Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Corinthians 9:3

"My defence to them that examine me is this." — 1 Corinthians 9:3 (ASV)

My answer...—The verse refers to what has gone before, and not to what follows. That (emphatic) is my answer to those who examine me as to the truth of my Apostleship. Both the words “answer” and “examine” are in the Greek the technical terms for a legal defense and examination before a tribunal.