1 Corinthians 4:11-13 – Walk you talk

Until the present hour we are hungering also and thirsting and are naked and are buffeted and unsettled and toiling, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we are blessing; being persecuted, we are bearing with it; being calumniated, we are entreating.

In these verses Paul’s irony is completely gone. He describes in plain terms what he gained by coming out for the Evangel. No luxury or comfort. On the contrary. Lack of food, drink and clothing he experienced daily. And constantly in danger because of aggression from listeners, or from ill-treatment after unfair trials.

In addition, Paul basically never asked for support and only accepted money if this was voluntarily offered to him. In practice, this meant that he provided for his own livelihood, in addition to all the spiritual work he performed. He endured persecution and those who insulted him, he supported with encouragement. And those who scolded him, he blessed. After all, GOD is the Savior of all people, including them! That was not only the message that Paul told, but also lived. Without even one word of disapproval. To be able to live that way bears witness to a huge, God-given privilege!

Delen: