And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
Read it in contextThe Apostles' Suffering and Humility Contrasted with Corinthian Pride
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 4:1 (1 Corinthians 4:1 to 1 Corinthians 4:21).
This passage forms a coherent unit where Paul addresses the Corinthians' pride and divisions by contrasting their attitudes with the humble, suffering service of the apostles.
4:1Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
4:2Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
4:3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
4:4For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
4:6And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
4:7For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
4:8Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
4:9For 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.
4:10We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
4:11Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
4:12And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
4:13Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
4:14I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
4:15For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
4:16Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
4:17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
4:18Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
4:19But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
4:20For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
4:21What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Sosthenes is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Corinthians 1:1–4:21): Paul addresses the Corinthian church about divisions, boasting, and the roles of gospel workers such as himself and Apollos. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth, with all who call on Jesus Christ as Lord. Paul addresses an existing congregation, including members with a Gentile past. Biblical references: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:2. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the apostles' humble and suffering service for Christ, which includes manual labor, blessing those who revile them, and patiently enduring persecution. This is contrasted with the Corinthians' self-exaltation.
What is God revealing? God is revealing the nature of true ministry through the apostles' example: self-sacrificing labor, patient endurance of suffering, and a gracious response to hostility, even when made a spectacle to the world.
What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle, characterized by direct address, exhortation, contrast between the apostles' suffering and the Corinthians' pride, and personal testimony.
When
When was it written? Circa A.D. 55.
When does the event take place? The events described, such as the apostles' labor, reviling, and persecution, were ongoing experiences during Paul's third missionary journey, extending "unto this present hour" and "unto this day."
Where
Where did it happen? The experiences of labor, reviling, and persecution occurred in various places where the apostles ministered.
Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Ephesus when he wrote this epistle.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The Apostles' Suffering and Humility Contrasted with Corinthian Pride (1 Corinthians 4:1 to 1 Corinthians 4:21).
Start reading at 1 Corinthians 4:1. This passage forms a coherent unit where Paul addresses the Corinthians' pride and divisions by contrasting their attitudes with the humble, suffering service of the apostles.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse is part of Paul's argument against division and pride within the Corinthian church. He contrasts the apostles' humble, suffering service with the Corinthians' self-exaltation, urging them to follow his example of self-denial and endurance in ministry. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? The apostles' willingness to labor, endure reviling, and suffer persecution for Christ's sake (1 Corinthians 4:10) reflects the example of Christ himself, who endured suffering, reviling, and persecution, yet blessed those who opposed Him and faithfully completed His work. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to diligent labor, patient endurance of hardship for the sake of the gospel, and a gracious response of blessing towards those who revile or persecute them, rather than retaliation. It encourages humility and perseverance in service to God. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Corinthians 4
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
Connection to the wholePaul defines ministerial responsibility as faithful stewardship and warns the Corinthians against taking the Lord's final judgment into their own hands.
Connection to the wholeThe contrast between apostolic hardship and Corinthian self-satisfaction exposes the inadequacy of their measures of honour and success.
Connection to the wholePaul addresses them as beloved children, sends Timothy, and prepares them for a visit that will test power and conduct rather than words alone.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Corinthians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the church of God at Corinth, described as sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. He corrects divisions, conduct, and worship within that church; promises about gifts and identity do not cancel his warnings or commands.
Connection to the wholePaul confronts party loyalty by directing the church to Christ crucified and by redefining ministers as servants accountable to God.
Connection to the wholePaul answers questions about marriage and differing circumstances, distinguishing commands, permission, and his judgments within the discussion.
Connection to the wholeQuestions about idol food lead through Paul's own example to warnings from Israel and the command to flee idolatry while seeking others' benefit.
Connection to the wholePaul answers denial of resurrection by joining the risen Christ with the future resurrection and transformation of those who belong to Him.
Connection to the wholePractical arrangements, commendations, and final exhortations connect the corrected church with the wider fellowship of believers.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.