Tyndale Open Study Notes

Verse 1

9:1-27 Continuing the argument begun in 8:1 (see study note on 8:1–11:1), Paul cites personal examples of his giving up his own rights for the sake of other people.

9:1-2 These four rhetorical questions each expect a positive answer. The first, following his discussion in 8:1-13, is an assertion of Paul’s freedom from Jewish ritual obligations—though, as he later emphasizes (see 9:19-23), he freely accommodates himself to the practices of Jews in his desire to win them to Christ. The other three rhetorical questions are assertions of Paul’s apostolic authority, which was apparently being questioned by some in Corinth. • For those who might be skeptical, the reality of Paul’s apostolic calling was verified by his firsthand encounter with Jesus our Lord on the road to Damascus (see 15:8; Acts 9:3-6, 17). Also, the Corinthians themselves, who came to faith through Paul’s evangelism (see Acts 18:1-11), were proof (literally the seal) of his status as an apostle.

Verse 3

9:3 my answer (literally my defense): This is a legal term for the argument made in response to accusations. • those who question my authority: See 2 Cor 11–12 for another response to their challenge.

Verse 4

9:4 As an apostle, Paul had the right to expect food and housing from those to whom he ministered (cp. 9:14; Luke 10:7-8). Nevertheless, to avoid any possible criticism, he did not take advantage of this privilege (see 9:6, 12, 14-15, 18; 2 Cor 11:7-9; 12:13-14).

Verse 5

9:5 the Lord’s brothers: See Mark 6:3 for their names. • Peter: Mark 1:30 also speaks of Peter as married.

Verse 7

9:7-10 These examples support Paul’s point that he and other Christian workers had a right to be supported by those they served.

Verse 12

9:12 Compared with other Christian workers supported by the Corinthians, Paul claimed an even greater right to be supported by them, because he was the one who first brought the Good News to them. But to avoid criticism, he had never used this right (see 9:6, 14-15, 18; cp. Acts 18:3; 2 Cor 11:7-9; 12:13-14).

Verse 13

9:13 Paul might be referring to Levites and priests at God’s temple in Jerusalem (see Deut 18:1-4; cp. Lev 6:16-17, 26; Num 18:8-32), but the pagan priests in temples around Corinth would have done similarly.

Verse 14

9:14 the Lord ordered: See Matt 10:10; Luke 10:7; see also Gal 6:6; 1 Tim 5:17-18.

Verse 15

9:15 Paul had never pressed his rights, nor was he now seeking to do so. Rather, he was illustrating the importance of giving up one’s rights for the sake of others (cp. 8:13).

Verse 16

9:16 compelled by God to do it: Acts 22:14-15; 26:16-18.

Verse 18

9:18 Paul’s satisfaction came from preaching the Good News without charging anyone. This is another example of the way Christians must be willing to give up their rights out of consideration for others (cp. 8:13).

Verse 19

9:19-23 Paul places himself in the position of a slave in the household. He shows how far he was willing to go in adjusting his lifestyle and behavior to that of the people to whom he was preaching in order to win them to Christ.

Verse 24

9:24-27 To illustrate how seriously the Corinthians must take the discipline of their salvation, Paul alludes to the familiar Isthmian games, an athletic competition held every two years in Corinth. • All athletes are disciplined: Strict self-discipline is required for athletes competing for a prize. In Paul’s day, athletes endured months of rigorous training before competing. In the same way, strict self-discipline (cp. Gal 5:22-23) is required if a person is to gain the eternal prize of salvation. Christians must submit to the daily discipline of obeying Christ. • a prize that will fade away: Athletic prizes were often wreaths made out of laurel leaves (cp. 2 Tim 4:8; Jas 1:12; 1 Pet 5:4; Rev 2:10).

Verse 26

9:26 I am not just shadowboxing: Christians must engage in the real contest of obedience to Christ rather than merely going through the motions.

Verse 27

9:27 I fear that . . . I myself might be disqualified: Those who are disqualified from a sporting event have no hope of winning the prize. To avoid losing the eternal prize, Paul disciplined himself severely, like an athlete, so that he would not be led away from Christ into a life of sin (see 9:25; Heb 12:1).