Keraia
1 Corinthians 4

1 Corinthians 4:9

Servants of Christ · 1 Corinthians 4:1–13
Read 1 Corinthians 4

Translations

Modern
For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men.
Traditional
For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
Literal
For I think God set forth us, the apostles, last, as appointed to death, because we became a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.
Latin
Puto enim quod Deus nos Apostolos novissimos ostendit, tamquam morti destinatos: quia spectaculum facti sumus mundo, et angelis, et hominibus.

Original

Greek
English
For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men.

Notes

1 Corinthians 4:9

God has displayed us apostles: Like prisoners condemned to die by facing wild animals in the amphitheater, the apostles were a spectacle. Paul gladly accepted suffering because God used it to bless others (see 2 Corinthians 1:4–7; 4:7–12; Philippians 2:17; Colossians 1:24).

1 Corinthians 4:8–13

Paul points out the difference between himself and the Corinthians. Their attitudes show worldly wisdom, while his shows God's wisdom. The Corinthians were proud and thought they had achieved everything, but they still had much to learn (see Revelation 3:17–18; compare with Philippians 3:12–14). If they had truly achieved everything, they would share in Paul's suffering (1 Corinthians 4:11–13). Unlike the Corinthians, who were proud of their achievements and the respect they received, the apostles faced scorn and contempt.

1 Corinthians 4:6–21

Paul criticizes the Corinthian Christians for their arrogance (1 Corinthians 4:6–13) and then advises them like a father (4:14–21).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Paul’s Role as an Apostle

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter to the Corinthians

Topics

Christian Minister: Trials and Persecutions of Games: Fighting Wild |Beasts|, of Spiritual Conflict Paul: Persecutions Endured By Persecution of the Righteous Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul The Roman Empire: Allusions to Grecian Game Adapted by Gladiatorial Fights