1 Corinthians 9:3

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

My defense to those people who [want to] examine my credentials is this:

Cross References

Luke 12:11

And when people bring you in front of synagogue assemblies and rulers and authorities [i.e., for judgment], do not worry about how to speak or what you should say.

Acts 22:1

“Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense I want to make to you.”

Acts 25:16

I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to turn over any person [for sentencing] before he is faced by his accusers and has had the opportunity to defend himself against the charges made against him.

1 Corinthians 14:37

If any man thinks he is a prophet or has a spiritual gift, he should realize that the things I am writing to you are the Lord’s commandment.

1 Corinthians 9:2

[Even] if I am not [accepted as] an apostle with other people, at least I am with you. For you people are my seal [i.e., proof] of my apostleship in [the service of] the Lord.

1 Corinthians 9:4

Do we [i.e., Barnabas and Paul. See verse 6] not have the right to eat and drink [i.e., at the expense of the church]?

2 Corinthians 13:10

This is the reason I am writing these things while away from you, so that I will not have to deal severely with you when I am there. For the Lord gave me authority to build people up [spiritually] and not to tear them down.

2 Corinthians 13:3

since you are looking for proof that Christ is speaking through me. Christ is not weak in His dealing with you, but is powerful among you. [Note: Paul probably refers to the positive effects of his ministry there in Corinth].

2 Corinthians 13:5

Put yourselves to a test; see if you are [really] in the faith [i.e., see if you are genuine Christians]; examine yourselves! Or, do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in your hearts, unless [of course] you fail the test [i.e., unless you are counterfeit Christians].

Philippians 1:17

But the others preach Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely, hoping to stir up trouble for me while I am in prison.

Philippians 1:7

It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart [i.e., you are dear to me], for you people are sharing in God’s unearned favor with me [Note: Paul here refers to his ministry], both in my imprisonment and in my defense and confirmation of the Gospel [i.e., in my efforts to give proof of the Gospel’s truth].

2 Timothy 4:16

At my first defense [Note: Paul here refers to his initial hearing before the Roman court] no one supported me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.