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Some Corinthians were questioning Paul’s authority and rights as an apostle, so Paul gave his credentials- he talked and saw the resurrected Christ, who called him to be an apostle. Such credentials make the advice Paul gives in his letter more trustworthy and persuasive. Changed lives were the evidence that God illustrated through Paul. Paul uses himself as an illustration of giving up personal rights. Paul had the right to hospitality, to be married, and to be paid for his work. But he willingly gave up these rights to win people to Christ. When our focus is on living for Christ, our rights and possible benefits become relatively unimportant.

1 Corinthians 9:1-4
Paul’s Rights as an Apostle
9 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? 2 Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
3 This is my defense to those who sit in judgment on me. 4 Don’t we have the right to food and drink?