“Have we not power to eat and to drink?”
Don't we have the right to food and drink? — The rhetorical question asserts the right (exousia) to material support. All apostles presumably enjoy this right; Paul questions whether he has less standing. The basic needs—food and drink—are mentioned as the minimum due to those who labor in the gospel.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 9:4
“Have we no right to eat and to drink? Have we no right to lead about a wife that is a believer?” Why, how are these sayings a defense? “Because, when it appears that I abstain even from things which are allowed, it cannot be just to look suspiciously on me as a deceiver or one acting for gain.” Wherefore, from what was before alleged and from my having instructed you and from this which I have now said, I have matter sufficient to make my defense to you: and all who examine…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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