1 Corinthians 9:3 Cross References - MNT

³ This is my reply to my critics.

¹ "Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense which I now make in your presence."

¹⁶ I told them that it was not the custom of the Romans to give any man up for punishment, before the accused had his accusers face to face, and had opportunity of defending himself against the charges that had been brought against him.

³⁷ If any one thinks himself a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that what I am now writing you is a command of the Lord.

⁷ Look these facts in the face. If any man is fully persuaded as regards himself that he belongs to Christ, let him consider again with himself, that just as he is Christ's, so also am I. ⁸ If, however, I were to boast more loudly concerning the authority which the Lord gave me (not to cast you down, but to build you up), I should have no cause for shame.

¹⁶ But though it be granted that I was not a burden to you, yet, you say, this was my cunning with which I caught you by a trick. ¹⁷ Did I make gain of you through any of those whom I sent to you? ¹⁸ I urged Titus to go, and with him I sent our brother. Did Titus make gain of you? And did I not walk in the same spirit as he did? Did I not take the very same steps? ¹⁹ Do you think that all this time I am defending myself to you? It is before the presence of God that I am speaking in Christ; and all, beloved, for your upbuilding.

³ Since you want a proof of Christ who is speaking in me, he who is not feeble toward you, but powerful among you.

⁵ Examine yourselves to see if you are in the faith; put your own selves to the proof. Or do you not know, your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you, unless indeed you fail to abide the proof?

¹⁰ For this reason I am writing thus while absent, so that when I come, I may not have to deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for pulling down.

⁷ It is but just that I should be thus mindful of you all, because I have you in my heart, and because in these fetters of mine and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel you are all my fellow partners in the privilege.

¹⁷ These latter out of their love, because they know that I am set here for the defense of the gospel;

¹⁶ At the time of my first defense no one stood by me; on the contrary they all deserted me—may it not be laid to their charge!