1Cor 4:8-13 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for 1Cor 4:8-13: 4:8-13 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 ; contrast Phil 3:12-14 ). If they had truly arrived, they would be sharing more of the suffering that Paul experienced (1 Cor 4:11-13 ). 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.

Summary for 1Cor 4:8-13: 4:8-13 ^a 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 ^b; contrast Phil 3:12-14 ^c). If they had truly arrived, they would be sharing more of the suffering that Paul experienced (1 Cor 4:11-13 ^d). 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 ^e 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 ^f; 4:7-12 ^g; Phil 2:17 ^h; Col 1:24 ⁱ).
Summary for 1Cor 4:11-13: 4:11-13 ^j Paul reminds the Corinthians how much he had endured for Christ’s sake (cp. 2 Cor 6:4-5 ^k; 11:23-28 ^l).
4:12 ^m We work: To avoid being blamed by others for taking money, Paul preferred to support himself (9:3-18 ⁿ; Acts 18:3 ^o; 20:33-35 ^p).

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