A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Corinthians 9

Am I not free? (Ουκ ειμ ελευθεροσ; ). Free as a Christian from Mosaic ceremonialism (cf. 9:19) as much as any Christian and yet he adapts his moral independence to the principle of considerate love in 8:13.

Am I not an apostle? (ουκ ειμ αποστολοσ; ). He has the exceptional privileges as an apostle to support from the churches and yet he foregoes these.

Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? (ουχ Ιησουν τον Κυριον ημων εορακα; ). Proof (15:8; Acts 9:17,27; 18:9; 22:14,17f.; 2 Corinthians 12:1ff.) that he has the qualification of an apostle (Acts 1:22) though not one of the twelve. Note strong form of the negative ουχ here. All these questions expect an affirmative answer. The perfect active εορακα from οραω, to see, does not here have double reduplication as in Joh 1:18.

Are not ye? (ου υμεις εστε; ). They were themselves proof of his apostleship.

Yet at least I am to you (αλλα γε υμιν ειμ). An argumentum ad hominem and a pointed appeal for their support. Note use of αλλα γε in the apodosis (cf. 8:6).

My defence (η εμη απολογια). Original sense, not idea of apologizing as we say. See on Ac 22:1; 25:16. Refers to what precedes and to what follows as illustration of 8:13.

To them that examine me (τοις εμε ανακρινουσιν). See on 1 Corinthians 2:15; 4:3. The critics in Corinth were "investigating" Paul with sharp eyes to find faults. How often the pastor is under the critic's spy-glass.

Have we no right? (Μη ουκ εχομεν εξουσιαν; ). Literary plural here though singular in 1-3. The μη in this double negative expects the answer "No" while ουκ goes with the verb εχομεν. "Do we fail to have the right?" Cf. Romans 10:18f. (Robertson, Grammar, p. 1173).

Have we no right? (Μη ουκ εχομεν εξουσιαν; ). Same idiom.

To lead about a wife that is a believer? (αδελφην γυναικα περιαγειν; ). Old verb περιαγω, intransitive in Ac 13:11. Two substantives in apposition, a sister a wife, a common Greek idiom. This is a plea for the support of the preacher's wife and children. Plainly Paul has no wife at this time.

And Cephas (κα Κηφας). Why is he singled out by name? Perhaps because of his prominence and because of the use of his name in the divisions in Corinth (1:12). It was well known that Peter was married (Matthew 8:14). Paul mentions James by name in Ga 1:19 as one of the Lord's brothers. All the other apostles were either married or had the right to be.