I Corinthians 4:6-13

 I Corinthians 4:6-13

Neither Paul nor Apollos was head of one of the sects in Corinth. But he is unwilling to even name the scandalous people who are. We are not sure what writings Paul is referring to; perhaps, general advice of scripture for humility. It is worth noting, though, that Paul does view scripture, not human leaders, as the authority to guide disciples.

Paul asked the fundamental question of, “Who regards you as superior?” The inquiry is not to gain a list but to refer to the idiocy of arrogance in the religion of grace. All of our lives are formulated on grace. The free gift of God is why we are saved and part of the community of faith. Since it is by grace, there is no room for the arrogance that drives these divisions.

In the verses that follow, Paul’s irony drips and pours out. He contrasted and compared the Corinthians and apostles with kings and condemned prisoners. If the sect leaders were so great, why don’t they use their influence to release the apostles and make things better for the church? Paul describes the apostles as spectacles. This is a reference to the Romans using POWs as entertainment in the gladiatorial games. A gruesome show for the whole world to watch and mock. The Corinthians were self-appointed big shots; the apostles were disposable entertainment.

Paul describes the hard life of an apostle in verses 11 through 12. Two key descriptions deserve special attention in verse 11. Paul says that we are “roughly treated.” The word literally means to strike with the fist. The word was used to describe the beating of a slave. This was no attempt at physical intimidation but physical abuse and destruction. This was not a metaphor for Paul; this was the reality of the work of an apostle. Later in verse 13, Paul says that we are slandered. While that may not seem like a big deal to us, in Greek culture it was massively important. Aristotle said the greatest virtue was to be great-hearted or to have a great soul. This characteristic is displayed by refusal to bear with an insult. In the culture of the Greeks, an insult was a just cause for war. No doubt this was the source of the great evil of their sect and division. Paul says his response was to “console,” which means to call near to comfort or to plead with a person. Paul expects that in the kingdom, the greater the service, the more you will be treated like scum or dirt by the world. Attempting to climb the world’s ladder of power will not work for the disciple. God's value system is completely different.

“Lord, help me never to imagine I am anyone’s superior. AMEN”