1 Corinthians 9:2

2 Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 9:2 in Other Translations

2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.

2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

2 Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord’s apostle.

2 Even if no one else admits the authority of my commission, you can't deny it. Why, my work with you is living proof of my authority!

2 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.

2 If I'm not an apostle to other people, at least I'm an apostle to you. You are the seal which proves that I am the Lord's apostle.

2 If I am not an apostle to others, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

2 Even though others may not think of me as an apostle, I am certainly one to you! You are the proof that I am the Lord's apostle.

1 Corinthians 9:2 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 9:2

If I be not an apostle unto others
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 ( 2 Corinthians 12:12 ) which were sufficient to put the matter quite out of doubt with them:

for the seal of mine apostleship, are ye in the Lord;
alluding to the sealing of deeds and writings, which render them authentic; or to the sealing of letters, confirming the truth of what is therein expressed; and the sense is, that their being converted persons, and so openly in the Lord, in union with him; or being made new creatures by the power of his grace, through his preaching, was an authentic proof of his apostleship, and served him instead of a letter testimonial and recommendatory; see ( 2 Corinthians 3:1-3 ) . Some copies read, "the seal of my epistle", and so the Ethiopic version.

1 Corinthians 9:2 In-Context

1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?

2 Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

3 This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me.

4 Don’t we have the right to food and drink?

5 Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas ?

Cross References

• 1. 2 Corinthians 3:2,3