Chapter Introduction
In this chapter study, we will continue to use the steps of Inductive Bible Study. We will also be comparing our interpretation against several well-known theologians in a comparative analysis with our interpretation.
The apostle Paul divides this chapter into paragraphs. It is presumed that some suspected Paul of taking advantage of his apostleship, evidenced by his defense. No one offers a defense unless there are accusations. Paul vindicates his apostleship and establishes his right to enjoy the fruits of his apostleship. However, Paul concludes by stating that although authorized, he and Barnabas earn their way by the sweat of their brows.
Chapter 9 outline
Paul vindicates his apostleship ………. 1-6
Live by what you preach ………………….7-18
Method and reward of ministry ………19-27
Paul uses the literary principle of a question asked and answered.
Questions to investigate.
What does Paul mean by asking, “Am I not free?”
What is an apostle?
Who is authorized to be called an apostle?
What does Paul mean by calling the church the seal of his apostleship V2b?
Is the word seal a theological term?
Was Paul being accused of misusing his position V3?
Who were his accusers?
Why were they accusing Paul and Barnabas?
What are the rights of those who preach the Gospel Vv. 7-18?
Why does Paul call himself a slave to all men Vv. 19-22?
Why does Paul the metaphor of a race V. 24?
What temporary crown is Paul speaking about V. 25?
What is the certainty is Paul speaks of in V. 26?
What sort of race was Paul referring to in this metaphor, a sprint or long-distance race?
Interpretation
When interpreting Scripture, go back first to your observations and form questions. Questions will be generated by the literary principles observed in the section being studied.
What does Paul mean when he states “I am Free” V. 1?
- Paul owed no man; he was debt-free and therefore was free of enslavement to worldly encumbrances.
- See BLB outline of Bible usage for the word free.
- When a person obligates himself to another, that person has given up a certain amount of personal freedom, making him a slave to another.
- Scripture has much to say about remaining debt-free (Rom 13:8, Deu 15:6, and Pro 22:7).
- It is not a sin to be in debt, but Paul tells us you cannot be free while in debt to another.
- Paul speaks of another type of self-imposed figurative indebtedness in 1Cor 9:19
What is an apostle, and what are the criteria for apostleship V.1?
- The word apostolos, G652 a masculine noun, meaning “one sent forth” or messenger.
- To be recognized as an apostle the following criteria must be met:
- The apostle must have seen the resurrected Jesus (Act 1:22)
- The apostle must have received a commission from Jesus.
- To be appointed as apostles by Jesus (Luk 6:13)
- Paul did encounter the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus (Act 9:3).
- Paul received a direct commission from Jesus (Act 9:6).
- What does Paul mean by calling the church the seal of his apostleship V2b?
- To answer this question, we must learn in Scripture what is a seal is and how it is used in V.2.
- In Scripture, the word seal is a theological term.
- The word seal is translated from the Greek word sphragis G4973, used as a feminine noun, which can be used either figuratively or literally as a sign of ownership.
- Paul uses the word seal in a figurative sense to show proof of his apostleship.
- Paul was sealed in ownership to the Lord Jesus, to who he was indentured.
- The church was the fruit of Paul’s labors.
- Through Paul’s teaching, many were brought to Christ.
- The church, therefore, is the proof (seal) of Paul’s teaching in Corinth.
- Was Paul being accused of misusing his position V3?
- Paul, approaches accusations as a lawyer would approach a case in court.
- In verses 4-13 Paul lays out his case in a series of questions.
Who were Paul's accusers?
- We can assume that his accusers were in the Corinthian church, as this letter was written to the church.
- Paul addresses church unity and the cause of division within the church in chapter twelve.
- Some Christians were following the gospel of Jesus, some were following Peter, some were following Apollos, and some Paul.
- Considering those above, it is no wonder the church wanted to know by what authority Paul was teaching.
- Why were they accusing Paul and Barnabas?
- Paul was soliciting money from the church to send to the twelve in Jerusalem (1Co 16:1-4).
- It is not a stretch to see that the Corinthian church wondered if Paul and Barnabas were using some of the offerings for their livelihood.
What are the rights of those who preach the Gospel Vv. 7-18?
- Paul confirms his right as an Apostle, to enjoy his labor's fruits, quoting Moses in V9 Deu 25:4 NKJV. See also 1Tim 5:17 NKJV.
- Paul did not accept compensation, believing in doing so may hamper the gospel message (1Cor 9:18NKJV).
- Paul continued to work in his vocation even though, by Moses's law, he had the right to a portion of offerings to sustain himself (1Cor 9:11 & 13 NKJV).
- Why does Paul call himself a slave to all men Vv. 19-27?
What does Paul mean when he states, “I am Free”?
- Paul owed nothing to any man; he was debt-free and therefore was free of worldly obligations.
- Paul draws attention to critical points in this section by repeating the words “win” and “might gain.”
- Paul explains why he presented himself as all things to all people.
- Paul became all things to all people to win all to the gospel of Christ.
- Paul disavows any allegiance to any man, having no master (V19).
- In the NKJV, the word men was added for clarification.
- Paul declared his allegiance to Jesus the resurrected Christ Rom 1:1; Act 18:5.
- Paul, born of a Jew, became a Pharisee of a Pharisee (Act 23:6).
- Paul was qualified to speak to the Jews of the law of Moses (V20).
- During Paul’s post-conversion epoch, Paul observed the Mosaic law (Acts 21: 18-24; Act 24:17-18 CSB)
- However, there is no mention of Paul teaching the Mosaic law of sacrifice.
- Instead, he taught that Jesus was God’s sacrifice for sin, and salvation is gained through grace, not the law.
- Paul was also qualified to preach to the Gentile, born a Roman citizen Act 22:25 NKJV.
- Still referring to the Mosaic law, Paul describes the Gentiles as those without law, still referring to Moses's law (V21).
- The Gentiles, in Corinth, lived under Roman laws. Laws which were of no consequence to their immortal soul.
- Paul did not flaunt his apostleship; rather, he was very humble.
- Paul was a man without earthly riches.
- Paul was all things to all people with one goal in mind to further the gospel of the risen Christ in the world (V23).
- There are no participation trophies or prizes in the race for souls.
- Paul used familiar terms to make his point.
- Both the Greek and Roman cultures prized the physical body and competition.
- We are probably most familiar with the Olympic Games.
- However, “The first written records of the ancient Olympic Games date to 776 B.C.,”
- The Olympic Games have their roots in ancient Greek culture, with competitors from surrounding cities competing for a crown.
- The competition illustrated the need to prepare and to endure to the end to win the prize.
What temporary crown is Paul speaking about V. 25?
- The word crown is the Greek word stephanos G4735, a masculine noun meaning twined or wreath.
- In Scripture, the crown was a sign of royalty or exalted authority.
- In a competition, the crown is a symbol of honor and achievement.
- Paul contrasts a perishable crown to an imperishable crown.
- In contrasting a perishable crown, typically awarded to the victor a garland wreath.
- because crowns like this were made of the plant garland, it was not intended to last.
- This short-lived honor is soon forgotten when the succeeding victor is crowned.
- Unlike the crown of righteousness, which is given as a permanent lasting sign of service achievements.
- The crown of righteousness is awarded at the Bema seat of Christ (II Tim 4:7,8.
- Although not stated, I believe Paul is talking about a long-distant race.
- A long-distance race requires conditioning,
- but also a discipline of mind and body (V27), and the determination to complete the race -the victor.
- Paul disciplined his body so as not to be disqualified.
- I believe who would be disqualified are those who do not walk the talk.
- Our bodies are of this fallen world, and as such, are subject to seeking pleasure.
- Through the strength of the indwelling Spirit, we can overcome temptation and maintain the personification of what we teach.
- One slip, one time, can be sufficient to disqualify you as a trustworthy servant of God in the eyes of others.
- Paul disciplined his body to endure discomfort and pain (Act 14:19; Act 16:37 CSB). Paul clothed himself in simple, humble garments for the sake of the gospel.
How does our chapter interpretation stack up?
Hilda Bright (An Easy English Bible Version and Commentary)
How can a person be taken seriously, if that person does not follow what he himself preaches?
As Christians we are held to higher standard. Because we take upon ourselves the name of the anointed one –Christ (Act 15:17) .
Have we covered all discovered during our observation of this segment?
Before applying our application, write a short three or four sentence summary of this chapter, highlighting key elements of each paragraph.
Applications
How has this chapter encouraged me?
With my relationship with God –
With my need for improvement –
How can I run a better race –
In my relationship with my brethren –
In my relationship with non-believers –
Has this chapter encouraged me to deny Satan’s temptations -
Bibliography Credits and References
Blue Letter Bible
The Olympic Games - HISTORY
