This chapter may appear to be an intrusion into the discussion of idols and eating foods that were sacrificed to an idol, but Paul takes himself and the matter of his rights as an apostle as an illustration of a proper demeanor for Christians. W. Willis (“An Apostolic Apologia? The Form and Function of 1 Corinthians 9,” JSNT 24 [1985], pp. 33–48) is correct in observing that this section of the epistle is not about Paul’s claiming of his rights as an apostle, despite the titles given to this portion of the letter in nearly every commentary and study Bible; rather, Paul explains the renunciation of his rights and, by example and implication, exhorts the readers to do the same for the benefit of others. Perhaps no major segment of any other letter is more rhetorical in form and force. Paul’s…