CINXE.COM

<!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 9:2 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/9-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/46_1Co_09_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 9:2 - The Rights of an Apostle" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/9-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/9-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm" title="1 Corinthians 9:1">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 9:2 <a href="/1_corinthians/9-3.htm" title="1 Corinthians 9:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/9.htm">New International Version</a> Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord’s apostle. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> If I am not an apostle to others, yet at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">King James Bible</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="/nkjv/1_corinthians/9.htm">New King James Version</a> If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> If I am not [considered] an apostle to others, at least I am one to you; for you are the seal and the certificate and the living evidence of my apostleship in the Lord [confirming and authenticating it]. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you, because you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Others may think that I am not an apostle, but you are proof that I am an apostle to you. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> If I'm not an apostle to other people, at least I'm an apostle to you. You are the seal which proves that I am the Lord's apostle. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> Even if others do not accept me as an apostle, surely you do! Because of your life in union with the Lord you yourselves are proof of the fact that I am an apostle. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> If I am not an apostle to other people, surely I am one to you, for you are the evidence of my apostolic authority from the Lord. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/9.htm">NET Bible</a> If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you, for you are the confirming sign of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my office of apostle in the Lord. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you: for ye are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> If to other men I am not an Apostle, yet at any rate I am one to you; for your very existence as a Christian Church is the seal of my Apostleship. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/9.htm">World English Bible</a> If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> If I am not an apostle to others—yet doubtless I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the LORD. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> If I am not an apostle to others, yet at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> if to others I am not an apostle -- yet doubtless to you I am; for the seal of my apostleship are ye in the Lord. <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> If to others I am not sent, but surely I am to you: for the seal of my sending are ye in the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And if unto others I be not an apostle, but yet to you I am. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And if I am not an Apostle to others, yet still I am to you. For you are the seal of my Apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Although I may not be an apostle for others, certainly I am for you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> If I am not an apostle to others, yet to you I am: for you are the seal of my apostleship. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And if, on one hand, I have not been an Apostle to others, on the other hand I am to you, and you are the seal of my Apostleship.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> If I am not an apostle to others, yet certainly I am to you; for the seal of my apostleship are you in the Lord. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> If I am not an apostle to others, but I am to you at least: for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> If I am not an apostle unto others, doubtless I am to you: for ye are the seal of my apostolic mission in the Lord. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> if I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you: for your being christians is the proof of my apostleship. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> If to other men I am not an Apostle, yet at any rate I am one to you; for your very existence as a Christian Church is the seal of my Apostleship. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> If to others I am not an apostle, yet to you at least I am; for the seal of my apostleship are ye in the Lord. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you: for ye are in the Lord the seal of my apostleship. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/9-2.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=1688" 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> 1Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you yourselves not my workmanship in the Lord? 2<a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">Even if</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.">I am</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/243.htm" title="243: allois (Adj-DMP) -- Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; else, i.e. Different.">to others,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise."></a> <a href="/greek/1065.htm" title="1065: ge (Prtcl) -- A primary particle of emphasis or qualification.">surely</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.">I am</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</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/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4973.htm" title="4973: sphragis (N-NFS) -- Probably strengthened from phrasso; a signet; by implication, the stamp impressed, literally or figuratively.">seal</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">of my</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/651.htm" title="651: apostolēs (N-GFS) -- Commission, duty of apostle, apostleship. From apostello; commission, i.e. apostolate.">apostleship</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> 3This is my defense to those who scrutinize me:…<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/18-1.htm">Acts 18:1-11</a> After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. / There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to visit them, / and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">2 Corinthians 3:2-3</a> You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts, known and read by everyone. / It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. <a href="/galatians/2-8.htm">Galatians 2:8</a> For the One who was at work in Peter’s apostleship to the circumcised was also at work in my apostleship to the Gentiles. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15</a> Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-12.htm">2 Corinthians 12:12</a> The marks of a true apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance. <a href="/romans/1-5.htm">Romans 1:5</a> Through Him and on behalf of His name, we received grace and apostleship to call all those among the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-19.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:19-20</a> After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? / You are indeed our glory and our joy. <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="/ephesians/3-7.htm">Ephesians 3:7-8</a> I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power. / Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, <a href="/philippians/1-7.htm">Philippians 1:7</a> It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart. For in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you are all partners in grace with me. <a href="/1_timothy/2-7.htm">1 Timothy 2:7</a> 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. <a href="/2_timothy/1-11.htm">2 Timothy 1:11</a> to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher. <a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Acts 9:15</a> “Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel. <a href="/romans/15-18.htm">Romans 15:18-19</a> I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obedience by word and deed, / by the power of signs and wonders, and by the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. <a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a> He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>If I be not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of my apostleship are you in the Lord.for.<a href="/john/6-27.htm">John 6:27</a> Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.<a href="/2_corinthians/3-1.htm">2 Corinthians 3:1-3</a> Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you? … <a href="/2_corinthians/12-12.htm">2 Corinthians 12:12</a> Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">Apostle</a> <a href="/romans/1-5.htm">Apostleship</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">Christian</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">Christians</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/6-4.htm">Church</a> <a href="/luke/4-24.htm">Doubtless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">Existence</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-5.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/romans/3-9.htm">Least</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-8.htm">Others</a> <a href="/acts/28-28.htm">Rate</a> <a href="/romans/15-28.htm">Seal</a> <a href="/romans/14-11.htm">Surely</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">Apostle</a> <a href="/galatians/1-17.htm">Apostleship</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-5.htm">Christian</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-8.htm">Christians</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-32.htm">Church</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-10.htm">Doubtless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-12.htm">Existence</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-18.htm">Fact</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">Least</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">Others</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-16.htm">Rate</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-22.htm">Seal</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-10.htm">Surely</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Even if I am not an apostle to others Paul begins by acknowledging that some may question his apostleship. In the early church, apostles were those who had seen the risen Christ and were sent out to preach the Gospel. Paul’s apostleship was often challenged because he was not one of the original twelve disciples. However, he had a direct encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus (<a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Acts 9:3-6</a>), which he cites as the basis for his apostolic authority. This phrase highlights the tension between Paul and some members of the Corinthian church who doubted his authority, reflecting the broader challenges he faced in establishing his role among the early Christians.surely I am to you Paul asserts his apostleship specifically to the Corinthians, emphasizing the personal relationship and the impact of his ministry on them. The church in Corinth was founded by Paul during his second missionary journey (<a href="/acts/18.htm">Acts 18:1-11</a>), and he spent considerable time teaching and establishing the believers there. This personal connection serves as evidence of his genuine apostleship, as the Corinthians themselves were direct beneficiaries of his teaching and leadership. This phrase underscores the importance of personal witness and the transformative power of the Gospel in validating spiritual authority.For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord The term "seal" in ancient times referred to a mark of authenticity or ownership, often used in legal documents to signify approval or validation. By calling the Corinthians the "seal" of his apostleship, Paul is stating that their faith and the existence of the church are the evidence of his genuine calling and work in the Lord. This metaphor indicates that the spiritual fruit produced in Corinth is the proof of his divine commission. The phrase "in the Lord" emphasizes that his apostleship is not self-appointed but divinely ordained, aligning with the broader biblical theme that true ministry is empowered and authenticated by God (<a href="/2_corinthians/3-2.htm">2 Corinthians 3:2-3</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter, Paul is addressing the Corinthian church, defending his apostleship and authority. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinthian_church.htm">Corinthian Church</a> The recipients of the letter, a diverse and often troubled congregation in the city of Corinth, known for its moral and spiritual challenges. 3. <a href="/topical/a/apostleship.htm">Apostleship</a> The role and authority given to Paul by Christ to preach the Gospel, particularly to the Gentiles. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_lord.htm">The Lord (Jesus Christ)</a> The one who commissioned Paul as an apostle and whose authority Paul invokes in his defense. 5. <a href="/topical/s/seal.htm">Seal</a> A metaphor used by Paul to describe the Corinthian believers as the evidence or validation of his apostolic ministry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/v/validation_of_ministry.htm">Validation of Ministry</a> Paul uses the Corinthian believers as a "seal" to validate his apostleship. In our lives, the fruit of our ministry and the impact on others can serve as evidence of our calling and faithfulness to God's work. <a href="/topical/i/identity_in_christ.htm">Identity in Christ</a> Just as Paul found his identity and authority in Christ, believers today should root their identity in their relationship with Jesus, rather than in human approval or recognition. <a href="/topical/d/defending_the_faith.htm">Defending the Faith</a> Paul’s defense of his apostleship teaches us the importance of standing firm in our faith and calling, especially when faced with doubt or opposition. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_fruit_as_evidence.htm">Spiritual Fruit as Evidence</a> The transformation and growth in the lives of those we minister to can serve as a testament to the authenticity of our faith and the power of the Gospel. <a href="/topical/c/community_as_a_witness.htm">Community as a Witness</a> The church community, like the Corinthians, serves as a witness to the world of the truth and power of the Gospel. Our lives together should reflect the reality of Christ’s work in us.<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_means_'from_everlasting_to_everlasting'.htm">What does 'struck down, but not destroyed' signify?</a> <a href="/q/what_entails_being_christ's_ambassador.htm">What does being Christ's ambassador entail?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_a_disciple_different_from_an_apostle.htm">What distinguishes a disciple from an apostle?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_the_role_of_apostleship.htm">What defines the role of apostleship?</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>(2) If I be not an apostle unto others.--The allusion here is probably to some who may have arrived at Corinth subsequent to St. Paul's departure, and who, not recognising his Apostleship in relation to themselves, stirred up some of the Corinthians to repudiate it also. So the Apostle says, "Even if I am not an Apostle to these others, I am, at all events, to you; for you are yourselves the very proof and witness--the seal affixed to my appointment to the Apostolate." The repetition of the words "in the Lord" in both these verses expresses the strong conviction, which is characteristic of the Apostle, that the source of all power and of all success is Christ Himself.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - Unto others. If the emissaries from Jerusalem or the Petrine party do not choose to regard me as their apostle or an apostle at all, yet at any rate I am yours. Doubtless; rather, at least, at any rate. The seal of mine apostleship. Your conversion attests the genuineness of my claim, as a seal attests a document. Thus baptism is the seal of conversion (<a href="/ephesians/4-30.htm">Ephesians 4:30</a>; comp. <a href="/romans/4-11.htm">Romans 4:11</a>; <a href="/john/3-33.htm">John 3:33</a>). <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Even if εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. I am 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. to others, ἄλλοις (allois) Adjective - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_243.htm">Strong's 243: </a> Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different. surely γε (ge) Particle <a href="/greek/strongs_1065.htm">Strong's 1065: </a> A primary particle of emphasis or qualification. I am εἰμι (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. to you. ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. For γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. you 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. 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. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. seal σφραγίς (sphragis) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4973.htm">Strong's 4973: </a> Probably strengthened from phrasso; a signet; by implication, the stamp impressed, literally or figuratively. of 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. apostleship ἀποστολῆς (apostolēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_651.htm">Strong's 651: </a> Commission, duty of apostle, apostleship. From apostello; commission, i.e. apostolate. 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/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">1 Corinthians 9:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-2.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 9:2 If to others I am not (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/9-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 9:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 9:3" /></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>