1Cor 9:1 | MHM | STEP | Rights of a Christian Minister. Paul faces opposition and criticism even from some within the Corinthian church. Despite his faithful service and the good he has done, some question his authority as an apostle. Here, Paul defends his apostleship and shows how he has lived as an example of self-denial for the sake of others. v. 1 : Paul begins by asserting his apostleship. He asks, Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? (1 Corinthians 9:1 ). Seeing the risen Lord was a key proof of being an apostle. Paul also asks, Am I not free? meaning he has the same rights and authority as the other apostles. He questions why anyone would deny him this. Though he had the right to be supported by the church, Paul chose to work with his own hands for other reasons.

‏ 1 Corinthians 9:1

Rights of a Christian Minister.

Paul faces opposition and criticism even from some within the Corinthian church. Despite his faithful service and the good he has done, some question his authority as an apostle. Here, Paul defends his apostleship and shows how he has lived as an example of self-denial for the sake of others.

v. 1: Paul begins by asserting his apostleship. He asks, Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? (1 Corinthians 9:1 ^a). Seeing the risen Lord was a key proof of being an apostle. Paul also asks, Am I not free? meaning he has the same rights and authority as the other apostles. He questions why anyone would deny him this. Though he had the right to be supported by the church, Paul chose to work with his own hands for other reasons.