"Paul's Apostolic Defense"

In chapter 8 Paul began to address the issue of meat sacrificed to idols and in chapter 10 he will continue to do so, so the question we face is, how does chapter 9 fit and function in this larger argument? What we discover is that the Corinthian attitude towards Paul presses him to defend his identity as an apostle and thus as one with authority to whom they ought to listen. In his defense, Paul will ultimately make it clear that he is willing to make whatever sacrifice might be necessary as to not hinder the ministry of the gospel, an example for us to follow, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Lord transforms our lives to that end.