Introduction
2. Paul’s apostolic defense ch. 9
The absence of the key phrase "now concerning" is the clue that this chapter does not deal with a new subject. It is a continuation of the discussion of eating in idol temples that Paul began in 1 Corinthians 8:1. Subjecting our freedom for the welfare of other people is not something any of us does naturally. Paul knew his readers would profit from more instruction on this subject. He used himself as an illustration of the proper attitude toward one’s freedom and responsibility in Christ.
Evidently the Corinthian Christians had misunderstood Paul’s policy of limiting the exercise of his activities to help others (1 Corinthians 8:13). Some in the church had apparently concluded that because he did not exercise his rights he did not have them, for example, his right to material support (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:13). His apparently vacillating conduct also raised questions in their minds about his full apostolic authority. For example, he ate marketplace food with Gentiles but not with Jews. Paul responded to this viewpoint in this chapter. There have been evidences of the Corinthians’ unwillingness to yield to Paul’s authority throughout this letter (1 Corinthians 4:1-5; 1 Corinthians 5-6; cf. 1 Corinthians 14:36-37). This was an appropriate place for him to confront the issue.
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