1 Corinthians 9:3

3 That is what I say to stand up for myself when people judge 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 the result of my work for the Lord?
2 Even though others may not think of me as an apostle, I am certainly one to you! You are the proof that I am the Lord's apostle.
3 That is what I say to stand up for myself when people judge me.
4 Don't we have the right to eat and drink?
5 Don't we have the right to take a believing wife with us when we travel? The other apostles do. The Lord's brothers do. Peter does.
Holy Bible, New International Reader's Version® Copyright © 1995, 1996, 1998 by Biblica.   All rights reserved worldwide.