1 Corinthians 4:8-13
8: You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you.
9: For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.
10: We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor.
11: To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless;
12: and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure;
13: when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.
Paul told the Corinthians that they had taken a position other than what the apostles had—as being filled, rich, and becoming kings. Although, they were not really, because he said he wished they really were kings so they, the apostles, could reign with them. He went on to contrast the differences between them by showing the struggles and sacrifices the apostles had made for the sake of the gospel. They appeared to be least among men, as condemned to death, as spectacles, fools, weak, without honor, hungry, thirsty, poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless, hard-working, and yet they responded to mistreatment with blessing and endurance, while trying to make peace.
On the other hand, the Corinthians appeared prudent in Christ, strong, and distinguished. Yet, all of this was as seen by men, not God. If we prop ourselves up to appear excellent before men, it doesn’t mean we appear that way before God. In order to bring the gospel to the Corinthians, and the world, the apostles had to face much opposition. Yet they paved the way—cut the trail so to speak—for the Corinthians and others to receive the gospel and live accordingly.
9: For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.
10: We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor.
11: To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless;
12: and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure;
13: when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.
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Paul told the Corinthians that they had taken a position other than what the apostles had—as being filled, rich, and becoming kings. Although, they were not really, because he said he wished they really were kings so they, the apostles, could reign with them. He went on to contrast the differences between them by showing the struggles and sacrifices the apostles had made for the sake of the gospel. They appeared to be least among men, as condemned to death, as spectacles, fools, weak, without honor, hungry, thirsty, poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless, hard-working, and yet they responded to mistreatment with blessing and endurance, while trying to make peace.
On the other hand, the Corinthians appeared prudent in Christ, strong, and distinguished. Yet, all of this was as seen by men, not God. If we prop ourselves up to appear excellent before men, it doesn’t mean we appear that way before God. In order to bring the gospel to the Corinthians, and the world, the apostles had to face much opposition. Yet they paved the way—cut the trail so to speak—for the Corinthians and others to receive the gospel and live accordingly.
Of course, that didn't mean the Corinthians should completely disregard the apostles once they had become somewhat established. All disciples are called to take up their cross daily and follow the Lord. We must do more than ride the coattail of blessing of those who have fought and sacrificed before us. We must not forget their example of hard work and sacrifice but keep it before us and be willing to do the same for this generation and the ones to come. We must stay awake and aware, not be lulled into a state of complacent sleep. We must not think that honor before men—Christian or otherwise—is the same as honor before God.
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