible Copyright 1998 by David H. Stern. Published by Jewish New Testament Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.