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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 9:1 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?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/9-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/46_1Co_09_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 9:1 - The Rights of an Apostle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? 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Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> Am I not as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven’t I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn’t it because of my work that you belong to the Lord? <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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? <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">King James Bible</a> 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? <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">New King James Version</a> Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Am I not free [unrestrained and exempt from any obligation]? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our [risen] Lord [in person]? Are you not [the result and proof of] my work in the Lord? <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> Am I not free? am I not an apostle? have I not seen Jesus our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I am free. I am an apostle. I have seen the Lord Jesus and have led you to have faith in him. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> Am I not free? am I not an apostle? have I not seen Jesus our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Don't you agree that I'm a free man? Don't you agree that I'm an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus our Lord? Aren't you the result of my work for the Lord? <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> Am I not a free man? Am I not an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus our Lord? And aren't you the result of my work for the Lord? <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> I am free, am I not? I am an apostle, am I not? I have seen Jesus our Lord, haven't I? You are the result of my work in the Lord, aren't you? <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you yourselves not my workmanship in the Lord? <a href="/net/1_corinthians/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are ye not my work in the Lord? <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Am I not free? Am I not an Apostle? Can it be denied that I have seen Jesus, our Lord? Are not you yourselves my work in the Lord? <a href="/web/1_corinthians/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Haven’t I seen Jesus Christ, our Lord? Aren’t you my work in the Lord? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the LORD? <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Am not I an apostle? am not I free? Jesus Christ our Lord have I not seen? my work are not ye in the Lord? <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Am I not sent? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are ye not my work in the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> AM not I free? Am not I an apostle? Have not I seen Christ Jesus our Lord? Are not you my work in the Lord? <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Am I not free? Am I not an Apostle? Have I not seen Christ Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> AM I not a free man? am I not an apostle? have I not seen Jesus Christ our LORD? are you not my work in my LORD? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Am I not a son of freedom? Am I not an Apostle? Have I not seen Yeshua The Messiah Our Lord? Are you not my work in my Lord?<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord-? Are you not my work in the Lord? <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Am I not free? am I not an apostle? have I not seen the Lord Jesus? are you not my work in the Lord? <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> AM I not an apostle? am I not a free man? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Am I not free? am I not an apostle? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not you become christians by my labour? <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Am I not free? Am I not an Apostle? Can it be denied that I have seen Jesus, our Lord? Are not you yourselves my work in the Lord? <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are ye not my work in the Lord? <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? and are not ye my work in the Lord? <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=1677" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">The Rights of an Apostle</a> 1<a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eimi (V-PIA-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">Am I</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: Ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/1658.htm" title="1658: eleutheros (Adj-NMS) -- Free, delivered from obligation. Probably from the alternate of erchomai; unrestrained, i.e. not a slave, or exempt.">free?</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: eimi (V-PIA-1S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">Am I</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/652.htm" title="652: apostolos (N-NMS) -- From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ.">an apostle?</a> <a href="/greek/3780.htm" title="3780: ouchi (IntPrtcl) -- By no means, not at all. Intensive of ou; not indeed."></a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: heoraka (V-RIA-1S) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">Have I not seen</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsoun (N-AMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrion (N-AMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord?</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: este (V-PIA-2P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">Are</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you yourselves</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-NNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergon (N-NNS) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">workmanship</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyriō (N-DMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">the Lord?</a> 2Even if I am not an apostle to others, surely I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Acts 9:3-6</a> As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. / He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” / “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. ... <a href="/acts/22-6.htm">Acts 22:6-10</a> About noon as I was approaching Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. / I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’ / ‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked. ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ He replied. ... <a href="/acts/26-12.htm">Acts 26:12-18</a> In this pursuit I was on my way to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. / About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. / We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ ... <a href="/1_corinthians/15-8.htm">1 Corinthians 15:8-10</a> And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth. / For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. / But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. <a href="/galatians/1-11.htm">Galatians 1:11-12</a> For I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached was not devised by man. / I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. <a href="/galatians/1-15.htm">Galatians 1:15-17</a> But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased / to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood, / nor did I go up to Jerusalem to the apostles who came before me, but I went into Arabia and later returned to Damascus. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">2 Corinthians 12:1-4</a> I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. / I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows. / And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows— ... <a href="/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9-10</a> One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.” <a href="/1_corinthians/15-1.htm">1 Corinthians 15:1-2</a> Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and in which you stand firm. / By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">2 Corinthians 11:5</a> I consider myself in no way inferior to those “super-apostles.” <a href="/2_corinthians/13-3.htm">2 Corinthians 13:3</a> since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you but is powerful among you. <a href="/acts/1-21.htm">Acts 1:21-22</a> Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, / beginning from John’s baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” <a href="/acts/2-32.htm">Acts 2:32</a> God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses. <a href="/acts/4-33.htm">Acts 4:33</a> With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all. <a href="/acts/9-27.htm">Acts 9:27</a> Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not you my work in the Lord?I not an.<a href="/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2,3</a> 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… <a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">1 Corinthians 1:1</a> Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,<a href="/1_corinthians/15-8.htm">1 Corinthians 15:8,9</a> And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time… am I not free.<a href="/1_corinthians/9-19.htm">1 Corinthians 9:19</a> For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.<a href="/galatians/5-1.htm">Galatians 5:1</a> Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.have.<a href="/1_corinthians/15-8.htm">1 Corinthians 15:8</a> And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.<a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Acts 9:3,5,17</a> And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: … <a href="/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9</a> Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:are.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6</a> I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.<a href="/1_corinthians/4-14.htm">1 Corinthians 4:14,15</a> I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you… <a href="/acts/18-8.htm">Acts 18:8-11</a> And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/1-1.htm">Apostle</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-12.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">Denied</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-6.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">Result</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">Work</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-13.htm">Workmanship</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-5.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">Apostle</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-8.htm">Denied</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">Free</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-23.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm">Result</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-6.htm">Work</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Workmanship</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-15.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 9</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">He shows his liberty;</a> 7. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-7.htm">and that the minister ought to receive a living by the Gospel;</a> 15. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-15.htm">yet that himself has of his own accord abstained,</a> 18. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">to be neither chargeable unto them,</a> 22. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-22.htm">nor offensive unto any, in matters indifferent.</a> 24. <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Our life is like unto a race.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Paul begins with a rhetorical question emphasizing his freedom. In the context of <a href="/1_corinthians/8.htm">1 Corinthians 8</a>, Paul discusses the issue of eating food offered to idols, highlighting Christian liberty. Here, he asserts his own freedom, not bound by human constraints, yet choosing to serve others for the sake of the Gospel. This freedom is rooted in his identity in Christ, reflecting the broader Christian teaching that believers are free from the law's condemnation (<a href="/galatians/5.htm">Galatians 5:1</a>).Am I not an apostle? Paul defends his apostolic authority, which was often questioned. An apostle, in the early church, was someone who had been directly commissioned by Christ. Paul's apostleship was unique as he was not one of the original twelve, yet he was called by Jesus on the road to Damascus (<a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Acts 9:3-6</a>). His role was crucial in spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles, fulfilling the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>).Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? This phrase underscores Paul's legitimacy as an apostle, as one of the qualifications was having seen the risen Christ. Paul's encounter with Jesus was a transformative vision that confirmed his calling (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-8.htm">1 Corinthians 15:8-9</a>). This personal experience with the risen Lord was foundational for his ministry and message, aligning with the testimonies of other apostles who witnessed the resurrection (<a href="/acts/1-21.htm">Acts 1:21-22</a>).Are you yourselves not my workmanship in the Lord? Paul points to the Corinthian believers as evidence of his apostolic work. The term "workmanship" suggests a crafted result, indicating that their faith and church community are the fruits of his labor in Christ. This reflects the biblical principle that spiritual leaders are known by their fruits (<a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Matthew 7:16-20</a>). The Corinthians' transformation and growth in faith serve as a testament to Paul's genuine apostolic ministry and the power of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth. He is defending his apostleship and the freedom he has in Christ. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_corinth.htm">The Church in Corinth</a> A diverse and often troubled congregation in the city of Corinth, known for its moral and spiritual challenges. Paul writes to them to address various issues and to affirm his authority as an apostle. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_our_lord.htm">Jesus our Lord</a> Central to Paul's argument is his encounter with the risen Christ, which is foundational to his claim of apostleship. 4. <a href="/topical/a/apostleship.htm">Apostleship</a> A key theme in this verse, referring to Paul's role and authority as one sent by Christ to preach the Gospel. 5. <a href="/topical/p/paul's_work_in_the_lord.htm">Paul's Work in the Lord</a> Refers to the ministry and efforts Paul has invested in the Corinthian church, which serves as evidence of his apostleship.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/freedom_in_christ.htm">Freedom in Christ</a> Paul begins by asserting his freedom, which is a reminder that believers are free in Christ. This freedom should be exercised responsibly and in love. <a href="/topical/v/validation_of_apostleship.htm">Validation of Apostleship</a> Paul’s defense of his apostleship is rooted in his personal encounter with Jesus. This teaches us the importance of a personal relationship with Christ as the foundation of our ministry. <a href="/topical/f/fruit_of_ministry.htm">Fruit of Ministry</a> The Corinthian believers are the evidence of Paul’s work in the Lord. Our lives and ministries should bear fruit that testifies to God’s work through us. <a href="/topical/a/authority_and_service.htm">Authority and Service</a> Paul’s authority as an apostle is not for personal gain but for serving the church. True leadership in the church is marked by service and sacrifice. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> Paul’s identity and authority are derived from his relationship with Christ. Believers should find their identity and purpose in their relationship with Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 9</a> <a href="/q/what_entails_being_christ's_ambassador.htm">What does being Christ's ambassador entail?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_1_cor._9_19_align_with_freedom.htm">In 1 Corinthians 9:19, Paul insists he has made himself a slave to everyone; how does this reconcile with the New Testament theme of freedom in Christ?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_the_author_of_1_corinthians.htm">Who is the author of 1 Corinthians?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_galatians_1_1_align_with_history.htm">In Galatians 1:1, how does Paul’s claim of direct apostleship from Jesus align with historical evidence that Jesus was no longer physically present on Earth? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) Am I not an apostle?--Better, Am I not free? am I not an Apostle? such being the order of the words in the better MSS. Thus the thought grows more naturally out of the previous chapter than it seems to do in the English version. He had mentioned his solemn resolve to give up a freedom to which he had a right in regard to eating meat. He had on another occasion, in regard to his right of maintenance by the Church, also voluntarily sacrificed his freedom, and the Jewish party had in consequence denied the existence of the rights, and questioned his apostolic dignity. He asks, with abrupt emphasis, "Was it because I am not free to demand such support? My freedom in this case is as real as in that other case when you questioned it, and to which I shall now refer. Was it because I am not an Apostle?"Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?--To have seen Christ was a necessary qualification for the Apostolate (<a href="/acts/1-21.htm" title="Why of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,">Acts 1:21</a>). From the manner in which the Apostle here asks the question, and does not answer it, it would seem that although some small minority might, for some party purpose, have at some time questioned it, yet that the fact was generally admitted and universally known that St. Paul did actually see the Lord at the time of his conversion (<a href="/acts/9-4.htm" title="And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why persecute you me?">Acts 9:4</a>), and on other occasions (<a href="/acts/18-9.htm" title="Then spoke the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not your peace:">Acts 18:9</a>; <a href="/acts/22-17.htm" title="And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;">Acts 22:17</a>).Are not ye my work in the Lord?--This is a further proof of his Apostleship, and therefore of his right or freedom to have demanded support from the Church. (See <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm" title="For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.">1Corinthians 4:15</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 1-27. - The rights and the self denial of an apostle. Verses 1-14. - An apostle's right to maintenance. Verse 1. - Am I not an apostle I am I not free? The order of the best manuscripts is, Am I not free? am I not an apostle? St. Paul designed in this chapter to show that he was not only giving a precept, but setting an example, He told the "strong" Corinthians, who had "knowledge," that they should be ready to abnegate their rights for the good of others, he now wishes to show them that, in a matter which affected his whole life, he had himself abnegated his own rights. Being free and an apostle, he could, if he had chosen, have claimed, as others had done, a right to be supported by the Churches to which he preached, he had thought it more for their good to waive this claim, and therefore he had done so at the cost (as appears in many other passages: <a href="/1_corinthians/4-12.htm">1 Corinthians 4:12</a>; <a href="/acts/20-34.htm">Acts 20:34</a>; <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-9.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:9</a>) of bitter hardship to himself. But St. Paul practically "goes off" at the word "apostle." It was so essential for him to vindicate, against the subterranean malignity of hostile partisans, his dignity as an apostle, that in asserting that authority he almost loses sight for the time of the main object for which he had alluded to the fact. Hence much that he says is of the nature of a digression - though an important one - until he resumes the main thread of his subject at <a href="/1_corinthians/11-15.htm">1 Corinthians 11:15</a>. Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Doubtless he mainly refers to the vision on the road to Damascus (<a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Acts 9:3, 17</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/15-8.htm">1 Corinthians 15:8</a>), though he received other visions and revelations also (<a href="/acts/18-9.htm">Acts 18:9</a>; <a href="/acts/22-14.htm">Acts 22:14, 18</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/12-1.htm">2 Corinthians 12:1</a>, etc.). he had probably not seen Christ during his life on earth (see my 'Life of St. Paul,' 1:73-75). The words are added to remind them that those who boasted of personal knowledge and relation with Jesus - perhaps the Christ party - had no exclusive prerogative. Are not ye my work in the Lord? I am not only an apostle, but emphatically your apostle (<a href="/acts/18-1.htm">Acts 18:1-11</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Am I εἰμὶ (eimi) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not Οὐκ (Ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. free? ἐλεύθερος (eleutheros) Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1658.htm">Strong's 1658: </a> Free, delivered from obligation. Probably from the alternate of erchomai; unrestrained, i.e. not a slave, or exempt. Am I εἰμὶ (eimi) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. an apostle? ἀπόστολος (apostolos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_652.htm">Strong's 652: </a> From apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ. Have I not seen ἑόρακα (heoraka) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. Jesus Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. our ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. Lord? Κύριον (Kyrion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. Are ἐστε (este) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. you [yourselves] ὑμεῖς (hymeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. not οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. my μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. workmanship ἔργον (ergon) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the] Lord? Κυρίῳ (Kyriō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not free? Am I not (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/8-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 8:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 8:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>