1 Corinthians 9:2

Modern

Even if I am not an apostle to others, surely I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Traditional

If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

Literal

If I am not an apostle to others, yet indeed I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

Latin

Et si aliis non sum Apostolus, sed tamen vobis sum: nam signaculum apostolatus mei vos estis in Domino.

Greek

English

Even if I am not an apostle to others, surely I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

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).

Theme notes and profiles

2 Corinthians 12:12
The marks of a true apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance.
2 Corinthians 3:1–3
Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?
John 6:27
Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”