Possible meanings are 1) the words that follow are Paul's defense or 2) the words in [1 Corinthians 9:1-2](./01.md) are Paul's defense, "This is my defense ... me. Do."
Paul uses a question to emphasize that he knows the Corinthians agree with what he is saying. Alternate translation: "We have the absolute right to receive food and drink from the churches." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])