1 Corinthians 9:3

“Mine answer to them that do examine me is this.] These words are referred by some to the following, as if the apostle’s answer lay in putting the questions he does in the next verses; but they rather seem to belong to the preceding, and the meaning to be this, that when any persons called in question his apostleship, and examined him upon that head, what he thought fit to say in answer to them, and in defence of himself, was by referring them to the famous church at Corinth, who were as particular persons, and as a church, his work in the Lord, and everyone of them as so many seals of his apostleship; he being the first preacher of the Gospel to them, the founder of them as a church, and the…”

“to them that . . . examine me--that is, who call in question mine apostleship. is this--namely, that you are the seal of mine apostleship.”

“Mine answer - Greek Ἡ ἐμὴ ἀπολογία Hē emē apologia. My “apology;” my defense. The same word occurs in Acts 22:1; Acts 25:16; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Philippians 1:7, Philippians 1:17; 2 Timothy 4:16; 1 Peter 3:15; see the note at Acts 22:1. Here it means his answer, or defense against those who sat in judgment on his claims to be an apostle. To them that do examine me. - To those who “inquire” of me; or who “censure” and condemn me as not having any claims to the apostolic office. The word used here ἀνακρίνω anakrinō is properly a forensic term, and is usually applied to judges in courts; to those who sit in judgment, and investigate and decide in litigated cases brought before them;…”

“My answer to them who examine me - Concerning my apostleship. Is this - Which I have now given. 1 Corinthians 9:4”

“9:3 my answer (literally my defense): This is a legal term for the argument made in response to accusations. • those who question my authority: See 2 Cor 11–12 for another response to their challenge.”

“answer: Act 22:1, Act 25:16; Phi 1:7, Phi 1:17; Ti2 4:16 \*Gr. them: Co1 14:37; Co2 10:7, Co2 10:8, Co2 12:16-19, Co2 13:3, Co2 13:5, Co2 13:10 1 Corinthians 9:4”