We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor. Even to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten, and have no certain dwelling place. We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure. Being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, the dirt wiped off by all, even until now.
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1 Corinthians 4:10-13 sits inside this longer paragraph.
Now these things, brothers, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to think beyond the things which are written, that none of you be puffed up against one another. For who makes you different? And what do you have that you didn’t receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? You are already filled. You have already become rich. You have come to reign without us. Yes, and I wish that you did reign, that we also might reign with you. For, I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor. Even to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten, and have no certain dwelling place. We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure. Being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, the dirt wiped off by all, even until now.
Parallel Translations
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We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor.
Even to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten, and have no certain dwelling place.
We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.
Being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, the dirt wiped off by all, even until now.
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We are foles for Christes sake and ye are wyse thorow Christ. We are weake and ye are stroge. Ye are honorable and we are despised.
Even vnto this daye we honger and thyrst and are naked and are boffetted with fistes and have no certayne dwellinge place
and laboure workinge with oure awne hondes. We are revysed and yet we blesse. We are persecuted and suffer it.
We are evyll spoken of and we praye. We are made as it were the filthynes of the worlde the ofscowringe of all thinges even vnto this tyme.
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We are fooles for Christes sake, and ye are wise in Christ: we are weake, and ye are strong: ye are honourable, and we are despised.
Vnto this houre we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and haue no certaine dwelling place,
And labour, working with our owne handes: we are reuiled, and yet we blesse: we are persecuted, and suffer it.
We are euill spoken of, and we pray: we are made as the filth of the world, the offskowring of all things, vnto this time.
Examined in Scripture Analysis
Contradictions (1)
Questions where the Bible appears to say two different things, with the passages on each side set together.
Cross-references (67)
- 1 Corinthians 2:3 (v10) I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.
- Romans 8:35 (v11) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
- 1 Peter 3:9 (v12) not rendering evil for evil, or insult for insult; but instead blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a…
- Lamentations 3:45 (v13) You have made us an off-scouring and refuse in the middle of the peoples.
- Matthew 5:11 (vv10, 12) “Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Show all 66 cross-references
- Romans 12:14 (v12) Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don’t curse.
- 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 (v11) Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself.) I am more so: in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in…
- Philippians 4:12 (v11) I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to…
- Acts 17:18 (v10) Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with him. Some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said,…
- Acts 26:24 (v10) As he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you insane!”
- 1 Corinthians 3:18 (v10) Let no one deceive himself. If anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.
- 2 Corinthians 13:9 (v10) For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your becoming perfect.
- 1 Peter 4:12-14 (v12) Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you. But because…
- Matthew 8:20 (v11) Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
- Luke 6:28 (v12) bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.
- Acts 18:3 (v12) and because he practiced the same trade, he lived with them and worked, for by trade they were tent makers.
- Romans 12:20 (v12) Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
- 2 Corinthians 11:19 (v10) For you bear with the foolish gladly, being wise.
- 2 Timothy 3:11 (v11) persecutions, and sufferings: those things that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I endured those persecutions. The Lord…
- 1 Peter 4:14 (v10) If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their part he is…
- Job 22:6 (v11) For you have taken pledges from your brother for nothing, and stripped the naked of their clothing.
- Proverbs 11:12 (v10) One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding holds his peace.
- Hosea 9:7 (v10) The days of visitation have come. The days of reckoning have come. Israel will consider the prophet to be a fool, and the man who is…
- Matthew 5:44 (v12) But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and…
- Luke 23:34 (v12) Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.
- Acts 22:22 (v13) They listened to him until he said that; then they lifted up their voice and said, “Rid the earth of this fellow, for he isn’t fit to live!”
- 2 Corinthians 6:4-5 (v11) but in everything commending ourselves, as servants of God, in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, in beatings,…
- 1 Peter 2:23 (v12) When he was cursed, he didn’t curse back. When he suffered, he didn’t threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously.
- 1 Peter 3:14 (v12) But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “Don’t fear what they fear, neither be troubled.”
- 2 Kings 9:11 (v10) When Jehu came out to the servants of his lord, and one said to him, “Is all well? Why did this mad fellow come to you?” He said to them,…
- Isaiah 53:3 (v10) He was despised and rejected by men, a man of suffering and acquainted with disease. He was despised as one from whom men hide their face;…
- Jeremiah 8:8-9 (v10) “ ‘How do you say, “We are wise, and Yahweh’s law is with us?” But, behold, the false pen of the scribes has made that a lie. The wise men…
- Luke 6:22 (v10) Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.
- Luke 18:9 (v10) He spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others.
- John 15:20 (v12) Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his lord.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If…
- Acts 7:60 (v12) He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
- Acts 14:19 (v11) But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city,…
- Acts 16:23 (v11) When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely,
- Acts 23:2 (v11) The high priest, Ananias, commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.
- 1 Corinthians 9:4 (v11) Have we no right to eat and to drink?
- 2 Corinthians 4:8 (v11) We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair;
- 2 Corinthians 13:3-4 (v10) seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you. For he was crucified through…
- Matthew 10:22-25 (v10) You will be hated by all men for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved. But when they persecute you in this city,…
- Matthew 24:9 (v10) Then they will deliver you up to oppression, and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name’s sake.
- Luke 10:16 (v10) Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
- Acts 9:16 (v10) For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
- Acts 17:32 (v10) Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, “We want to hear you again concerning this.”
- Acts 20:34 (v12) You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me.
- 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 (v10) Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, to the assembly of God which is at…
- 1 Corinthians 1:18-20 (v10) For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,…
- 1 Corinthians 1:26-28 (v10) For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble; but God chose the…
- 1 Corinthians 2:14 (v10) Now the natural man doesn’t receive the things of God’s Spirit, for they are foolishness to him, and he can’t know them, because they are…
- 1 Corinthians 3:2 (v10) I fed you with milk, not with meat; for you weren’t yet ready. Indeed, you aren’t ready even now,
- 1 Corinthians 4:8 (v10) You are already filled. You have already become rich. You have come to reign without us. Yes, and I wish that you did reign, that we also…
- 1 Corinthians 9:6 (v12) Or have only Barnabas and I no right to not work?
- 1 Corinthians 10:12 (v10) Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall.
- 1 Corinthians 10:14-15 (v10) Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men. Judge what I say.
- 2 Corinthians 10:10 (v10) For, “His letters”, they say, “are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is despised.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (v10) He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in…
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9 (v12) For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail; for working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached to you the…
- 1 Thessalonians 4:8 (v10) Therefore he who rejects this doesn’t reject man, but God, who has also given his Holy Spirit to you.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:8 (v12) neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden…
- 1 Timothy 4:10 (v12) For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men,…
- Jude 1:9 (v12) But Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil and arguing about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him an abusive…
- 2 Corinthians 11:29 (v10) Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is caused to stumble, and I don’t burn with indignation?
- 1 Peter 4:19 (v12) Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator.
66 distinct cross-references across this passage (67 total citations).
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this passage (22 sources)
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain On vv10–13 10. We are fools for Christ’s sake This contrast…
10. We are fools for Christ’s sake This contrast is throughout ironical, and exceedingly pointed, it being unseemly and absurd that the Corinthians should be in every respect happy and honorable, according to the flesh, while in the meantime they beheld their master and father afflicted with the lowest ignominy, and with miseries of every kind. For those who are of opinion that Paul abases himself in this manner, in order that he may in earnestness ascribe to the Corinthians those things which he acknowledges himself to be in want of, may without any difficulty be refuted from the little clause that he afterwards subjoins. In speaking, therefore, of the Corinthians as wise in Christ, and strong, and honorable, he makes a concession ironically, as though he had said — “You desire, along with the gospel, to retain commendation for wisdom, whereas I have not been able to preach Christ otherwise than by becoming a fool in this world. Now when I have willingly, on your account, submitted to be a fool, or to be reckoned such, consider whether it be reasonable that you should wish to be esteemed wise. How in these things consort — that I who have been your master, am a fool for Christ’s sake, and you, on the other hand, remain wise!” In this way, being wise in Christ is not taken here in a good sense, for he derides the Corinthians for wishing to mix up together Christ and the wisdom of the flesh, inasmuch as this were to endeavor to unite things directly contrary.
The case is the same as to the subsequent clauses — “You are strong says he, and honorable, that is, you glory in the riches and resources of the world, you cannot endure the ignominy of the cross. In the meantime, is it reasonable that I should be on your account mean and contemptible, and exposed to many infirmities? Now the complaint carries with it so much the more reproach on this account, that even among themselves he was weak and contemptible. (2 Corinthians 10:10.) In fine, he derides their vanity in this respect, that, reversing the order of things, those who were sons and followers were desirous to be esteemed honorable and noble, while their father was in obscurity, and was exposed also to all the reproaches of the world.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain On v13 Such as by sweeping is gathered together.
Such as by sweeping is gathered together.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain On vv10–13 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye…
10 We 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.
Ver. 10. We are fools, &c.] Not to the world only, but in your account too. For these Corinthians undervalued and depressed Paul under their silly shallow headed verbalists, not worthy to carry his books after him for sound and substantial learning.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain On vv10–13 We are accounted fools for Christ’s sake by the…
We are accounted fools for Christ’s sake by the wise men of the world, and we are willing to be so accounted; but you think yourselves wise, and yet in Christ.
We are weak in the opinion of men, we suffer evil, and do not resist; but ye account yourselves, and are by the world accounted, strong: ye are accounted noble and honourable, but we are despised and contemptible.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain On v11 Observe here, 1. The several kinds of sufferings which…
Observe here, 1. The several kinds of sufferings which the holy apostles were exposed to, and exercised with; namely, hunger, and want, poverty, and reproach, persecution, and death. They suffered in their bodies by hunger, and nakedness, and stripes; in their names, by scandals and reproaches, being accounted the filth of the world, and the off-scouring of all things.
The word, say some, signifies that dirt and filth which scavengers do rake together in the streets, and carry to the dung-hill. Others think it an allusion to the sacrifices which the heathens used for the lustration of a city, who when their city was under any great calamity, chose out some very base, vile, and nasty person, and burnt him in a ditch, and cast his ashes into the sea, as a sacrifice unto Neptune, saying, Be thou a purgation for us. Such a base and vile esteem had the world of the holy apostles and messengers of Christ.
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Lord! to see such a man as St. Paul going up and down the world with a naked back and empty belly, without a house of settled abode to hide his head in; one that did more service for God in his day, than perhaps we have done him all our days: can we, the ministers of Christ, complain of hard usage form the world, when we consider that this great apostle suffered in the world?
Observe, 2. The duration and continuance of the apostles’ sufferings, Even unto this day, and unto this present hour. It was not only at their first entrance upon the apostolical office, when all the world was set against Christianity, that they met with this usage, but all along, from the first hour they began to preach the gospel, even unto this hour, did they meet with opposition and persecution.
As long as there is a devil in hell, and wicked men upon earth, all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution: but surely the dregs in this cup have in all ages been reserved for the ministers of Christ Jesus; as if to preach were nothing else but to stir up the rage, and be blotted with the obloquies of men.
Observe, 3. The holy and humble behaviour, the meek and patient carriage and demeanour, of the apostles, under all this load and burden of reproach and scorn, disgrace and shame, persecution and ill usage: being reviled, we bless. When we meet with opprobrious words, we are so far from rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, that we speak well of, and wish well to, the persons that are thus injurious to us: Being persecuted by them, we suffer it patiently from them; being defamed by any of them, we entreat God for them, to pity and pardon them; and we entreat them to pity themselves.
To publish invectives against those, though the worst of men, who reproach and persecute us, is a modern piece of zeal, which the blessed apostles and holy sufferers in the primitive times were not only little acquainted with, but perfect strangers to.
William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain On vv10–13 We are fools for Christ's sake,.... They were so…
We are fools for Christ's sake,.... They were so in the esteem of men, for their close attach merit to a crucified Christ; and for preaching the doctrine of salvation by him; and for enduring so much reproach, affliction, and persecution, for his sake and the Gospel's:
but ye are wise in Christ. This is ironically said; for his meaning is not that they were truly wise in Christ, in the knowledge and faith of him, in preaching his Gospel, or professing his name; but they were so in their own eyes, and made use of much worldly wisdom and carnal policy in their profession of religion. Their ministers took care to preach, and they to profess Christ, in such a manner as to retain the favour of the world, and to escape reproach and persecution.
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We are weak; in your account; our bodily presence is weak, and speech contemptible; we are men of mean capacities and abilities; nor are we able to express ourselves in that strong and masculine way, with those masterly strokes of eloquence and oratory your ministers do; or we are pressed down with infirmities, and afflictions, and persecutions.
But ye are strong; your ministers are men of great parts, strong voice, masculine language, and powerful oratory; and you abound in outward prosperity, and are free from persecution for the cross of Christ.
Ye are honourable; high in the favour and esteem of men for your wisdom and learning, your riches and wealth, power and grandeur.
But we are despised; are in dishonour and disgrace, for the mean appearance we make, the Gospel we preach, and the cross we bear.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain On vv10–13 We are fools, in the account of the world,…
We are fools, in the account of the world, for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ - Though ye are Christians, ye think yourselves wise; and ye have found means to make the world think you so too. We are weak - In presence, in infirmities, in sufferings. But ye are strong - In just opposite circumstances.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain On vv10–13 Verse 10. We are fools for Christ's sake] Here…
Verse 10. We are fools for Christ's sake] Here he still carries on the allusion to the public spectacles among the Romans, where they were accustomed to hiss, hoot, mock, and variously insult the poor victims. To this Philo alludes, in his embassy to Caius, speaking of the treatment which the Jews received at Rome: ὡσπερ γαρ εν θεατρῳ κλωσμοσυριττοντων, καταμωκωμενων, αμετραχλευαζοντων· "For, as if exhibited upon a theatre, we are hissed, most outrageously hooted, and insulted beyond all bounds." Thus, says the apostle, we are fools on Christ's account; we walk in a conformity to his will, and we bear his cross: and did we walk according to the course of this world, or according to the man-pleasing conduct of some among you, we should have no such cross to bear.
Ye are wise in Christ] Surely all these expressions are meant ironically; the apostles were neither fools, nor weak, nor contemptible; nor were the Corinthians, morally speaking, wise, and strong, and honourable. Change the persons, and then the epithets will perfectly apply.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain On v10 1Co 4:10-13. We are fools — In the account…
1Co 4:10-13. We are fools — In the account of the world, for Christ’s sake — Because we expose ourselves to so many dangers and sufferings for his cause: or because we preach the plain truths of the gospel, and affirm such high things of one who was crucified as a malefactor. But ye are wise in Christ — Though ye are Christians, ye think yourselves wise; and ye have found means to make the world think so too: or, you think you have found out a way at once of securing the blessings of the gospel, and escaping its inconveniences and persecutions. We are weak — In presence, in infirmities, and in sufferings: but ye are strong — Just in opposite circumstances. Ye are honourable — Adorned with extraordinary gifts, in which you are ready to glory, and some of you appear in circumstances of external distinction; but we are despised — Treated with contempt wherever we come. Or the apostle may be considered in this verse as repeating ironically the things which his enemies in Corinth said of him, and as attributing to them, in the same spirit of irony, the contrary qualities. Even unto this present hour — Not only at our first entrance upon our office, when all the world was set against Christianity, but still, though many thousands are converted; we both hunger and thirst, &c. — Are destitute of necessary food and apparel, and exposed to wants of all sorts. Who can imagine a more glorious triumph of the truth than that which is gained in these circumstances? When Paul, with an impediment in his speech, and a person rather contemptible than graceful, appeared in a mean, perhaps tattered dress, before persons of the highest distinction, and yet commanded such attention, and made such deep impressions upon them! Being reviled, we bless, suffer it, entreat — We do not return revilings, persecution, defamation; nothing but blessing, We are made as the filth of the world, and the off-scouring of all things — Such were those poor wretches among the heathen, who were taken from the dregs of the people to be offered as expiatory sacrifices to the infernal gods. They were loaded with curses, affronts, and injuries, all the way they went to the altars. And when the ashes of those unhappy men were thrown into the sea, those very names were given them in the ceremony.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain On vv10–13 We are fools - This is evidently ironical. “We…
We are fools - This is evidently ironical. “We are doubtless foolish people, but ye are wise in Christ. We, Paul, Apollos, and Barnabas, have no claims to the character of wise men - we are to be regarded as fools, unworthy of confidence, and unfit to instruct; but you are full of wisdom.”
For Christ’s sake - διὰ Χριστὸν dia Christon. On account of Christ; or in reference to his cause, or in regard to the doctrines of the Christian religion.
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But ye are wise in Christ - The phrase “in Christ,” does not differ in signification materially from the one above; “for Christ’s sake.” This is wholly ironical, and is exceedingly pungent. “You, Corinthians, boast of your wisdom and prudence. You are to be esteemed very wise. You are unwilling to submit to be esteemed fools. You are proud of your attainments. We, in the meantime, who are apostles, and who have founded your church, are to be regarded as fools, and as unworthy of public confidence and esteem.” The whole design of this irony is to show the folly of their boasted wisdom. That they only should be wise and prudent, and the apostles fools, was in the highest degree absurd; and this absurdity the apostle puts in a strong light by his irony.
We are weak - We are timid and feeble, but you are daring, bold and fearless. This is irony. The very reverse was probably true. Paul was bold, daring, fearless in declaring the truth, whatever opposition it might encounter; and probably many of them were timid and time-serving, and endeavoring to avoid persecution, and to accommodate themselves to the prejudices and opinions of those who were wise in their own sight; the prejudices and opinions of the world.
Ye are honourable - Deserving of honor and obtaining it. Still ironical. You are to be esteemed as worthy of praise.
We are despised - ἄτιμοι atimoi. Not only actually contemned, but worthy to be so. This was irony also. And the design was to show them how foolish was their self-confidence and self-flattery, and their attempt to exalt themselves.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain On vv10–13 Irony. How much your lot (supposing it real) is…
Irony. How much your lot (supposing it real) is to be envied, and ours to be pitied.
fools-- (Co1 1:21; Co1 3:18; compare Act 17:18; Act 26:24).
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for Christ's sake . . . in Christ--Our connection with Christ only entails on us the lowest ignominy, "ON ACCOUNT OF," or, "FOR THE SAKE OF" Him, as "fools"; yours gives you full fellowship IN Him as "wise" (that is, supposing you really are all you seem, Co1 3:18).
we . . . weak . . . ye . . . strong-- (Co1 2:3; Co2 13:9).
we . . . despised-- (Co2 10:10) because of our "weakness," and our not using worldly philosophy and rhetoric, on account of which ye Corinthians and your teachers are (seemingly) so "honorable." Contrast with "despised" the "ye (Galatians) despised not my temptation . . . in my flesh" (Gal 4:14).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain On vv10–13 10. Wise… strong… honourable—These were the epithets with which…
10. Wise… strong… honourable—These were the epithets with which the proud element of the Church puffed themselves and each other up.
Fools… weak… depised—Such were the epithets the apostles were obliged to encounter in their missions through the world.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain On vv10–13 10. We are fools for Christ’s sake] Rather, on…
10. We are fools for Christ’s sake] Rather, on account of Christ, i.e. on account of His doctrine, which was looked upon as folly (ch. 1Co_1:23; 1Co_2:14).
ye are wise in Christ] Prudent, Wiclif; prudentes, Vulgate. It is scarcely necessary to explain that this language is ironical. They were unquestionably ‘prudent’ in this, that they spared themselves the labours and anxieties in which St Paul was so ‘abundant’ (2Co_11:23).
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain On vv10–13 (10) We are fools.—This verse is charged with irony.…
(10) We are fools.—This verse is charged with irony. Our connection with Christ, as His Apostles and preachers, may make us fools; you are, on the contrary, “wise Christians; we are weak Christians, ye strong; ye are glorified, made leaders of factions and churches, we are despised.”
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain On vv10–13 We are fools for Christ"s sake. The irony is…
We are fools for Christ"s sake. The irony is softened by the intervening sentences, and as regards the apostles there is no irony. St. Paul was called "a seed pecker" (spermologos) by the Epicureans and Stoics at Athens, and Festus in full court called him "mad." Ye are wise in Christ. He could not say as before, "for Christ"s sake;" for even though he is using the language of irony, "the pseudo wisdom of the Corinthians had other motives." We are weak. The consciousness of physical and personal weakness weighed heavily on the mind of St. Paul in moments of depression. (2Co_10:10 2Co_13:4) Ye are honourable, but we are despised; literally, ye are glorious, but we are dishonoured. The word "dishonoured" also means "disfranchised.
Vers. 10-14.
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Paul"s treatment of self. conceited teachers.
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. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you." Paul is still thinking of those teachers of the Corinthian Church who were "puffed up," inflated with conceit. He treats them here with
I AN IRONIC APPEAL. "We 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;" or, "ye have glory, but we have dishonour." "W are fools," we know nothing, "but ye are wise," you know everything; "we are weak," timid, and feeble, "but ye are strong" and fearless. "ye are extolled, but "we are despised," the "offscouring of all things." All this is sarcasm again, well deserved, and well directed. How would our little penny-a-liners feel if such a man as Thomas Carlyle were to stand before them and speak in this way? If they had any sense remaining, they would quiver into nothingness. How much more would those small pretentious teachers in the Corinthian Church feel this stroke of satire dealt out to them by the great apostle to the Gentiles!
II A PERSONAL HISTORY. Here he refers to his privations: "Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place without nourishment, without clothing, without the shelter of a home. Here he refers to his labours: "And labour, working with our own hands." Here he refers to his persecutions: "We are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things." Then he refers to the spirit in which he endured the sufferings: "Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat." Now, why did he state all this? Not for the sake of parading his great trials and toils, but for the sake of bringing these proud teachers to their senses. They could not fail to acknowledge that he was an apostle a pre-eminent minister of Christ; notwithstanding this, in the world he was treated with cruelty and contempt, he was poor and despised. What, then, had they to be proud of as ministers?
CONCLUSION. From this subject it is natural to ask Who in the present age engaged in the Christian ministry are most likely to be of apostolic succession? Those who are "full," and "rich," and royal, and "wise," and "strong," who pride themselves in all these things; whom the people favour and flatter? or those who, like the Apostle Paul, in the discharge of their ministry, endure privations, persecutions, and all in the magnanimous spirit of self abnegation and generous forgiveness of enemies? Call no man a successor of the apostle who has not the apostolic character. To call a man a successor of the apostle who has not the apostolic character manfully noble, Christly loyal, and withal self sacrificing is a mischievous imposture.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain On v10 We are fools for Christs sake, but ye are…
1Co_4:10-14
We are fools for Christs sake, but ye are wise in Christ.
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The folly of Paul
The better to serve Christ, Paul refrained from making acquirement of knowledge his chief aim. And many others have renounced a path which might have led to literary eminence in order to devote their entire energies to evangelical work. Again, by abstaining from teaching mere human learning and by preaching a gospel which in the eyes of men was folly, Paul became, and felt himself to be, in their view, a foolish man. In other words, because of his loyalty to Christ he passed among men as one destitute of wisdom (cf. 1Co_2:2)
. (Prof. Beet.)
Paul and the Corinthians: a contrast
The contrast between the two situations enunciated in 1Co_4:8; 1Co_9:1-27 is expressed here in three antitheses, which are, as it were, so many blows for the proud Corinthians. The text is addressed especially to the principal men of the Church, but at the same time to all its members who share in the pretensions of these proud party leaders. And--
I. As to teaching. The apostles had to face the reputation of foolishness which the gospel brings on them, while at Corinth there is found a way of preaching Christ so as to procure a name for wisdom, the reputation of profound philosophers and men of most reliable judgment. As a Rabbi Paul might have become as eminent a savant as Gamaliel; for Christ he consented to pass as a fool. The Corinthians knew better how to manage: they make the teaching even of the gospel a means of gaining celebrity for their lofty wisdom.
II. As to conduct. They came before their public with the feeling of their strength: there is in them neither hesitation nor timidity. The apostles do not know these grand lordly airs. Witness 1Co_2:1-5.
III. As to the welcome received from the world. The Corinthians are honoured, feted, regarded as the ornament of cultivated circles; there is a rivalry to do them honour. The apostles are scarcely judged worthy of attention; nay, rather reviled and calumniated. In this last contrast the apostle reverses the order of the two terms, and puts the apostles in the second place. This is by way of transition to one or two traits of detail in the apostolic life he is about to draw. Indeed despised is the theme of the following verses. (Prof. Godet.)
Pauls treatment of self conceited teachers
The Corinthian teachers were puffed up with conceit. Paul treats them here with--
I. An ironic appeal (1Co_2:10). Ye have glory, but we have dishonour; we know nothing, you know everything; we are timid and feeble, but ye are strong and fearless; you are thought a deal of, but we are despised. How would our little penny-a-liners feel if such a man as Carlyle were to speak in this way? If they had any sense remaining, they would quiver into nothingness. How much more would those small pretentious teachers feel this stroke of satire from the grand apostle!
II. A personal history.
1. Here he refers to--
(1) His privations (1Co_2:11)--without nourishment, clothing, and the shelter of a home.
(2) His labours (1Co_2:12).
(3) His persecutions (1Co_2:13).
(4) The spirit in which he endured the sufferings (1Co_2:12).
2. Why did he state all this? Not for the sake of parade, but for the sake of bringing these proud teachers to their senses. They could not fail to feel that he was a pre-eminent minister of Christ; notwithstanding this, in the world he was treated with cruelty and contempt. What, then, had they to be proud of as ministers? (D. Thomas, D. D.)
Even unto this present hour we both hunger and thirst.--
True religion
I. What it costs.
1. Sacrifice.
2. Shame.
3. Suffering.
4. Toil.
II. What it secures.
1. Companionship with the best of men.
2. The approbation of God.
3. A certain and glorious reward. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
And labour, working with our own hands.--
Honest labour
1. Is no disgrace.
2. Is a sign of true independence.
3. Is acceptable to God. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
Mammal labour gentlemanly
When Bishop Patteson went among the South Sea Islanders they were surprised to see that he was ready to put his hand to anything. He would do a piece of carpentering, wash up things after meals, and teach the little blacks to wash and dress themselves. Other white men wanted to put all the work on the negroes; so in order to mark the difference, they called the bishop a gentleman-gentleman, and the others pig-gentlemen. Jesus Christ, the first true gentleman that ever breathed, was when on earth called the Carpenter, and if one of His chief apostles, St. Paul, worked with his hands as a tent-maker, manual labour ought never to be thought derogatory to the dignity of a gentleman.
A honourable occupation
There are three vitally important choices to be made by young men, about which a few plain hints may be pertinent and useful. The first one is his occupation. He who does not bring up his son for a trade brings up a boy for the devil, is an ancient Jewish provers. In America, too, many of the native-born youths eschew a mechanical trade as vulgar, and go scouring about for some easier situation. If Benjamin Franklin, the printer, and Roger Sherman, the shoemaker, were alive now, they would tell their young countrymen what a foolish mistake many of them are making. So would Vice-President Wilson and Governor Banks, who said that he graduated from an institution which had a factory-bell on the roof and a water-wheel at the bottom. In selecting your occupation, endeavour first to find out what the Creator made you for. Consult your natural bent and talent. If you have a talent for trade, then you may venture into a counting-room or store. If you have a native skill in chemistry, and are made for a doctor, then study medicine. If your mathematical capacity fit you for it, you may be an engineer. No one ever fails in life who understands his forte, and few ever succeeded in life who did not understand it. Seek for a useful, productive calling, and steer clear of a career of speculation as you would a gambling den or a glass of gin. Dont be ashamed to begin at the bottom and work up. Remember that every occupation is honourable in which you can serve God and your fellow-men, and keep a clean conscience. (T. L. Cuyler.)
Being reviled we bless.--
Apostolic meekness
Observe--
I. What the true Christian must expect.
1. Reproach.
2. Persecution.
3. Calumny.
4. Contempt.
II. Why he must expect it. Because of--
1. The experience of others.
2. The unaltered spirit of the world.
III. How he ought to bear it.
1. Meekly.
2. Patiently.
3. Christianly. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
The triumph of the true Christian
He triumphs--
I. Over the hatred of the world. Which is--
1. Unchangeable.
2. Bitter.
3. Variously manifested.
II. By--
1. Faith.
2. Hope.
3. Love. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain On vv10–13 10–13. We are fools for Christ's sake. The sad…
10–13. We are fools for Christ's sake. The sad worldly lot of the apostles is set forth. For Christ's sake they chose a path of sorrow that made the world call them fools. Ye are wise in Christ. Think you are wise in your religious speculations. We are weak. See 2:3. Ye are strong. In your own conceits.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
William B. Godbey 1900 · Public Domain On vv10–13 10. This verse continues the bold irony by which…
10. This verse continues the bold irony by which he castigates their spiritual pride by contrast with apostolical humility.
William B. Godbey, Commentary on the New Testament (1896–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
J. W. McGarvey 1914 · Public Domain On vv10–13 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are…
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 . [In this verse Paul resumes his satire, contrasting the vain imaginations of the Corinthians with the real condition of the apostles, himself in particular.]
J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain On v13 kosmos = mankind. (See Scofield "Mat 4:8").
world
kosmos = mankind. (See Scofield "Mat 4:8").
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv10, 12 We are fools ... in dishonor
We are fools ... in dishonor
Paul uses irony to shame the Corinthians so they will think about what he is saying. (See: Irony)
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You are held in honor
"People treat you Corinthians as though you are important people"
we are held in dishonor
"people shame us apostles"
Up to this present hour
"Until now" or "Up to now"
we are brutally beaten
This refers to hitting with the hand, not with whips or clubs. This can be stated in active form. AT: "people beat us" (See: Active or Passive)
we are homeless
Paul means that they had places to stay, but they had to move around from place to place. They had no fixed home.
translationWords
fool
Christ
wise
honor
dishonor
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 On vv11–12 4:11-13 Paul reminds the Corinthians how much he had…
4:11-13 Paul reminds the Corinthians how much he had endured for Christ’s sake (cp. 2 Cor 6:4-5; 11:23-28).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.