We are getting into a new problem here in chapter nine. At the time of Paul, especially around Greece (Corinth is in Greece) itinerant philosophers would roam the land and find rich patrons. The rich patrons would then influence the message of the philosopher to some degree. Paul, in chapter 9, is pointing out that he is free from that kind of patronage. He has a right to be paid, but he does not collect a salary from the Corinthians. We know Paul received funds, but he seems to have worked part time making mobile homes (tents) and also received support from locations other than where he was present. Because people had no financial hold over Paul, it seems they got annoyed and started to say he had no authority. Paul argues otherwise.
1 Corinthians 9:1,2
1Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? 2Even 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.
Questions
- What two rhetorical questions does the chapter open with?
- Do the next two rhetorical questions support his freedom or his authority?
- What did a seal imply on an official document in ancient times?
- Is your pastor free to minister without fear of the congregation? Explain your answer.
- How does a pastor’s calling show in their congregation?
Going Deeper
Surf the T.V. and find a preacher. Listen for a while and determine if they are genuine. How does money affect your answer? How does testimony of their listeners affect your answer? What else leads you to decide if they are genuine or charlatans?
Plymothian 