2 If I’m not an apostle to other people, at least I’m an apostle to you. You are the seal which proves that I am the Lord’s apostle.
3 This is how I defend myself to those who cross-examine me.
4 Don’t we have the right to eat and drink?
5 Don’t we have the right to take our wives along with us like the other apostles, the Lord’s brothers, and Cephas do?
6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who don’t have any rights, except to find work to support ourselves?
7 Does a soldier ever serve in the army at his own expense? Does anyone plant a vineyard and not eat the grapes? Does anyone take care of a flock and not drink milk from the sheep?
8 Am I merely stating some human rule? Don’t Moses’ Teachings say the same thing?