# This is my defense ... me: Do

Possible meanings are 1) the words that follow are Paul's defense or 2) the words in [1 Corinthians 9:1-2](./01.md) are Paul's defense, "This is my defense ... me. Do."

# Do we not have the right to eat and drink?

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. AT: "We have the absolute right to receive food and drink from the churches." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# we

Here "we" refers to Paul and Barnabas. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

# Do we not have the right to take along with us a wife who is a believer, as do the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?

Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. AT: "If we have believing wives, we have a right to take them with us just as the other apostles take them, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# Or is it only Barnabas and I who must work?

Paul is shaming the Corinthians. AT: "You seem to think that the only people you think need to work to earn money are Barnabas and me." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/believer]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/apostle]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/peter]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/barnabas]]