1 Corinthians 9:1 Meaning and Explanation
“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?”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul opens a defense of his apostleship with four pointed questions, anchoring his authority in having seen the risen Lord and in the very existence of the Corinthian believers.
What Does 1 Corinthians 9:1 Mean?
Having just spoken of laying down his own freedoms for the sake of others, Paul turns to defend his standing as an apostle. The Corinthian church evidently had critics who questioned his credentials, so he answers with rapid-fire questions that expect a resounding yes. Chief among his qualifications is that he has personally seen Jesus Christ, the risen Lord, who appeared to him and commissioned him.
Paul grounds his calling not in self-promotion but in his encounter with the living Christ and in the fruit of his labor. The Corinthians themselves are the proof: their faith is his handiwork in the Lord. There is a tender logic here, for those who owe their new life in Christ to a messenger ought to recognize that messenger's authority. Paul's freedom and his apostleship both flow from Christ, who calls and sends His servants.
1 Corinthians 9:1 in the Original Language
apostolos (ἀπόστολος), 'apostle' -- one sent out as an authorized messenger or representative.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Corinthians 9:1
What does 1 Corinthians 9:1 mean?
Paul opens a defense of his apostleship with four pointed questions, anchoring his authority in having seen the risen Lord and in the very existence of the Corinthian believers.