Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
Ver. 9. Not because we have not power] Posse et nolle nobile est. (Chrysost.) See Trapp on " 1Co 9:4 " See Trapp on " 1Co 9:5 " See Trapp on " 1Co 9:6 " See Trapp on " 1Co 9:7 " See Trapp on " 1Co 9:8 " See Trapp on " 1Co 9:9 "
But to make ourselves an example] Those therefore that have enough to live on, must yet be doing something whereby the world may be the better; and not think to come hither merely as rats and mice, only to devour victuals, and to run squeaking up and down. These are ciphers, or rather excrements in human society. By the law of Mahomet, the Great Turk himself is bound to exercise some manual trade or occupation (for none must be idle), as Solyman the Magnificent, that so threatened Vienna, his trade was making of arrow heads; Achmat the Last, horn rings for archers. (Peacham.)