In the previous chapter Paul, being free from the requirements of the Law and possessing knowledge that idols do not exist, decided to submit himself to the law for the sake of ‘weak’ brothers and sisters: “If food offends my brother, by no means I eat flesh unto the ages, lest I offend my brother” (1 Cor 8:13).
In chapter 9, he moves to another topic: the rights of the apostles.
Verses 9:1–3 - Paul’s apostleship
Four rhetorical questions introduce the topic of the discussion. The argument is based on four key words:
In this passage ‘freedom’ refers to the decisions that Paul makes regarding the refusal of the financial support from the Corinthians. It is puzzling why he does not accept it from them, when he had no such problem in accepting such help from others (see Phil 4:15). Since, the community was mostly composed of people coming from low strata of society, the only ones who could probably afford to support Paul were the few noble and powerful. But, it seems that they were also the ones, who did not obey Paul in the matter of morals. Now, if Paul got money from them, how would he be able to criticize their way of life?
The term “apostle” had narrow and wide meaning (see Acts 1:21–22; 1 Cor 15:5–8). In the narrow sense it referred to the Twelve, in the wide sense it referred to those, who personally witnessed to the resurrection of Christ.
“Seeing Jesus” (see Acts 9:3–4 - seeing light and hearing Jesus; 1 Cor 15:8, Gal 1:12 - seeing the risen Lord).
Paul’s own understating of the term “apostle = being sent to preach the Gospel” is comparable to the meaning of “missionary, who plants/establishes a new church/community”. Like in Galatians, so also in Corinth, Paul had adversaries that questioned his claim of being “apostle” (1 Cor 9:3, compare Gal 1:7; 4:17;5:12). For the Corinthians, Paul is an apostle, because he brought them the Gospel of Christ.
9:4–15 - The Rights of Apostles
Another set of rhetorical questions, all related to the right of an apostle to earn living from preaching the Gospel (1 Cor 9:14).
Verse 9:5 - “sister-woman” or “sister-wife” - refers to a female Christian, who accompanied male Christian apostle. In Greek the word “gynaika” can mean either woman or wife. Here, we have a glimpse into a missionary practice of the early Church. It seems that in many cases a male apostle was accompanied by a female disciple - sister in the Lord or wife? Was it for protection of female Christian? (See Luke 10:1; 24:13). It seems that most of the apostles, including Peter-Cephas, followed that custom. On the other hand, we see Paul always in the company of other male Christians (Barnabas, Silas - Acts 15:39–40).
Brothers of the Lord (see Mark6:3). It would indicate that they also became Christians (see Mark 3:21.32).
Verse 9:6 indicates that most of the apostles followed the rule set in Acts 6:4 - prayer and the service of the word of God. In this case, the community provided support for the apostles (Acts 4:34–35). Again, Paul followed different rule spell out in 9:12.18 (see also 1 Thess 2:7–9; but see Acts 18:1–5).
Apparently, Paul supports the first option. His arguments are very clear:
Despite supporting the option that an apostle should earn their living from the Gospel, Paul does not apply it to himself in Corinth (nor in Thessalonica - 1 Thess 2:7–9). Why? He gives two reasons:
The picture that comes out is clear: (1) Paul worked to support himself but it must have been a sort of part-time job (Acts 18:5); (2) Paul was financially supported by other churches (2 Cor 11:8). Again, we can wonder why.
9:16–23 - Obligation to preach the Gospel
In the service of the Gospel, Paul uses two metaphors to present his position: (1) steward (9:17); (2) slave (9:19).
The word “oikonomian” refers to a duty of a running a household, which was usually given to a trustworthy slave (see Gen 39:1–5). Paul was entrusted with a duty to preach the Gospel.
“For if I willingly do this” (9:17). Given a choice, would Paul rather not preach the Gospel? “Woe to me if I do not preach” (9:16, see Matt 23:23.25.27.29; Luke 6:24–26). What was Paul afraid of? What would happened to him if he did not preach the Gospel?
Whatever the answers to these questions, Paul clearly saw himself under a severe obligation to proclaim the Gospel to the Gentiles. In Greek, the word “ananke” - necessity - refer to a natural law that binds all people and the whole nature. From such law there was no escape. In Paul’s case, it was in obedience to Christ (Acts 9:15) and in obedience to the realization of his vocation (Gal 1:15–16). From such obligation, there was no escape.
Paul “enslaved” himself to all men (9:19). Here, he did it willingly - the verb “enslave” is in active form. Paul mentions three type of people:
This ‘enslavement’ has one purpose: to gain people for Christ. It reminds the saying of Jesus: “fishers of men” (Mark 1:17). How do you catch a fish? You have to know it habits and likes: when it likes to eat and what it likes to eat. The same purpose is spell differently in 9:22: ‘to save some’. Here, it is Paul who saves “some” by the way of proclaiming the Gospel.
From what does Paul save some? From the wrath of God (See 1 Thess 1:10, see also Rom 1:18).
Verse 9:23 indicates that by proclaiming the Gospel in order “to gain people” or “to save some”, Paul himself will partake in the salvation that the Gospel brings.
9:24–27 - Preaching without living out the message brings no profit.
Now, Paul uses metaphors from the world of sport: (1) running (9:24); (2) an athletic contest (9:25); (3) boxing. In first two cases, the purpose is to gain the prize - referring to the first and only prize. It was usually a wreath made of the wild olive tree, intertwined to form a circle. Such an Olympic crown would soon wither.
In the case of Christians, the crown of their contest is incorruptible - the eternal prize. As in an athletic contest, so in the ‘Gospel contest’ the body needs to be put under self-control - the same word “eykrateuetai” in 9:25, also appears in 1 Cor 7:9 - “to exercise self-control”.
Paul speaks about this self-control of the body in reference to the proclamation of the Gospel. An apostle, who does not control his body the way a master have control over his slave may forfeit the reward of the Gospel - by being disqualified.