“Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,”
This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. — Paul turns to accusers (those 'examining' him—anakrizontōn). His defense (apologia) will be apostolic-autobiographical: he will justify his practice of refusing support by appeal to his authority and his choices. The tribunal of judgment is the Corinthian church itself, where critics question his legitimacy.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 9:3
“My defense to them that examine me is this.” What is, “My defense to them that examine me is this?” “To those who seek to know whereby I am proved to be an Apostle, or who accuse me as receiving money, or inquire the cause of my not receiving, or would fain show that I am not an Apostle: to all such, my instruction given to you and these things which I am about to say, may stand for a full explanation and defense.” What then are these?
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!