1 Corinthians 9:1-6

Paul had certain rights 1 Corinthians 9:1-6: The brethren at Corinth knew and understood that Paul was an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and that he had been taught by the Lord Himself. The Corinthian Christians owed their very salvation to Paul and the existence of this church was proof of his apostleship. It was Paul's obedience as an apostle that had brought him to Corinth initially. He said, "If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 9:2)

As an apostle Paul had certain rights. However, he had been willing to forego many of those rights in order to save all kinds of people. He came to the people at Corinth and to others, "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." (Acts 26:18) The knowledgeable brethren at Corinth objected to giving up their right to help others. Paul offered proof that he had been doing that very thing for a long time and that they with love should do the same.