1 Corinthians 9:1.— St. Paul had preached the Gospel at Corinth about two years, in all which time he had taken nothing of them, 2 Corinthians 11:7-9. This, by some of the opposite faction, and particularly, as we may suppose, by their leader, was made use of to call in question his apostleship. For why, if he were an Apostle, should he not use the power of an Apostle, to demand maintenance where he preached? In this chapter St. Paul vindicates his apostleship; and in answer to theseinquiries gives the reason why, though he had a right to maintenance, yet he preached gratis to the Corinthians. "My answer, says he, to these inquisitors, is, that though, as being an Apostle, I know that I have a right to maintenance, as well as Peter, or any other of the Apostles, who all have a right, as is evident from reason and from Scripture;—yet I neither have used, nor shall make use of my privilege among you, for fear lest, if it cost you any thing, that should hinder the effect of my preaching. I would neglect nothing that might promote the Gospel. I do not content myself with doing barely what is my duty, for by my extraordinary call and commission it is now incumbent on me to preach the Gospel; but I endeavour to excel in my ministry, and not to execute my commission in a manner just enough to serve the turn. For if those who are in the Agonistic games, aiming at victory to obtain only a corruptible crown, deny themselves in eating and drinking, and other pleasures; how much more does the eternal crown of glory deserve that we should do our utmost to obtain it? To be as careful in not indulging our bodies, in denying our pleasures, in doing every thing that we can in order to get it, as if there were but one that should have it? Wonder not therefore, if I, having this in view, neglect my body, and those outward conveniences which, as an Apostle sent to preach the Gospel, I might claim, and make use of: wonder not that I prefer the propagating of the Gospel, and making of converts, to all care and regard of myself." This seems the design of the Apostle, and will throw light on the following chapter. See Locke.
Am I not free?— "Am I not at liberty, as much as any other of the Apostles, to make use of the privileges due to that office?"—"Am I not an Apostle?" It was necessary, in order to St. Paul's being an Apostle, and a witness of the resurrection, that he should have seen Jesus Christ. See Acts 22:14-15; Acts 26:16. 1 Corinthians 15:8.