1 Corinthians 9:3
1 Corinthians 9:3 in Multiple Translations
This is my defense to those who scrutinize me:
Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,
My defence to them that examine me is this.
My answer to those who are judging me is this.
Here is my reply to those who question me about this:
My defence to them that examine mee, is this,
My defence to those who examine me in this;
My defense to those who examine me is this:
My answer to them that examine me is this,
My defence with them that do examine me is this.
In order to defend myself, this is what I say to those who criticize me by claiming that I do not act like an apostle.
Some people think that maybe Jesus didn’t send me, and they ask me a lot of questions, so I tell them about the way I work for Jesus.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Corinthians 9:3
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1 Corinthians 9:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Greek Word Reference — 1 Corinthians 9:3
Study Notes — 1 Corinthians 9:3
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Corinthians 9:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 9:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 9:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:3
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:3
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 9:3
- Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 9:3
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:3
- Sermons on 1 Corinthians 9:3
Context — The Rights of an Apostle
3This is my defense to those who scrutinize me:
4Have we no right to food and to drink? 5Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Corinthians 12:16–19 | Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery. Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you? I urged Titus to visit you, and I sent our brother with him. Did Titus exploit you in any way? Did we not walk in the same Spirit and follow in the same footsteps? Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 13:3 | since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 13:10 | This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down. |
| 4 | Acts 22:1 | “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” |
| 5 | 2 Corinthians 10:7–8 | You are looking at outward appearances. If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should remind himself that we belong to Christ just as much as he does. For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed. |
| 6 | 2 Timothy 4:16 | At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them. |
| 7 | Philippians 1:7 | 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. |
| 8 | 1 Corinthians 14:37 | If anyone considers himself a prophet or spiritual person, let him acknowledge that what I am writing you is the Lord’s command. |
| 9 | 2 Corinthians 13:5 | Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can’t you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test? |
| 10 | Philippians 1:17 | The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains. |
1 Corinthians 9:3 Summary
In 1 Corinthians 9:3, the apostle Paul is saying that he has a right to defend himself against people who are questioning his ministry. He is confident in his calling as an apostle and wants to be able to provide for himself and his companions, just like other workers (as seen in 1 Timothy 5:18). He is not trying to be argumentative, but rather wants to be able to minister to others without distraction, as seen in 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9. By understanding Paul's defense, we can learn how to stand firm in our own faith and trust in God's provision, as seen in Philippians 4:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of the apostle Paul's defense in 1 Corinthians 9:3?
The apostle Paul is defending his apostleship and the rights that come with it, as seen in the surrounding verses, 1 Corinthians 9:1-2 and 1 Corinthians 9:4-5, where he references his work in the Lord and his entitlement to certain provisions.
Who is scrutinizing the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:3?
The scripture does not explicitly state who is scrutinizing the apostle Paul, but based on the context of 1 Corinthians 9:1-5, it can be inferred that it may be the Corinthian church or other critics of his ministry, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 10-13.
What is the significance of the apostle Paul's defense in 1 Corinthians 9:3?
The apostle Paul's defense in 1 Corinthians 9:3 is significant because it highlights his commitment to his ministry and his desire to be above reproach, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:12-14 and 2 Corinthians 7:2, where he discusses his integrity and sincerity in his ministry.
How does the apostle Paul's defense in 1 Corinthians 9:3 relate to his ministry?
The apostle Paul's defense in 1 Corinthians 9:3 relates to his ministry because it demonstrates his confidence in his calling as an apostle, as seen in Romans 1:1 and Galatians 1:1, where he introduces himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can defend my faith, just like the apostle Paul did in 1 Corinthians 9:3?
- How can I demonstrate my commitment to my Christian walk, just like the apostle Paul did in his ministry?
- What are some common criticisms that Christians face, and how can we respond to them in a way that honors God?
- How can I balance my desire to be accepted by others with my need to stand firm in my faith, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:3?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Corinthians 9:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Corinthians 9:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:3
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:3
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:3
Cambridge Bible on 1 Corinthians 9:3
Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 9:3
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:3
Sermons on 1 Corinthians 9:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Surrendering Your Rights by J. Oswald Sanders | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being willing to sacrifice leisure and pleasure in order to bless others. He discusses the right to receive material benefi |
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Total Dependence Upon God by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of total dependence on God, highlighting the need for discernment, humility, and faith. It discusses the dangers of relying on human wisdom, t |
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The Bliss of the Glorified by C.H. Spurgeon | Wayne Barber delves into the concept of proven character (dokime) in the Bible, emphasizing that enduring trials and afflictions promote and validate the character of believers. Th |
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1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the certainty of the Second Coming of the Lord, emphasizing that those who are alive will not precede those who have fallen asleep in Christ. He delv |
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Rev. 5:6. the Weakness and the Power of Christ by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the profound contrasts in Christ's nature as both the slain Lamb and the powerful Lion of Judah. He explores how Christ's apparent weakness in His incarna |
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Quantitative Hopelessness and the Immeasurable Moment by John Piper | John Piper emphasizes the importance of not assessing the influence of Sunday School quantitatively, highlighting how a single moment of truth can have a lasting, transformative im |
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The Church and Amusements by W.H. Griffith Thomas | W.H. Griffith Thomas addresses the question of recreation and amusement in the Church, emphasizing the importance of aligning all activities with the principles of the New Testamen |







