DEFENDING HIS APOSTLESHIP PAUL SETS STANDARDS FOR TODAY

Paul often had to defend his apostleship but only in 1 Corinthians 9 does he do so in a way that sets explicit timeless standards for churches and believers today. In particular he emphsises the importance of respect for authority, the need for a personal knowledge of Christ, the humility of genuine servants of God, the right of ministers to material support, and the fruitfulness of the gospel of God's grace.