1 Corinthians 9:2

9:1-27 Continuing the argument begun in 8:1 (see study note on 8:1–11:1), Paul cites personal examples of his giving up his own rights for the sake of other people. 9:1-2 These four rhetorical questions each expect a positive answer. The first, following his discussion in 8:1-13, is an assertion of Paul’s freedom from Jewish ritual obligations—though, as he later emphasizes (see 9:19-23), he freely accommodates himself to the practices of Jews in his desire to win them to Christ. The other three rhetorical questions are assertions of Paul’s apostolic authority, which was apparently being questioned by some in Corinth. • For those who might be skeptical, the reality of Paul’s apostolic calling was verified by his firsthand encounter with Jesus our Lord on the road to Damascus (see 15:8; Acts 9:3-6, 17). Also, the Corinthians themselves, who came to faith through Paul’s evangelism (see Acts 18:1-11), were proof (literally the seal) of his status as an apostle.