1 Corinthians 9:1-27

(b) Food offered to Idols
(ii) St. Paul's own Example

St. Paul has appealed to the 'enlightened' converts at Corinth to give up for the sake of others a practice which they might otherwise have had no hesitation in indulging. He now strengthens this appeal by pointing to his own example of self-denial. As an Apostle he had the right to maintenance from the Church, but had refrained from exercising it, lest he might be suspected of preaching for gain.
Since his opponents declared that he maintained himself by his own work simply because he knew he was no true Apostle, he begins by proving (1 Corinthians 9:1) his claim to the Apostleship, and so (1 Corinthians 9:4) to the rights enjoyed by other Apostles. He defends this right (1 Corinthians 9:7) by a number of arguments. Then he gives (1 Corinthians 9:15) his reasons for not exercising it. His whole conduct has been influenced by the aim of causing no hindrance to the gospel, but of commending it to every man:

1-6. His claim to Apostleship, and consequent right to maintenance.

Paraphrase. '(1) Am not I myself free from outward authority? For am I not an Apostle, having seen Jesus our Lord? (2, 3) Why, your very existence as a Christian Church should be to you a sufficient proof of my Apostleship. (4-6) Now other Apostles, the Lord's brethren, and Peter himself, are supported as well as their wives, by the Churches they visit; have not Barnabas and myself this same right?'