Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - 1 Corinthians 9:1

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - 1 Corinthians 9:1 - 9:1

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Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - 1 Corinthians 9:1 - 9:1

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1Co 9:1-14. ST PAUL’S DEFENCE OF HIS APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY

This chapter is devoted to a defence of the Apostolic authority of St Paul, but there is an under-current of thought connecting it with the last which may easily be missed. In ch. 8 St Paul has been exhorting the Corinthians to sacrifice their own personal predilections for the benefit of others. In 1Co 9:13 he declares himself to be ready to act upon this principle to the uttermost. But some may say, ‘Fine doctrine this, but does the Apostle practise what he preaches?’ (Robertson). He is about to give a proof of his sincerity by referring to his sacrifice of self for the good of others, when he anticipates in his mind the reply, You have no power to do otherwise: you are not an Apostle at all; and he replies to each of these statements in his usual fervid way, by asking in regard to each of them, Is it really then true? This connection of ideas is strengthened by the reading in the text. See Critical Notes. The argument is admirably summarized by Bp Wordsworth thus: ‘Am I not free? Am I not an Apostle? Am I not your Apostle?’