1Cor 4:6-13 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 1Cor 4:6-21: 4:6-21 Paul again rebukes the Corinthian Christians for their arrogance (4:6-13 ) and then admonishes them as a father (4:14-21 ).

Summary for 1Cor 4:6-21: 4:6-21 ^a Paul again rebukes the Corinthian Christians for their arrogance (4:6-13 ^b) and then admonishes them as a father (4:14-21 ^c).
4:7 ^d Pride in a particular leader results from failure to realize that everything is a gift from God. There is no room for pride; humble gratitude is the only appropriate attitude.
Summary for 1Cor 4:8-13: 4:8-13 ^e Paul ironically highlights the difference between himself and them. Their attitudes reflect the wisdom of the world; his, the wisdom of God. In their pride, the Corinthians thought they had arrived, but they actually had a long way to go (cp. Rev 3:17-18 ^f; contrast Phil 3:12-14 ^g). If they had truly arrived, they would be sharing more of the suffering that Paul experienced (1 Cor 4:11-13 ^h). In contrast to the Corinthians, who were so proud of their attainments and the respect they had from others, the apostles suffered scorn and contempt.
4:9 ⁱ Like prisoners ... condemned to die by facing wild animals in the amphitheater, the apostles were a spectacle. Paul gladly accepted suffering because God was using it to bring blessing to others (see 2 Cor 1:4-7 ^j; 4:7-12 ^k; Phil 2:17 ^l; Col 1:24 ^m).
Summary for 1Cor 4:11-13: 4:11-13 ⁿ Paul reminds the Corinthians how much he had endured for Christ’s sake (cp. 2 Cor 6:4-5 ^o; 11:23-28 ^p).
4:12 ^q We work: To avoid being blamed by others for taking money, Paul preferred to support himself (9:3-18 ^r; Acts 18:3 ^s; 20:33-35 ^t).

• We bless those who curse us: Paul’s response was in line with Jesus’ teaching (Matt 5:44-45 ^u; cp. Rom 12:14 ^v, 17-21 ^w).