1 Corinthians 9:2

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 9:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 9:2 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“If I be not an apostle unto others, etc.] This is said by way of supposition, not concession; for he was an apostle to many others; he was an apostle of the Gentiles in general; as the apostleship of the circumcision belonged to Peter, that of the uncircumcision fell to his share: but however, as if he should say, be that as it will, yet doubtless I am to you; all the signs of apostleship were wrought among them; not only the grace of God was implanted in them under his ministry, but the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit were received by them through it; and many signs, wonders, and mighty deeds, were done in the midst of them by him: (see <471212>2 Corinthians 12:12) which were sufficient…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“yet doubtless--yet at least I am such to you. seal of mine apostleship--Your conversion by my preaching, accompanied with miracles ("the signs of an apostle," Rom 15:18-19; Co2 12:12), and your gifts conferred by me (Co1 1:7), vouch for the reality of my apostleship, just as a seal set to a document attests its genuineness (Joh 3:33; Rom 4:11).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“If I be not an apostle unto others - “If I have not given evidence to others of my apostolic mission; of my being sent by the Lord Jesus, yet I have to you. Assuredly you, among whom I have labored so long and so successfully, should not doubt that I am sent from the Lord. You have been well acquainted with me; you have witnessed my endowments, you have seen my success, and you have had abundant evidence that I have been sent on this great work. It is therefore strange in you to doubt my apostolic commission; and it is unkind in you so to construe my declining to accept your contributions and aid for my support, as if I were conscious that I was not entitled to that.” For the seal of mine…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Ye are the seal of my apostleship - Who have received not only faith by my mouth, but all the gifts of the Spirit by my hands. 1 Corinthians 9:3”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“for: Joh 6:27; Co2 3:1-3, Co2 12:12 1 Corinthians 9:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification