1Cor 9:1-3 | RWP | e4.org | Am I not free? ( Ουκ ειμ ελευθεροσ; ). Free as a Christian from Mosaic ceremonialism (cf. ) as much as any Christian and yet he adapts his moral independence to the principle of considerate love in . Am I not an apostle? ( ουκ ειμ αποστολοσ; ). He has the exceptional privileges as an apostle to support from the churches and yet he foregoes these. Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? ( ουχ Ιησουν τον Κυριον ημων εορακα; ). Proof ( ; , ; ; , .; .) that he has the qualification of an apostle ( ) though not one of the twelve. Note strong form of the negative ουχ here. All these questions expect an affirmative answer. The perfect active εορακα from οραω , to see, does not here have double reduplication as in . Are not ye? ( ου υμεις εστε; ). They were themselves proof of his apostleship.

‏ 1 Corinthians 9:1-3

Am I not free? ( Ουκ ειμ ελευθεροσ; ). Free as a Christian from Mosaic ceremonialism (cf. 9:19) as much as any Christian and yet he adapts his moral independence to the principle of considerate love in 8:13.

Am I not an apostle? ( ουκ ειμ αποστολοσ; ). He has the exceptional privileges as an apostle to support from the churches and yet he foregoes these.

Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? ( ουχ Ιησουν τον Κυριον ημων εορακα; ). Proof (15:8; Ac 9:17, 27; 18:9; 22:14, 17f.; 2Co 12:1ff.) that he has the qualification of an apostle (Ac 1:22) though not one of the twelve. Note strong form of the negative ουχ here. All these questions expect an affirmative answer. The perfect active εορακα from οραω, to see, does not here have double reduplication as in Joh 1:18.

Are not ye? ( ου υμεις εστε; ). They were themselves proof of his apostleship.

Yet at least I am to you ( αλλα γε υμιν ειμ ). An argumentum ad hominem and a pointed appeal for their support. Note use of αλλα γε in the apodosis (cf. 8:6).

My defence ( η εμη απολογια ). Original sense, not idea of apologizing as we say. See on Ac 22:1; 25:16. Refers to what precedes and to what follows as illustration of 8:13.

To them that examine me ( τοις εμε ανακρινουσιν ). See on 1Co 2:15; 4:3. The critics in Corinth were "investigating" Paul with sharp eyes to find faults. How often the pastor is under the critic's spy-glass.