Say I these things as a man? or says not the law the same also?
Read Chapter 9
Ambrosiaster
AD 400
Paul indicates here that his position corresponds to the teaching of Scripture and that his refusal to accept any payment from the Corinthians was with good reason. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
Say I these things as a man? Do I prove or strengthen my arguments by human reasons merely, and by similitudes drawn from the life of the soldier, the vine-grower, the shepherd. By no means. Nay, rather I establish and fortify them from the law of God.
For since he had hitherto alleged nothing out of the Scriptures, but put forward the common custom; think not, says he, that I am confident in these alone, nor that I go to the opinions of men for the ground of these enactments. For I can show that these things are also well-pleasing to God, and I read an ancient law enjoining them. Wherefore also he carries on his discourse in the form of a question, which is apt to be done in things fully acknowledged; thus saying, Say I these things after the manner of men? i.e. do I strengthen myself only by human examples? or says not the law also the same?
