1 Corinthians 4:9-13

Paul's View of the Apostles' Position

In contrast to the Corinthians' lofty thoughts of themselves, Paul gives his thoughts on the apostles' state. They suffered persecution and would continue to suffer till they died. The comparison is made between the apostles' state and those condemned criminals the Romans brought into the amphitheater, after the contests were over, to be stared at. Both men and angels gazed at them in their plight (1 Corinthians 4:9).

Once again, Paul used satire to drive home the ridiculous position in which the brethren had placed themselves. He contrasted their high opinion of themselves with the real status of the apostles. They went without food and water on some occasions for the sake of the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:27). They also had insufficient clothing. They were slapped out of contempt (Acts 23:2). Not having permanent homes, they wandered, or were driven, from one place to another (1 Corinthians 4:10-11; Matthew 8:20).

Paul made tents rather than require the Corinthians to support him. He never asked money of them, but received it from other places (2 Corinthians 11:7-9). The apostles responded to ill treatment as Christians should (Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27-30; 1 Peter 2:21-23). Like the Lord, they did not revile those who reviled them but blessed them instead. They endured persecution rather than lashing out in retaliation. People treated the apostles with contempt and acted like their houses would need a complete cleaning after they were gone. Filth means scum or rubbish of humanity, that which would be wiped or scraped off (1 Corinthians 4:12-13).