Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 9:2
Even if I am not an apostle to others, surely I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers while defending his apostolic credentials against scrutiny. He states their existence as his workmanship in the Lord at the precise moment he transitions from rhetorical questions to his formal defense.
The words — ἀπόστολος (apostolos) means a commissioned apostle, and ὑμῖν (humin) means to you. The text explicitly claims that the Corinthians themselves function as the seal verifying his apostolic status.
The thread — The validation of ministry through visible congregational results appears in 2 Corinthians 3:1 regarding letters of recommendation and 2 Corinthians 12:12 regarding signs and wonders performed among them.
Why it lands — The passage requires readers to evaluate spiritual authority by its tangible results rather than external credentials. It demands that believers recognize their own transformation as the definitive proof of a messenger's legitimacy.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 12:12 The marks of a true apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles—were performed among you with great perseverance.
- John 6:27 Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”
- 2 Corinthians 3:1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, like some people, letters of recommendation to you or from you?