1 Corinthians 4:9-14

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

⁹ For it seems to me that God has made an exhibit of us apostles, exposing us to view last [of all, like men in a triumphal procession who are] sentenced to death [and displayed at the end of the line]. For we have become a spectacle to the world [a show in the world’s amphitheater] with both men and angels [as spectators].

¹⁰ We are [looked upon as] fools on account of Christ and for His sake, but you are [supposedly] so amazingly wise and prudent in Christ! We are weak, but you are [so very] strong! You are highly esteemed, but we are in disrepute and contempt!

¹¹ To this hour we have gone both hungry and thirsty; we [^[a]habitually] wear but one undergarment [and shiver in the cold]; we are roughly knocked about and wander around homeless.

¹² And we still toil unto weariness [for our living], working hard with our own hands. When men revile us [^[b]wound us with an accursed sting], we bless them. When we are persecuted, we take it patiently and endure it.

¹³ When we are slandered and defamed, we [try to] answer softly and bring comfort. We have been made and are now the rubbish and filth of the world [the offscouring of all things, the scum of the earth].

¹⁴ I do not write this to shame you, but to warn and counsel you as my beloved children.