1 CORINTHIANS 4:9 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.”
For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like those condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle (theatron) to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings — the image is brutal: apostles are 'condemned to die' (katadikoi thanatou) in a Roman amphitheater, the last in a procession. 'Spectacle' (theatron, hence 'theatre') means public show, watched by 'the whole universe' (kosmō, cosmos), including 'angels.' This inverts the Corinthians' vision of apostolic triumph; instead, apostles are exhibits of weakness and suffering.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 4:9
“For I think that God has set forth us the Apostles last of all, as men doomed to death.” There is great depth of meaning and severity implied again in his saying, “us:” and not even with this was he satisfied, but added also his dignity, hitting them vehemently: “us the Apostles;” who are enduring such innumerable ills; who are sowing the word of Godliness; who are leading you unto this severe rule of life. These “He has set forth last, as doomed to death,” that is, as…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!