Epiphany Season · Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year B
1 Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23
The Rights of an Apostle
February 7, 2027
Overview & Insights
“I do it all for the sake of the gospel... So run that you may obtain the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:23-24)
The transition from chapter 8 seems quite abrupt. Is Paul taking a ninety-degree turn from a question about participation in Corinthian parties (eating meat) to his rights as an apostle to receive monetary compensation for his work as an evangelist? Probably not! The thread that binds the two sections together is personal rights (exousia; e.g., 8:9 and 9:4–6). Paul continues his discussion of rights by underscoring that he himself has every right to command and require just about anything from the Corinthians. He is an apostle, uniquely called by Christ, and he is the agent Christ has used for their salvation. If they want to speak of rights, he is their spiritual patron, and they are his spiritual clients (9:2; cf. Philem. 19b). They owe him! Interpretive Insights 9:1 Am I not free? Picking up the claim of the “strong” from chapter 8, Paul states that if that is true of them, it is even more true of him (2 Cor. 11:23).
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Commentary
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary commentary on Paul's compulsion to preach and becoming all things to all people.
1 Corinthians 9:16-23 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on Paul's freedom given up for the sake of the gospel.
1 Corinthians 9 Commentary: The Rights of an Apostle Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik on Paul surrendering his apostolic rights to win more to Christ.
1 Corinthians Commentaries Precept Austin
Verse-by-verse study library with word studies and cross-references on 1 Corinthians.
Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Agape Bible Study
Catholic study of Paul's all things to all people as this Sunday's second reading (Catholic).
Background & Word Study
Enter the Bible: 1 Corinthians Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary introduction to 1 Corinthians and the questions dividing the church.
Book of 1 Corinthians Overview BibleProject
Animated overview of 1 Corinthians and Paul's call to unity in Christ.
1 Corinthians 9:16 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word-by-word text of 1 Corinthians 9:16 with parsing and Strong's numbers.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why does Paul give up his rights?
Free from all, Paul makes himself a servant of all, becoming all things to all people to win some; like an athlete he disciplines himself and runs to win the imperishable prize.
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