1 Corinthians 9 · a question people ask
The verse names no one, and neither does the rest of the chapter. The chapter says no more about who "those who examine me" (9:3) are, and these notes don't either.
“My defense to those who examine me is this:”
From Favor's study of 1 Corinthians 9
1 Corinthians 9 asks, "Am I not free?" (9:1), and sets out a right, then says, "Nevertheless we didn’t use this right" (9:12). It uses the same word for free again: "For though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more." (9:19).
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Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions