In Paul’s defence of his actions, he speaks in the plural (we
). He is defending both himself and Barnabas (see 1 Corinthians 9:6). It is not known whether Barnabas had ever been in Corinth. 1 Corinthians 9:11–12 suggests that he might have worked there for a time. In any case, he and Paul were closely associated with each other, having worked side by side during their first missionary journey.
With this question, Paul reminds the Corinthians of his and Barnabas’ right
to receive support, wherever they go to preach the gospel. (This is a right which he and Barnabas had made little use of, as will become clear from 1 Corinthians 9:12–27.)
4 Do we not have the right to eat and drink?