Other teachers at Corinth were being supported by the church. Paul had founded that church, so his claim was stronger than theirs. Barnes identifies the "others" as "Other teachers living with you," and says "There can be no doubt that the teachers in Corinth urged this right." Gill leaves two possibilities open: "The false apostles, or the true ordinary ministers of the word there." Either way, the question exposes an inconsistency: the Corinthians supported others, while some among them examined Paul (1 Corinthians 9:3), whose right was greater.

Paul answers his own question in the same breath, and the answer takes a turn: "Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ" (1 Corinthians 9:12). Yes, he had more right than the others, but he had not used it. He says it again a few lines later: "But I have used none of these things" (1 Corinthians 9:15).

The word "suffer" is stegomen, to bear up under or endure patiently. "Hinder" comes from enkope, a hindrance or interruption. Paul did not go entirely without help while at Corinth. He later told the Corinthians, "I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service," and "that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied" (2 Corinthians 11:8-9). What he refused was support from the Corinthians themselves.

Gill explains why Paul refused: if he had taken support, "Some might suggest, that they preached the Gospel only for gain, and not for the good of souls." Paul cared more about how people would hear the gospel than about what he was owed. Barnes says that "By denying himself of this right he could do good, and avoid some evil consequences."

This fits the larger section around it. Paul has just said he would eat no flesh rather than make his brother offend (1 Corinthians 8:13), and here he shows he has given up another right. He sums up his way of life soon after: "not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved" (1 Corinthians 10:33).