1 Corinthians 9

• These four rhetorical questions expect a positive answer. The first question, following his discussion in 8:1–13, asserts Paul's freedom from Jewish ritual obligations. However, he later emphasizes (see 9:19–23) that he willingly follows Jewish practices to win them to Christ. The other three questions assert Paul's apostolic authority, which some in Corinth questioned.

• For you are the seal: For skeptics, Paul's apostolic calling was confirmed by his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (see 15:8; Acts 9:3–6, 17). Also, the Corinthians, who came to faith through Paul's evangelism (see Acts 18:1–11), were proof of his status as an apostle.

Continuing the argument from 8:1, Paul shares personal examples of giving up his rights to help others (see study note on 1 Corinthians 8:1–11:1).

• This is my defense: This is a legal term for the argument made in response to accusations.

• those who scrutinize me: See 2 Corinthians 11–12 for another response to their challenge.

As an apostle, Paul had the right to expect food and housing from those he served (compare 9:14; Luke 10:7–8). However, to avoid any criticism, he chose not to use this right (see 9:6, 12, 14–15, 18; 2 Corinthians 11:7–9; 12:13–14).

• the Lord’s brothers: See Mark 6:3 for their names.

• Cephas: Mark 1:30 mentions that Peter (also called Cephas) was married.

These examples support Paul's point that he and other Christian workers had the right to receive support from those they served.

Paul believed he deserved support from the Corinthians more than other Christian workers because he first shared the good news about Jesus with them. However, he chose not to use this right to avoid criticism (see 9:6, 14–15, 18; compare Acts 18:3; 2 Cor 11:7–9; 12:13–14).

Paul might be referring to Levites and priests at God’s temple in Jerusalem (see Deuteronomy 18:1–4; compare Leviticus 6:16–17, 26; Numbers 18:8–32), but pagan priests in temples around Corinth likely did the same.

the Lord has prescribed: Refer to Matthew 10:10 and Luke 10:7. Also see Galatians 6:6 and 1 Timothy 5:17–18.

Paul had never insisted on his rights, and he was not trying to do so now. Instead, he showed the importance of giving up one's rights to help others (compare 8:13).

I am obligated: See Acts 22:14–15; 26:16–18.

Paul felt satisfied preaching the good news about Jesus without asking for payment. This sets an example for how Christians must be willing to give up their rights to help others (see 8:13).

Paul puts himself in the humble position of a servant in the household. He shows how much he was willing to change his lifestyle and behavior to match the people he preached to, in order to bring them to Christ.

• To show how seriously the Corinthians must take their salvation, Paul refers to the Isthmian games, a well-known athletic event held in Corinth every two years.

• Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline: Athletes must have strict self-discipline to compete for a prize. In Paul's time, athletes trained rigorously for months before competing. Similarly, strict self-discipline (see Galatians 5:22–23) is needed to achieve the eternal prize of salvation. Christians must follow the daily discipline of obeying Christ.

• for a crown that is perishable: Athletic prizes were often wreaths made of laurel leaves (see 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10).

I do not fight like I am beating the air: Christians need to truly follow Christ instead of just acting like they do.

I myself will not be disqualified: Those disqualified from a sporting event cannot win the prize. To avoid losing the eternal prize, Paul disciplined himself strictly, like an athlete, to stay close to Christ and avoid sin (see 9:25; Hebrews 12:1).