What is the context?
Paul turns to another point of criticism: his decision to preach the gospel to the Corinthians without charging them. He asks whether humbling himself so they could be lifted up was somehow a sin. The question exposes the unfairness of treating his service as a reason to dismiss him.
Other churches helped support that work. Paul describes accepting their support with the striking word robbed, emphasizing the cost they bore while Corinth benefited. He also says brothers from Macedonia supplied his needs when he was among the Corinthians.
His practice therefore included receiving support, while deliberately keeping from being a financial burden to Corinth. Philippians 4:15–18 offers another account of churches sharing in his ministry through gifts.
Paul intends to continue his approach in Achaia. He closes by answering a possible misunderstanding: his refusal to take their support does not mean he lacks love for them. God knows that he loves them.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly read this as a defense of Paul’s decision to serve Corinth without taking support from them. Wesley’s notes on verses 7–11 and the USCCB notes on verses 7–12 both explain that decision within his response to criticism. His stated love and the support he received from elsewhere remain part of the picture.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.