Question 1

Why does Paul defend his apostleship at the start of this passage?

Accepted Answer

Paul begins with questions like “Am I not an apostle?” and “have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?” because some people were doubting his authority. He points to two main proofs. First, he has seen the risen Lord, which marks him as a true apostolic witness. Second, the Corinthians themselves are his “work in the Lord.” Their faith and the church that formed through his preaching are like a seal or stamp that show his ministry is real. By reminding them of this, he prepares the way to talk about his rights and why he laid them down.

Question 2

What does Paul mean by having the right to eat, drink, and forbear working?

Accepted Answer

When Paul asks, “Have we not power to eat and to drink? … to forbear working?” he is talking about the right of gospel workers to be supported by the people they serve. Just as soldiers are paid, farmers eat from their own vineyard, and shepherds drink the milk of the flock, so those who preach should receive material help. Paul and Barnabas chose to work with their hands so as not to burden the church, but that does not cancel the basic right for ministers to live from their spiritual labor.

Question 3

Why does Paul quote the law about not muzzling the ox?

Accepted Answer

Paul quotes, “Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn,” to show that God’s law teaches a principle of fair support for workers. If even an ox that works in the grain should be allowed to eat, how much more should people who labor in spiritual things be cared for. He asks if God only cares for oxen, and then says this was written for our sake. The idea is that those who plow and thresh should do so in hope of sharing in the results, including those who labor in the gospel.

Question 4

Why does Paul give up his right to receive support from the Corinthians?

Accepted Answer

Although Paul clearly proves that those who preach the gospel may live of the gospel, he says, “Nevertheless we have not used this power.” He lays aside this right so that nothing will hinder the message. He would rather endure hardship than have anyone think he preaches for money or uses his authority for gain. He even says he would rather die than lose the joy he has in preaching freely. His reward, as he sees it, is to offer the gospel without charge, so people can see his motives are sincere and the focus stays on Christ.

Question 5

What does Paul mean when he says, "woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel"?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says, “woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel,” he is talking about a deep sense of duty laid on him by God. He does not see preaching as an optional hobby, but as something he must do. He says a “necessity is laid upon” him. Whether he feels eager or not, he has been entrusted with the message, like a steward with a charge. This shows how seriously he takes his calling. His comfort, reputation, or payment are all secondary to this task of making Christ known.

Question 6

What does it mean that Paul became all things to all men?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says, “I am made all things to all men,” he means that he was willing to adapt his way of life and approach so that different kinds of people could hear and receive the gospel. To Jews he lived in ways that did not offend Jewish customs. To those under the law he acted as under the law, and to those without the law he lived more like them, yet still under God’s will in Christ. To the weak he became as weak. He did not change the message, but his manner, so that he might, by all possible means, save some.

Question 7

How does the race and crown image help explain the Christian life here?

Accepted Answer

Paul uses the picture of runners in a race who all run, but only one gets the prize, to urge believers to live with purpose and effort. Athletes train with self-control in all things to win a crown that fades. In contrast, followers of Christ aim for an incorruptible crown, a lasting reward from God. Paul says he runs not aimlessly and fights not like someone beating the air. Instead, he disciplines his body and brings it under control. This shows that the Christian life calls for steady, careful self-discipline, not careless living.

Question 8

Why does Paul say he disciplines his body so he will not be a castaway?

Accepted Answer

When Paul says he keeps his body under and brings it into subjection, “lest … I myself should be a castaway,” he is warning against carelessness. He does not want to preach to others and then live in a way that shows he himself refused the very obedience he urges. The word “castaway” suggests being rejected after testing, like something that fails the test. Paul takes sin and self-indulgence seriously. He knows that real faith shows itself in a life of ongoing struggle against the flesh and a desire to please Christ.

Question 9

How does this passage guide churches in supporting pastors and teachers today?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that it is right and normal for those who preach the gospel to live from that work. Paul uses common sense examples, the law about the ox, and the pattern of temple service to show that spiritual labor deserves material support. At the same time, his own choice to work without pay in Corinth reminds churches and ministers that money must never rule the ministry. Churches are encouraged to care for their leaders, and ministers are encouraged to hold their rights loosely for the honor of Christ and the good of the flock.

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?

The Rights of an Apostle

Paul the Servant to All

Run Your Race to Win

The Rights of an Apostle

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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?

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The Rights of an Apostle

Paul the Servant to All

Run Your Race to Win

The Rights of an Apostle

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