Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?
Have I - literally, 'OR have I?' 'Or will you make it an objection that I have preached to you gratuitously?' He leaves their good feeling to answer, that this, so far from being an objection, was a superiority in him above the false apostles (1 Corinthians 9:6-15).
Abasing myself - in my mode of living, earning my maintenance by manual labour-perhaps with slaves as his fellow-labourers (Acts 18:3; Acts 20:34; Philippians 4:12).
That ye might be exalted - spiritually: that ye might be edified, by my removing every handle of offence in not asking you for the maintenance which is my right.
Because - `in that.'
Gospel of God. "Of God" implies its divine glory.
Freely - `without charge.'