“Spectacle to the World”: 1 Corinthians 4:6-13, by CountrySlicker

⁶ Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.  ⁷ For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

⁸ You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you! ⁹ For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. ¹⁰ We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!  ¹¹ To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. ¹² And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;  ¹³ being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.  (1 Corinthians 4:6-13)

In verses 1-5 of this chapter, Paul details the role of a steward of God.  The steward of God is accountable to God alone, excluding the judgment of man and self in evaluating his own faithfulness to distribute the mysteries of God to the world.

Here in verse 6, Paul explains that he has used himself and Apollos as examples of stewards, instead of using the Corinthians, to learn how to properly consider a servant in relationship to the word of God.  Paul chose not to detail the shortcomings of the Corinthians so that they would not be offended and miss the learning opportunity that he was presenting.  Instead, he is offering himself and Apollos as examples of what stewards of God should look like as well as examples of what the Corinthians should be striving towards in their own lives.

In verse 7, Paul asks three questions that serve two distinct purposes.  The first purpose is to reinforce the role of a steward by highlighting the fact that everything that we have came from God.  This reinforces the fact that we have been entrusted with valuables (both physical valuables and intellectual valuables) by another individual to whom we are accountable.  Second, in recognizing that we have been given everything that we have… we remain humble.  When we remain humble by recognizing our dependence upon God, we are more likely to judge others according to the same standard that we are judged by God.  When we are humble, we are more willing to use our valuables (that were freely given to us) to serve the needs of others.

Paul uses a great deal of sarcasm in verse 8 in declaring that the Corinthians reigned as kings before the apostles came into their lives.  There is in fact some truth to this statement… but only from a worldly perspective.  The Corinthians were a society of known for wealth, intellect, and partying.  According to worldly standards, they were living a lifestyle that was envied by the masses.  However, by eternal heavenly standards, they were dead and hopelessly lost.  Only through hearing the message of the cross and accepting Jesus as their savior were they able to gain access to heaven and eternal life.

The descriptions that Paul uses in verses 9 through 13 all contain a level of sarcasm and take into account contrasting perspectives.  Knowing the origin of the word “spectacle” is key to understanding what Paul is attempting to convey in these verses.  The word “spectacle” comes from the Greek word “theatron” and is where we get our English word “theatre”.  The definition is “a place in which games and dramatic spectacles are exhibited, and public assemblies held”.  For Paul and the Corinthians this phrase would convey the idea of the Coliseum at Rome where citizens would go to see men compete in the games.  When the main events were finished, the poorest and weakest prisoners would be brought in to fight with the beasts.  No one expected the prisoners to put up much of a challenge for the beasts.

Paul writes “I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.”  From a worldly perspective, the apostles are weak individuals that have little to offer other than some cheap entertainment.  From God’s perspective, the apostles were loyal and faithful stewards dedicated to spreading the message of salvation in a hostile world.

There was a time in Paul’s life, before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, when he was in a position of strength, power, and honor.  He had the authority to arrest or execute the Christians that were spreading the message of the cross and salvation.  As a result of his encounter with Jesus that day he became physically blinded.  Despite losing his worldly vision, Paul gained spiritual sight through that encounter.  Paul began to see his life, and the lives of others, from a different perspective.

Paul is now able to recognize that strengths and weaknesses are a matter of perspective.  Worldly strength is a hindrance to living a life dedicated to Christian values.  The strengths of a Christian (dedication to loving God and others) is viewed as weakness by the world.  Those that are considered highly distinguished in this world have chosen to serve the cares of the world and forsake their heavenly Father.  While those that have dedicated their lives to representing God and their Savior on earth are rarely viewed with honor and distinction.  Paul offers himself and Apollos as examples (spectacles) of individuals who have lived a life of worldly stature as well as a life of heavenly stature.  He writes from a position of experience on these matters.  Paul served in a position of worldly authority.  Now, by choice, serves in a position of a servant, steward performing manual labor and caring for others.  From a worldly perspective, Paul has been reduced in power and honor.  From a heavenly perspective, Paul has had unlimited power and great honor bestowed upon him.

By recognizing his calling from God and his position in the kingdom, Paul was able to serve proudly and steadfastly (without compromise) in the world that looked down upon him. He carried on day to day in the role of a steward of God… teaching and preaching the mysteries of God, knowing that he would forever be an enemy to the world.

Like Paul and the Corinthians in 53-55 AD, we live in the world where the perspective is in complete contrast to our heavenly, eternal home.  Christians today, like the Corinthians then, must reject the temptation and pressures to submit to the worldly pressures that exist all around us.  A conscious effort is required daily to commit ourselves to serving the living and eternal God; to reject the god of this world.  Living with that daily commitment, Paul wrote “And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.”

We do not belong to the world.  Our actions must confirm our commitment and relationship with God.  Like Paul, God desires to put us on display, a spectacle, to the world of His love, mercy, and grace.  As such, we are in a place of honor as we represent His truth in a dark world to those that are still in bondage to sin.  In representing Him, we will not receive a warm welcome from this world as we seek to battle its darkness with light.  Therefore, we keep our eyes focused on Jesus as our source of truth and light as well as our solid foundation.

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35)

May you fight the good fight; rejecting worldly honor and wisdom while becoming a spectacle to the world in demonstration of God’s love, mercy, and grace.

God Bless,

CountrySlicker