1 Corinthians 9:3

KJV

¶ Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,

KJV (with Strong's)

Mine {G1699} answer {G627} to them that do examine {G350} me {G1691} is {G2076} this {G3778},

Complete Jewish Bible

That is my defense when people put me under examination.

Berean Standard Bible

This is my defense to those who scrutinize me:

American Standard Version

My defence to them that examine me is this.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Corinthians 9:3 serves as a pivotal declaration within Paul's letter, marking his transition from asserting his general apostolic authority to directly addressing the specific criticisms and scrutiny he faced from some within the Corinthian church. This concise statement sets the stage for a comprehensive defense of his ministry practices, particularly his decision to forgo certain apostolic rights, all for the advancement of the Gospel. It underscores Paul's readiness to be transparent and accountable to those who questioned his motives and methods.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's powerful affirmation of his apostleship in [1 Corinthians 9:1-2](/1_corinthians/9-1-2 "1 Corinthians 9:1-2 - Paul's Apostolic Authority"), where he asserts his freedom, his direct encounter with Christ, and crucially, identifies the Corinthians themselves as the living proof and "seal" of his apostolic calling. Having established this undeniable foundation, [1 Corinthians 9:3](/1_corinthians/9-3 "1 Corinthians 9:3 - Paul's Defense") acts as a direct pivot, signaling that Paul is now prepared to articulate his specific defense to those who, despite the evidence of their own conversion, continued to scrutinize his ministry. It introduces the detailed arguments that will unfold throughout the remainder of [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Rights as an Apostle"), where he discusses his rights as an apostle (e.g., to receive financial support) and his deliberate choice not to exercise them for the sake of the Gospel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Corinthian church was notoriously complex, marked by internal divisions, moral issues, and a tendency to challenge leadership. Paul, as an itinerant apostle who often supported himself through tentmaking, presented a different model of ministry compared to other teachers or philosophers who might have expected payment from their disciples. This unique approach likely fueled suspicion among some, who questioned his motives, his true apostolic status, or why he didn't demand the same support as others. The word "examine" (anakrínō) carries connotations of a formal investigation or judgment, suggesting that Paul was facing serious, perhaps even quasi-legal, scrutiny from factions within the church. This context highlights the challenges early Christian leaders faced in establishing their legitimacy and maintaining integrity amidst diverse cultural expectations and internal conflicts.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Corinthians 9:3](/1_corinthians/9-3 "1 Corinthians 9:3 - Paul's Defense") introduces several key themes that permeate not only this chapter but also Paul's broader epistles. Foremost is the theme of **Apostolic Authority and Defense**, as Paul robustly defends his divinely appointed role against detractors. Related to this is **Accountability and Transparency in Ministry**, as Paul willingly submits himself to scrutiny and provides clear, reasoned explanations for his actions, modeling integrity for all Christian leaders. Furthermore, it foreshadows the theme of **Christian Liberty and Self-Sacrifice**, which Paul will elaborate on by explaining why he chose to forgo his legitimate rights for the greater good of the Gospel, echoing the principles he discusses in [1 Corinthians 8](/1_corinthians/8 "1 Corinthians 8 - Food Sacrificed to Idols") regarding not causing a brother to stumble. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for a profound exploration of **Integrity and Purpose in Service**, demonstrating that Paul's ultimate aim was always the advancement of the gospel of Christ, not personal gain.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **answer (Greek, _apología'_):** This word (G627) refers to a formal defense, a plea, or a reasoned argument presented in response to an accusation or challenge. It is not merely a casual reply but a deliberate and structured justification, often used in legal or judicial contexts. Paul is preparing to present a robust case for his conduct and authority.
* **examine (Greek, _anakrínō'_):** This term (G350) signifies a thorough investigation, scrutiny, interrogation, or judgment. It implies a critical assessment, often with the intent to determine guilt or innocence. Paul's use of this word indicates that his critics were not simply curious but were actively questioning and judging his legitimacy and practices.
* **this (Greek, _hoûtos'_):** This demonstrative pronoun (G3778) points forward to what is about to be stated. In the context of [1 Corinthians 9:3](/1_corinthians/9-3 "1 Corinthians 9:3 - Paul's Defense"), it serves as a direct indicator that Paul is about to launch into the detailed explanation and defense that comprises the rest of the chapter, signaling a comprehensive and definitive response.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Mine answer":** This phrase immediately establishes the personal nature of the defense Paul is about to offer. It is *his* response, directly from him, indicating a readiness to stand by his actions and articulate his rationale. It underscores his personal investment and integrity in the face of questioning.
* **"to them that do examine me":** This identifies the specific audience for Paul's forthcoming arguments: those who are scrutinizing, judging, or questioning his apostolic authority and conduct. The present tense of "do examine" suggests an ongoing or continuous process of critical assessment, highlighting the persistent nature of the challenges Paul faced.
* **"is this,":** This concluding phrase acts as a direct pointer, creating anticipation for the detailed explanation that follows. It signals that the verse is an introduction to a comprehensive and substantive defense, not merely a brief retort. Paul is not just giving an answer but *the* answer, which will be elaborated upon in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in [1 Corinthians 9:3](/1_corinthians/9-3 "1 Corinthians 9:3 - Paul's Defense") is **Apologia**, a formal defense or justification. Paul is constructing a reasoned argument to defend his actions and authority against critical scrutiny. This verse serves as the explicit declaration of his intent to do so, setting the stage for the detailed arguments that follow. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Anticipation** created by the phrase "is this," which points forward to the extensive explanation Paul is about to provide. This rhetorical move builds suspense and prepares the reader for the comprehensive nature of his defense. The verse also employs **Direct Address**, as Paul explicitly names his audience ("them that do examine me"), making the communication personal and confrontational, underscoring the direct challenge he is responding to.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Corinthians 9:3](/1_corinthians/9-3 "1 Corinthians 9:3 - Paul's Defense") serves as a foundational statement regarding the accountability of spiritual leadership and the necessity of defending the truth of the Gospel. Theologically, it highlights that even genuine apostles, divinely appointed, are not immune to scrutiny and must be prepared to articulate the basis of their calling and conduct. Paul's willingness to engage with his critics, rather than dismiss them, demonstrates a commitment to transparency and integrity in ministry. This principle extends beyond apostolic office to all believers, reminding us that our lives and service should be defensible and consistent with the Gospel we proclaim. It underscores the importance of living in such a way that our actions align with our confession, allowing us to give a reasoned account when questioned.

* [2 Corinthians 10:8](/2_corinthians/10-8 "2 Corinthians 10:8 - Paul's Authority for Building Up") - "For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:"
* [Philippians 1:7](/philippians/1-7 "Philippians 1:7 - Paul's Defense of the Gospel") - "Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace."
* [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Always Be Prepared to Give an Answer") - "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's readiness to provide a reasoned "answer" to those who "examine" him offers profound lessons for believers today. In a world often skeptical of faith and quick to criticize, we too may find our beliefs, actions, or service scrutinized. Paul's example teaches us to respond not with defensiveness or anger, but with integrity, clarity, and a focus on the truth of the Gospel. It calls us to live lives that are transparent and consistent, so that when our motives are questioned, our conduct itself can serve as part of our defense. This includes being prepared to articulate *why* we believe what we believe and *why* we act the way we do, always pointing back to Christ and His transforming power. It also encourages us to exercise discernment when we are the ones doing the "examining," ensuring we seek understanding and truth rather than fostering suspicion or division. Ultimately, our aim, like Paul's, should be to uphold the integrity of the Gospel and build up the Body of Christ, even when facing opposition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when your motives or actions are questioned, especially in the context of your faith or service?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a life of greater transparency and integrity, so that your conduct itself provides a compelling "answer" to skeptics?**
* **What specific "answer" would you give to someone who "examines" the hope that is within you, and how can you prepare to articulate it clearly and graciously?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul being "examined" by the Corinthians, and what were the likely accusations?**

Answer: Paul was being "examined" (anakrínō, implying a critical investigation or judgment) by certain factions within the Corinthian church primarily due to challenges to his apostolic authority and his unique ministry practices. The likely accusations or points of contention included:
* **Questioning his Apostleship:** Unlike the original twelve, Paul was not a direct disciple of Jesus during His earthly ministry. His claim to apostleship rested on a post-resurrection encounter with Christ ([1 Corinthians 9:1](/1_corinthians/9-1 "1 Corinthians 9:1 - Paul's Apostolic Authority")), which some may have doubted.
* **His Refusal of Financial Support:** Paul famously chose to support himself through tentmaking rather than accepting financial aid from the Corinthians, a practice he details in [1 Corinthians 9:4-18](/1_corinthians/9-4-18 "1 Corinthians 9:4-18 - Paul's Right to Support"). This unconventional approach might have been interpreted as a sign that he lacked true apostolic authority (since apostles were typically supported) or that he was somehow dishonest or manipulative.
* **Comparison to Other Leaders:** The Corinthians were prone to forming factions around various teachers (e.g., Apollos, Cephas, Paul, or Christ, as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:12](/1_corinthians/1-12 "1 Corinthians 1:12 - Divisions in the Church")). They may have unfavorably compared Paul's methods or perceived status to other, more conventional, or charismatic leaders.
* **Perceived Inconsistency:** Some might have seen his willingness to adapt his approach to different groups (e.g., "to the Jews I became as a Jew," [1 Corinthians 9:20](/1_corinthians/9-20 "1 Corinthians 9:20 - Paul's Adaptability")) as a lack of conviction rather than strategic evangelism. Paul's defense in [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Rights as an Apostle") directly addresses these underlying criticisms.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's willingness to submit to examination and provide a defense in [1 Corinthians 9:3](/1_corinthians/9-3 "1 Corinthians 9:3 - Paul's Defense") profoundly reflects the Christ-centered nature of his ministry and ultimately points to the Lord Himself. Just as Paul faced scrutiny and false accusations, so too did Jesus endure relentless examination by religious leaders and authorities ([Matthew 26:59-61](/matthew/26-59-61 "Matthew 26:59-61 - False Witnesses Against Jesus")). Christ, though innocent, submitted to the ultimate "examination" on the cross, offering Himself as the perfect "answer" for the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Paul's defense is not for his own glory or vindication, but for the integrity of the Gospel message, which is inextricably linked to Christ's person and work. His subsequent arguments in [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "1 Corinthians 9 - Paul's Rights as an Apostle") about his self-sacrifice and becoming "all things to all people" ([1 Corinthians 9:22](/1_corinthians/9-22 "1 Corinthians 9:22 - Paul's Adaptability for the Gospel")) for the sake of the Gospel directly mirror Christ's ultimate act of condescension and self-emptying love ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). Thus, Paul's "answer" is ultimately an echo of Christ's own life, death, and resurrection, demonstrating that true apostolic ministry, like all genuine Christian living, is a reflection of the self-giving nature of our Savior.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 14:37

If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 10:7

¶ Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he [is] Christ's, even so [are] we Christ's.

2 Corinthians 10:8

For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

2 Corinthians 13:10

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

2 Corinthians 13:3

Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

2 Corinthians 13:5

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

Philippians 1:7

¶ Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.