An apostle's rights
1 Corinthians 9:1–14FocusMaterial support for gospel labour
Connection to the wholePaul establishes that gospel workers have a right to support, using ordinary examples, the law, and the Lord's direction.
interpretation 1 Corinthians 9:19
KJVFor though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
Read it in context
Paul's Apostolic Rights and Self-Sacrifice for the Gospel
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 9:1 (1 Corinthians 9:1 to 1 Corinthians 9:27).
The passage from 1 Corinthians 9:1 to 9:27 forms a cohesive unit where Paul defends his apostleship and explains his voluntary renunciation of rights for the sake of the gospel, leading into his 'all things to all men' principle and athletic metaphors.
- 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?
- 9:2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
- 9:3 Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,
- 9:4 Have we not power to eat and to drink?
- 9:5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
- 9:6 Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?
- 9:7 Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?
- 9:8 Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also?
- 9:9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen?
- 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
- 9:11 If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?
- 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
- 9:13 Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
- 9:14 Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.
- 9:15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.
- 9:16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
- 9:17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.
- 9:18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.
- 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
- 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
- 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
- 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
- 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
- 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
- 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
- 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
- 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 8:1–10:33): Paul addresses Corinthian believers about food associated with idols, conscience, and warnings from Israel's history. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme is Paul's voluntary self-abasement and servitude, despite his freedom, for the purpose of gaining more people for the gospel of Christ. He explains his willingness to forgo his apostolic rights and personal freedoms to effectively evangelize.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the principle of sacrificial service and strategic adaptation in ministry. Paul demonstrates that true freedom in Christ allows one to willingly become a servant to others, setting aside personal rights and preferences, to effectively share the gospel and win souls.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is epistolary, characterized by Paul's argumentative and didactic approach. He uses rhetorical questions, appeals to the Law, and personal examples to defend his apostolic conduct and teach principles of Christian living and ministry.
When
- When was it written? Circa A.D. 55. book background
- When does the event take place? The writing of the letter occurred during Paul's third missionary journey. The events and principles described, such as Paul's ministry and his practice of becoming a servant to all, represent ongoing aspects of his apostolic work. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The actions described by Paul, such as his ministry and evangelistic efforts, took place in various locations throughout his missionary journeys. The specific act of writing this epistle occurred in Ephesus. book background
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Ephesus when he wrote this letter. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's Apostolic Rights and Self-Sacrifice for the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:1 to 1 Corinthians 9:27). Start reading at 1 Corinthians 9:1. The passage from 1 Corinthians 9:1 to 9:27 forms a cohesive unit where Paul defends his apostleship and explains his voluntary renunciation of rights for the sake of the gospel, leading into his 'all things to all men' principle and athletic metaphors.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse is central to Paul's argument in 1 Corinthians 9, where he defends his apostleship and explains why he has chosen not to exercise his rights (such as receiving financial support) as an apostle. He clarifies that his freedom allows him to willingly become a servant to all, setting the stage for his detailed examples of adapting his approach to different groups (Jews, Gentiles, the weak) in the following verses (1 Corinthians 9:20-22), all for the sake of the gospel. stated in the text
- How does it point to Christ? Paul's willingness to humble himself and become a servant, despite his freedom, profoundly points to Christ. Jesus Christ, though God, 'made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men' (Philippians 2:7). Christ's ultimate act of self-abasement and sacrifice on the cross was to 'gain' humanity for God, mirroring Paul's motivation to 'gain the more' through his own servitude. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Today, believers are called to emulate Paul's example of sacrificial service for the sake of the gospel. This means being willing to set aside personal rights, preferences, or comforts, within biblical boundaries, to effectively reach others with the message of salvation. It encourages flexibility and humility in evangelism and ministry, prioritizing the spiritual gain of others over personal convenience or entitlement.
Cited: 1 Corinthians 9:1, 1 Corinthians 9:19, 1 Corinthians 9:20, 1 Corinthians 9:21, 1 Corinthians 9:22, Philippians 2:7
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- I be 1 Cor 9:1 Gal 5:1
- I made 1 Cor 10:33 Matt 20:26-28 John 13:14-15 Rom 1:14 Rom 15:2 2 Cor 4:5 Gal 5:13
- that 1 Cor 9:20-22 1 Cor 7:16 Prov 11:30 Matt 18:15 Rom 11:14 1 Tim 4:16 2 Tim 2:10 Jas 5:19-20
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 9
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
FocusServing the gospel's advance
Connection to the wholePaul explains why he has not used those rights and how he adapts his service to reach others without abandoning his accountability to Christ.
interpretation Running with discipline
1 Corinthians 9:24–27FocusPersonal vigilance
Connection to the wholeThe athletic images turn Paul's example into a warning about disciplined faithfulness and prepare the examples of failure from Israel in chapter 10.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
1 Corinthians 1:1 1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 6:11
Divisions and God's wisdom
1 Corinthians 1:1–4:21FocusThe cross and faithful ministry
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
interpretation The church's conduct
1 Corinthians 5:1–6:20FocusDiscipline, disputes, and the body
Connection to the wholeCases of immorality and litigation expose conduct inconsistent with the church's calling and the readers' belonging to Christ.
interpretation Questions about marriage
1 Corinthians 7:1–40FocusFaithfulness within one's calling
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
interpretation FocusIdolatry, conscience, and others' good
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
interpretation Order in the assembly
1 Corinthians 11:2–14:40FocusHonour, the supper, love, and gifts
Connection to the wholePaul corrects gathered conduct and the use of spiritual gifts, making love and the church's edification central.
interpretation The resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:1–58FocusChrist raised and believers' hope
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
interpretation Collection and closing directions
1 Corinthians 16:1–24FocusShared service and steadfast love
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.