1 Corinthians 9:2

2 Even if no one else admits the authority of my commission, you can't deny it. Why, my work with you is living proof of my authority!

1 Corinthians 9:2 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 9:2

If I be not an apostle unto others
This is said by way of supposition, not concession; for he was an apostle to many others; he was an apostle of the Gentiles in general; as the apostleship of the circumcision belonged to Peter, that of the uncircumcision fell to his share: but however, as if he should say, be that as it will,

yet doubtless I am to you;
all the signs of apostleship were wrought among them; not only the grace of God was implanted in them under his ministry, but the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit were received by them through it; and many signs, wonders, and mighty deeds, were done in the midst of them by him: see ( 2 Corinthians 12:12 ) which were sufficient to put the matter quite out of doubt with them:

for the seal of mine apostleship, are ye in the Lord;
alluding to the sealing of deeds and writings, which render them authentic; or to the sealing of letters, confirming the truth of what is therein expressed; and the sense is, that their being converted persons, and so openly in the Lord, in union with him; or being made new creatures by the power of his grace, through his preaching, was an authentic proof of his apostleship, and served him instead of a letter testimonial and recommendatory; see ( 2 Corinthians 3:1-3 ) . Some copies read, "the seal of my epistle", and so the Ethiopic version.

1 Corinthians 9:2 In-Context

1 And don't tell me that I have no authority to write like this. I'm perfectly free to do this - isn't that obvious? Haven't I been given a job to do? Wasn't I commissioned to this work in a face-to-face meeting with Jesus, our Master? Aren't you yourselves proof of the good work that I've done for the Master?

2 Even if no one else admits the authority of my commission, you can't deny it. Why, my work with you is living proof of my authority!

3 I'm not shy in standing up to my critics.

4 We who are on missionary assignments for God have a right to decent accommodations,

5 and we have a right to support for us and our families. You don't seem to have raised questions with the other apostles and our Master's brothers and Peter in these matters.