91 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? 2 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.
3 My defence to those who examine me in this; 4 have we not authority to eat and to drink? 5 have we not authority a sister—a wife—to lead about, as also the other apostles, and the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 or only I and Barnabas, have we not authority—not to work?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:1-6
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:1-14
(Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14)
It is not new for a minister to meet with unkind returns for good-will to a people, and diligent and successful services among them. To the cavils of some, the apostle answers, so as to set forth himself as an example of self-denial, for the good of others. He had a right to marry as well as other apostles, and to claim what was needful for his wife, and his children if he had any, from the churches, without labouring with his own hands to get it. Those who seek to do our souls good, should have food provided for them. But he renounced his right, rather than hinder his success by claiming it. It is the people's duty to maintain their minister. He may wave his right, as Paul did; but those transgress a precept of Christ, who deny or withhold due support.