1 Corinthians 4:10

We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye have glory, but we have dishonor.

'We' -apostles

'fools for Christ's sake' -Paul had sacrificed. glorious past (from. human perspective) for Christ. (Galatians 1:14; 1 Peter 3:5) The world viewed the message that Paul preached for Christ and the sacrifices that Paul had made for Christ, as foolish. But Paul had allowed himself to be viewed as foolish, in order to follow Christ. 'For Christ's sake we are held as fools' (Wms)

'but ye are wise in Christ' -'you have acquired. method of preaching that gospel which has won for yourselves. reputation for wisdom and understanding.' (Erdman p. 59)

'The majority of the Corinthians are not among the "wise, powerful, or honored" (1 Corinthians 1:26); but they are acting as if they were...They (the apostles)..reflect the truth of the gospel, which is folly in the eyes of the worldly wise. The Corinthians, on the other hand, find themselves in the "seat of the scornful".' (Fee p. 176)

'O yes, they still maintain connection with Christ, but as smart people who know how to use Christ for their advantage.' (Lenski p. 184)

Point to Note:

Which are we? Can we allow ourselves to be viewed as "fools" for Christ? How about "nerds or geeks" for Christ? Are we tempted to want. relationship with God, that still allows us to be considered "cool" in the eyes of the world? 'I want to be. Christian..but. want to be considered "cool too"!'

'we are weak' -'in the sense of unimpressive, negligible because we scorn to use cheap means which impress men and win their admiration and their applause' (Lenski p. 184)

'but ye are strong' -apparently, trying to look "strong" in the eyes of the world.

'ye have glory' -in worldly estimation, they were honorable. Which indicates. desire to "look" like the world. How foolish. Trying to impress. world, that can't even find God! (Luke 6:26 'Woe to you when all men speak well of you.')

'but we have dishonor' -'but we are despised' (Beck)

'Paul now abandons irony for straight talk. This tribulation list, which spells out in detail the "dishonor" that attends Paul's apostolic ministry.' [Note:. Fee p. 177]

Note the contrast with Paul's lot, and the imagined status of the Corinthians.