1Am I not as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven’t I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn’t it because of my work that you belong to the Lord?
3This is my answer to those who question my authority.*9:3 Greek those who examine me.
7What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk?
11Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren’t we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink?
13Don’t you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings.
17If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust.
19Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.
22When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.
24Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!