1 Corinthians 4:6-9 (WEL) These things, brethren, I have by way of illustration applied to Apollos and myself for your sakes, that you might learn from us not to have opinions beyond what is written, so that not one of you be puffed up one against another. 7 What makes you so distinguished, and what do you have that you didn’t receive [from God]? Now if you did receive it [from God], why do you brag about it as if you didn’t receive it [from God]? 8 Now you are full, now you are rich. You have reigned as kings without us, and oh, that you did reign so that we could reign with you. 9 For I think that God has placed us, Apostles, lowest, as doomed for death, for we are made a spectacle to the world, angels, and people.
V6 These things, brethren, I have by way of illustration applied to Apollos and myself for your sakes, that you might learn from us not to have opinions beyond what is written, so that not one of you be puffed up one against another.
The foundation and cornerstone of the Christian faith, belief, practice is Jesus Christ (the cornerstone) and the 12 Apostles (1 Corinthians 3:11-12 and Ephesians 2:20). The Apostle Paul is still on the topic of servanthood. He emphasizes that one should not be elevated over the other. Paul states, “We are both servants of the Lord Jesus, so do not think of one of us as special. Turn your eyes upon Jesus.”
Apollos has a gift and commission from the Lord Jesus and works to fulfill that commission, so also Paul.
Handfuls of Purpose, Vol 5: “What God is Able to Do Through Us. He is Able to Reveal (Gal 1:16). If His Son has been revealed in us, it is that He might be revealed through us. If the light hath shined in our hearts, it is that others might see it and glorify God (1Co 4:6). The treasure is put in the earthen vessel that the power may be of God.”
V7 What makes you so distinguished, and what do you have that you didn’t receive [from God]? Now if you did receive it [from God], why do you brag about it as if you didn’t receive it [from God]?
Since your salvation and all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3) have been given by God, do not brag as if you received them from a particular teacher. Compare Jeremiah 9:23-24, Proverbs 3:7, and Proverbs 26:12.
V8 Now you are full, now you are rich. You have reigned as kings without us, and oh, that you did reign so that we could reign with you.
The riches Paul writes about are the wonderful spiritual blessings God has given you.
Besides all the blessings of salvation, here are a few more:
The words of God (the Bible)—John 6:63-68
Wisdom—James 1:5
Truth—John 17:17
The Armor of God—Ephesians 6:11-18
V9 For I think that God has placed us, Apostles, lowest, as doomed for death, for we are made a spectacle to the world, angels, and people.
What God loves, the devil hates. God wants to supply, give life, and edify; the devil wants to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
Zerr Comments: “The apostles really possessed qualifications far beyond all that the Corinthians could rightfully claim, yet Paul was not being puffed up over it. Instead, he wanted them to know that those very peculiar attainments caused the apostles to be placed in an unpleasant position before both angels and men. Last means as to personal advantage, the thing of which the Corinthians were boasting. In spite of all their worthwhile gifts, the apostles were exposed to the ridicule and persecutions of the world. Spectacle is from THEATRON, which Thayer defines, “a public show; a man who is exhibited to be gazed at and made sport of.” The illustration is drawn from the Roman practice of the public theatre. When the main show was over, certain men who had been doomed to die, were brought forth into the arena for the “final act”; their clothing was removed and their bodies were exposed to the beasts to devour, for the entertainment of the audience. Thus Paul says the apostles were exposed as it were appointed to death.”
We learn:
- Not to look at earthly human leaders, but to Jesus who is Lord of the Church (believers).
- We are spiritually rich (true riches).
Questions:
- Are you humble?
- Do you get God the credit for the gifts He has given?