Paul's Defense of Apostolic Authority and Rights

1 Corinthians 9:1-6

Am not I an apostle? am not I free? Jesus Christ our Lord have I not seen? my work are not ye in the Lord?

if to others I am not an apostle--yet doubtless to you I am; for the seal of my apostleship are ye in the Lord.

My defence to those who examine me in this;

have we not authority to eat and to drink?

have we not authority a sister--a wife--to lead about, as also the other apostles, and the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

or only I and Barnabas, have we not authority--not to work?