Box Chapter Summary: Paul was certain that the strong brother had the freedom or right to eat the meat. He was just as certain that the knowledgeable brother must practice love and abstain from anything that would cause a weak brother to stumble. Christian liberty cannot provide a reason to act unloving. Paul used himself as an example of this principle. As an apostle he had certain rights. However, out of humility he often gave up those rights in order to help the weak. This principle would help win both Jews and Gentiles or those on all spiritual levels.
1 Corinthians 9:1-6 (WEL) I’m an Apostle, aren’t I? Am I not free? Haven’t I seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Aren’t you my work in the Lord? 2 If I am not an Apostle to others, yet surely I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship by the Lord.
3 My answer to those who question me is this: 4 Don’t we have the right to eat and drink? 5 Don’t we have the right to lead a sister, a wife, around even as the other Apostles and the brethren of the Lord and like Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who don’t have the right to forgo working for a living?
V1 I’m an Apostle, aren’t I? Am I not free? Haven’t I seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Aren’t you my work in the Lord?
Some signs that one is an Apostle:
Has seen the Lord Jesus in His resurrected physical body—Acts 9:3-5 and 1 Corinthians 15:8.
Miracles—2 Corinthians 12:12.
Call—Acts 9:15.
Physically present during Jesus’s ministry from His baptism to His ascension—Acts 1:21.
Paul has all the freedom and privileges of all believers and the special freedom and privileges of an Apostle.
Apostles are missionary authorities. There are many missionaries, but they do not have the other signs of an Apostle.
V2 If I am not an Apostle to others, yet surely I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship by the Lord.
The seal is the proof of authenticity. Paul proved by his testimony and actions that he met the qualifications of being an Apostle, except for time spent with Jesus (Acts 1:21-22). Yet, see Galatians 1:18.
V3 My answer to those who question me is this:
Asking questions is okay. Asking questions in an intimidating way is verbal abuse. Answering critics is okay but not when it will lead to an argument. May God give us wisdom. See Colossians 4:6, 1 Peter 3:15-16, and Proverbs 26:4-5.
V4 Don’t we have the right to eat and drink?
Paul speaks of his hardship foregoing their financial support to prove that he wasn’t in this ministry for the money. This was a false accusation from Paul’s enemies, especially the Judaizers, whose main argument was that Paul is not a genuine Apostle but preaching only for money, followers, and preaching a false Gospel.
V5 Don’t we have the right to lead a sister, a wife, around even as the other Apostles and the brethren of the Lord and like Cephas?
Even though he is eligible for a wife, he does not currently have one. Most believe that he did have a wife but that she left him after his conversion.
V6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who don’t have the right to forgo working for a living?
A seriously asked question implying that his enemies did forgo working but still criticizing Paul’s motives.
We learn:
- We have freedom but need to use it wisely.
- We should have an answer for critics but not to start an argument.
Questions:
- How do you handle critics?
- Are you sure they are lies?