1Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you yourselves not my workmanship in the Lord?
2Even if I am not an apostle to others, surely I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
3This is my defense to those who scrutinize me:
4Have we no right to food and to drink?
5Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?
6Or are Barnabas and I the only apostles who must work for a living?
7Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Who tends a flock and does not drink of its milk?
8Do I say this from a human perspective? Doesn’t the Law say the same thing?
9For it is written in the Law of Moses: “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” Is it about oxen that God is concerned?
10Isn’t He actually speaking on our behalf? Indeed, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they should also expect to share in the harvest.
11If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much for us to reap a material harvest from you?
12If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
13Do you not know that those who work in the temple eat of its food, and those who serve at the altar partake of its offerings?
14In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
15But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that something be done for me. Indeed, I would rather die than let anyone nullify my boast.
16Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
17If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.
18What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.
19Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law.
21To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law.
22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to take the prize.
25Everyone who competes in the games trains with strict discipline. They do it for a crown that is perishable, but we do it for a crown that is imperishable.
26Therefore I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight like I am beating the air.
27No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9 Section and Chapter Commentary
1 Cor 9:1-18
Paul's refusal of financial support
In several of his letters, Paul indicates that he often refused financial support from the churches he founded, such as those in Thessalonica and Corinth. He preferred to work day and night to support himself, emphasizing his willingness to suffer and live in poverty as a mark of a true apostle, contrasting himself with opponents he sarcastically called 'super apostles' who boasted of their rhetorical power and charisma.
Summarized by AI · Through the Eye of a Needle: Jesus's Teachings on Wealth and Their Modern Relevance · Lecture 6: Wealth in the Wake of Jesus · watch the clip
1 Cor 9:19-23
Paul's Practice of the Law for Jews
Paul never told Jews to abandon the Torah. He himself likely continued to observe Jewish law when in Jewish company, but he also adapted his practices to Gentiles when on mission, as he states he became 'a Gentile to the Gentiles' and 'a Jew to the Jews' to save both. He prioritized the Christian mission over strict adherence to the law in all circumstances.
Summarized by AI · Paul and His Letters: A Basic Introduction · Paul and His Letters: A Basic Introduction · watch the clip
Paul's Adherence to the Law
Acts consistently portrays Paul as a devout Jew who never violates the Mosaic Law, even participating in a Nazarite vow and defending himself by insisting on his law-abiding life. Conversely, Paul's letters indicate that while he was blameless under the law before conversion, he later adopted a flexible approach, living as a Jew among Jews and a Gentile among Gentiles, suggesting he did not always strictly adhere to the law.
Summarized by AI · The Genius of the Acts of the Apostles · Lecture 7: The Book of Acts vs. The Letters of Paul · watch the clip
Paul's Continued Jewish Identity
Paul did not view his acceptance of Jesus as abandoning Judaism, but rather as understanding who Jesus truly was. He continued to identify as a Jew, observing Jewish customs like keeping kosher, the Sabbath, and festivals when among Jewish circles. However, he was flexible with these laws when evangelizing Gentiles to avoid creating obstacles.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Does Paul Think God Hates Jews? · watch the clip
Paul's Shifting Observance of Jewish Law
Paul states in his letters that he adapts his lifestyle to his audience, living as a Gentile among Gentiles and as a Jew among Jews, indicating a flexibility with the Jewish law for the sake of the gospel. However, the book of Acts portrays Paul as consistently adhering to the law, never breaking it, even when accused. This difference highlights Acts' attempt to defend Paul against charges of law-breaking, contrasting with Paul's own account of his adaptable practice.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Does Acts Portray Paul the Way Paul Portrays Paul? · watch the clip
1 Corinthians 9 Verse Notes
1 Cor 9:1
Paul's Conversion and Vision of Jesus
Paul's conversion involved a vision of Jesus, which he describes as Jesus appearing to him. This event, occurring approximately three years after Jesus' crucifixion, fundamentally changed Paul's perspective, leading him to believe that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.
Summarized by AI · Paul and Jesus: The Great Divide · Lecture 4: Who Was Jesus According to Paul? · watch the clip
Paul's Vision of Christ
Paul indicates in his letters, specifically 1 Corinthians 9 and 15, that he had a vision of Christ, believing he saw Christ alive. This vision, occurring several years after Jesus' death, convinced Paul that Jesus had been raised from the dead and appeared to him from heaven.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Why Did Paul Convert? Did He Convert? · watch the clip
Paul's Claim of Seeing the Resurrected Jesus
Paul is the only ancient author who explicitly states that he personally saw Jesus alive after his death and burial. He mentions this in 1 Corinthians, where he lists appearances of Jesus to Cephas, the apostles, James, and finally to himself as the last. While Paul doesn't specify the timing, scholarly chronology suggests this appearance occurred around 36 CE, approximately three years after Jesus' death, marking Paul's conversion.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Was Paul an Eyewitness of Jesus’ Resurrection? · watch the clip
Paul's Lack of Recognition of Jesus
Paul does not describe how he knew the figure he saw was Jesus, which is a significant omission given that he had never met Jesus before his death and would not have known his physical appearance. This raises questions about the nature of Paul's vision, as he does not provide details such as Jesus introducing himself or showing wounds. Without such information, alternative explanations for Paul's experience, such as a dream or even an impostor, become possibilities, though their likelihood is debatable.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Was Paul an Eyewitness of Jesus’ Resurrection? · watch the clip
Paul's Eyewitness Claim to the Resurrection
Paul claims to be an eyewitness to the resurrection of Jesus, stating that Christ appeared to him last of all, equating his experience to those of Peter, James, and the Twelve. He emphasizes that he 'labored harder than them all,' despite being a latecomer and former persecutor of the movement.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Historical Paul: What Scholars Actually Know About Paul's Life, Beliefs, and Personality · watch the clip
1 Cor 9:5
Jesus had brothers, including James
Paul refers to Jesus' brothers, noting that they traveled with their wives on missionary work. He specifically mentions James as 'the brother of the Lord,' confirming Jesus had a sibling named James whom Paul personally knew.
Summarized by AI · Did Jesus Really Exist? Evidence That Even Atheist Historians Accept · Lecture 1: Jesus in History · watch the clip
Peter's missionary practices and recognition in Paul's letters
Paul makes several neutral or positive references to Peter in his letters. He notes in 1 Corinthians that Peter, like other apostles and the Lord's brothers, traveled with his wife during his missionary work. Additionally, Paul acknowledges Peter (Cephas) as the first witness to Jesus' resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15.
Summarized by AI · Did Peter Hate Paul? Apostolic Conflict in the Early Church · Lecture 1: Two Apostles Head-to-Head (And Toe-to-Toe?) · watch the clip
Jesus had brothers, including James
Paul mentions Jesus' brothers, noting in 1 Corinthians 9:5 that they traveled with their wives as missionaries. He specifically names James as "the Lord's brother" in Galatians 1:19, indicating a personal acquaintance and suggesting James was a leader in the early church.
Summarized by AI · Paul and Jesus: The Great Divide · Lecture 7: What Did Paul Know About Jesus? · watch the clip
Peter's Mission to Jews and Roman Church Demographics
Paul's letters indicate that Peter was a missionary primarily to Jews, while Paul was sent to Gentiles. When Paul writes to the Romans, he explicitly states in chapter 1 that the church members are Gentiles. This demographic composition of the Roman church, being largely Gentile, makes it unlikely that Peter, a missionary to Jews, founded it, especially since Paul gives no indication of a large Jewish community converted by Peter.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Did Peter Really Found the Church in Rome? · watch the clip
Jesus' Biological Siblings in the New Testament
The New Testament clearly indicates that Jesus had biological brothers and sisters. The Greek word 'adelphos' typically refers to a physical, biological brother. Mark 6 names four brothers, and John 7 mentions brothers. Paul also refers to James as Jesus' brother in 1 Corinthians and Galatians, distinguishing him from other spiritual brothers or Christian leaders, confirming a biological relationship.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Gnostic Christianity: The Beliefs That Shocked the Early Church · watch the clip
Paul's Testimony to Jesus' Existence
The Apostle Paul, a New Testament source, provides evidence for Jesus' existence by knowing Jesus' brother and some of his disciples. Paul's casual mentions of these individuals, not intended as proof, suggest Jesus was a real person, as his brother would surely know if he were not.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Did Jesus Even Exist? · watch the clip
1 Cor 9:14
Jesus' teachings on marriage and support for ministers
Paul quotes two of Jesus' teachings, one concerning instructions for followers regarding marriage and another about the right of those who preach the gospel to receive support. This demonstrates Paul's knowledge of specific ethical and practical teachings attributed to Jesus.
Summarized by AI · Did Jesus Really Exist? Evidence That Even Atheist Historians Accept · Lecture 1: Jesus in History · watch the clip
Jesus taught financial support for ministers
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul references a teaching of the Lord that those who minister should be financially supported, stating that "a workman is worthy of his hire." This teaching is also found in Luke 10:7.
Summarized by AI · Paul and Jesus: The Great Divide · Lecture 7: What Did Paul Know About Jesus? · watch the clip
Jesus's Command for Missionaries' Support
Paul cites a command from 'the Lord' that those who preach the gospel should earn their living from it. This teaching, which Paul sometimes diverged from in his own practice, has parallels in Matthew 10:10 and Luke 10:7, indicating an early tradition about missionary support.
Summarized by AI · The Mysteries of the Synoptic Gospels: Discovering Matthew, Mark, and Luke · Lecture 2: Was There a "Gospel" Before the Gospels? · watch the clip
Paul's Limited Reporting of Jesus' Teachings
Paul's letters, being personal correspondence, do not aim to provide a narrative of Jesus' life. He mentions only three specific teachings of Jesus: instructions at the Last Supper, the prohibition of divorce, and the directive to pay preachers. Paul does not discuss Jesus' parables, miracles, or exorcisms.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Bart Unplugged: Rapid-Fire Answers on the Apostle Paul · watch the clip
Paul's Limited Quotations of Jesus' Teachings
Paul rarely quotes Jesus' teachings directly, mentioning only three specific sayings in 1 Corinthians. These include instructions against divorce (1 Cor 7), the right to be paid as a preacher (1 Cor 9), and the words of institution at the Last Supper (1 Cor 11). Notably, Paul does not quote Jesus on core themes like forgiveness, repentance, or keeping the Commandments, which were central to Jesus' own message.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Paul and Jesus at Odds · watch the clip
Paul's Limited Explicit Quotations of Jesus
Paul rarely quotes Jesus directly in his letters, doing so only three times, all within 1 Corinthians. These instances include advocating for financial support for ministers, advising against divorce, and recounting the words of the Last Supper. Notably, these are not typically considered the most central teachings of Jesus, and the historicity of the Last Supper words is debated among scholars.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Did Paul Accept the Teachings of Jesus? · watch the clip
Paul's Limited Direct Quotes of Jesus
Paul directly quotes Jesus only three times, all in 1 Corinthians. These instances include Jesus' words at the Last Supper, a prohibition against divorce for believers, and the principle that Christian preachers should be paid. While Paul's letters contain many statements comparable to Jesus' teachings, he does not attribute these to Jesus.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Our One-Year Anniversary! A Live Q&A with Bart. · watch the clip
1 Cor 9:22-23
Paul's Cultural Accommodation
Paul intentionally became 'all things to all people' to maximize his effectiveness in sharing the Gospel. This meant adjusting his communication style to resonate with his audience, such as adopting Greek rhetorical methods when speaking to Greeks, rather than rigidly adhering to one approach.
Summarized by AI · Cities of the Bible · Lecture 5: Athens · watch the clip
1 Cor 9:24-27
The Agon Motif: Striving for an Imperishable Wreath
Paul uses athletic metaphors, known as the 'Agon motif,' to illustrate the intense striving and self-discipline required in the Christian life. He contrasts the perishable wreaths sought by athletes with the imperishable reward believers pursue, emphasizing that the effort put into spiritual pursuits is for a greater, eternal prize.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Why Does Paul Use So Many Sports Metaphors? · watch the clip
Paul's use of 'agon motif' and pursuit language
Paul frequently employs contest or sports metaphors, known as the 'agon motif,' in his letters, speaking of 'winning the race' or 'running to the end.' The word 'pursue' (dioon) is also found in this context, referring to the pursuit of a goal. This suggests that Paul's 'pursuit' of Christians might have been framed within a competitive, ideological struggle rather than physical violence.
Summarized by AI · Bart D. Ehrman · YouTube · Did Paul Really Persecute Christians? · watch the clip
1 Cor 9:24
Paul's Athletic Metaphors
Paul frequently used athletic metaphors, like runners competing for a prize, which would have resonated strongly with the Athenians, given their cultural emphasis on sports and the Olympic Games. This rhetorical choice connected his spiritual message to a familiar and valued aspect of their lives.
Summarized by AI · Cities of the Bible · Lecture 5: Athens · watch the clip
