John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 2. If I be not an apostle unto others , etc.] This is said by way of supposition, not concession; for he was an apostle to many others; he was an apostle of the Gentiles in general; as the apostleship of the circumcision belonged to Peter, that of the uncircumcision fell to his share: but however, as if he should say, be that as it will, yet doubtless I am to you ; all the signs of apostleship were wrought among them; not only the grace of God was implanted in them under his ministry, but the extraordinary gifts of the Spirit were received by them through it; and many signs, wonders, and mighty deeds, were done in the midst of them by him: (see 2 Corinthians 12:12) which were sufficient to put the matter quite out of doubt with them: for the seal of mine apostleship, are ye in the Lord ; alluding to the sealing of deeds and writings, which render them authentic; or to the sealing of letters, confirming the truth of what is therein expressed; and the sense is, that their being converted persons, and so openly in the Lord, in union with him; or being made new creatures by the power of his grace, through his preaching, was an authentic proof of his apostleship, and served him instead of a letter testimonial and recommendatory; (see 2 Corinthians 3:1-3). Some copies read, the seal of my epistle, and so the Ethiopic version.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-14 - It is not new for a minister to meet with unkind returns for good-wil to a people, and diligent and successful services among them. To the cavils of some, the apostle answers, so as to set forth himself as a example of self-denial, for the good of others. He had a right to marr as well as other apostles, and to claim what was needful for his wife and his children if he had any, from the churches, without labourin with his own hands to get it. Those who seek to do our souls good should have food provided for them. But he renounced his right, rathe than hinder his success by claiming it. It is the people's duty to maintain their minister. He may wave his right, as Paul did; but thos transgress a precept of Christ, who deny or withhold due support.
Greek Textus Receptus
ει 1487 COND αλλοις 243 A-DPM ουκ 3756 PRT-N ειμι 1510 5748 V-PXI-1S αποστολος 652 N-NSM αλλα 235 CONJ γε 1065 PRT υμιν 5213 P-2DP ειμι 1510 5748 V-PXI-1S η 3588 T-NSF γαρ 1063 CONJ σφραγις 4973 N-NSF της 3588 T-GSF εμης 1699 S-1GSF αποστολης 651 N-GSF υμεις 5210 P-2NP εστε 2075 5748 V-PXI-2P εν 1722 PREP κυριω 2962 N-DSM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
2. Seal (sfragiv). See on Rom. iv. 11; John iii. 33; Apoc. xxii. 10.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
9:2 {Yet at least I am to you} (alla ge humin eimi). An _argumentum ad hominem_ and a pointed appeal for their support. Note use of alla ge in the apodosis (cf. #8:6).
