1 Corinthians 9:1

Translations

Modern

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you yourselves not my workmanship in the Lord?

Traditional

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?

Literal

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?

Latin

Non sum liber? non sum Apostolus? nonne Christum Jesum Dominum nostrum vidi? nonne opus meum vos estis in Domino?

Original

Greek

English

Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you yourselves not my workmanship in the Lord?

Notes

1 Corinthians 9:1–2

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.

1 Corinthians 9:1–27

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).

Theme notes and profiles

Corinth Paul (Saul) Giving up Rights

Related verses

Acts 9:17
So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 23:11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”
1 Corinthians 9:19
Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
1 Timothy 2:7
For this reason I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a faithful and true teacher of the Gentiles. I am telling the truth; I am not lying about anything.
1 Corinthians 3:6
I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.
Acts 9:3
As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.
Romans 1:1
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God—
Titus 1:1–3
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness,
2 Timothy 1:11
…to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.
Galatians 1:15–17
But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased
Galatians 5:1
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.
2 Corinthians 6:1
As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.

Parallels

Deuteronomy 18:1–8

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Apostle, Apostleship Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Brothers of Jesus Conscience First Letter to the Corinthians Judaizers Paul the Apostle Second Letter to the Corinthians

Topics

Christian Minister: Emoluments (Benefits) of Jesus, the Christ: Appears to Paul (On the Road to Damascus) Paul: Called to be an Apostle Paul: His Vision and Conversion The Apostles: Saw Christ in the Flesh Vision of Paul of Christ, on the Way to Damascus

1 Corinthians 9:1

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