1 Corinthians 9:1-3, Mine Answer to Them that Do Examine Me

1 Corinthians 9:1-3 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? 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. Mine answer to them that do examine me is this.

The Apostle Paul was criticized and questioned for living a sacrificial life. He did not marry although he has every right to do so. He wanted to wholeheartedly serve the Lord. And he also did not receive support from the Corinthian Church although he founded the church in Corinth and the Corinthian Christians were his “work in the Lord.”

He was examined because he had to point out certain weaknesses in the lives of the Corinthian believers. It was like touching a sore nerve. There were reactions to criticise him instead of correcting their errant behaviour. If he did not stand his ground, the mandate of the gospel and his apostleship would have been severely undermined.

As such, he writes to seek to explain his position so that the believers in Corinth may understand his love and desire for their welfare and spiritual advancement. It would have been easier for the Apostle Paul to simply not bother to respond to save him many a heartache. Yet, he chose to clarify for the good of God’s people. He was exercising the responsibility that Christ has entrusted him.

Thank God for godly spiritual leaders leads God’s people in the paths of righteousness. Amen.