極大的奧秘 - 基督與教會

Apostles becoming a spectacle

Paul says the apostles have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to mankind

1. God has displayed the apostles last, as men condemned to death

2. This is a metaphor referring to criminals fighting beasts in Roman arenas

3. Apostles are displayed for the entire universe (angels and mankind) to watch

Public display of criminals fighting beasts in Roman arenas

1 Corinthians 4:9 "For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men."

1 Corinthians 4:8 "You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you!"

1 Corinthians 4:6-7 "Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?"

1 Corinthians 4:9-13 (especially verses 9 and 13)

Self-satisfaction of Corinthian believers

Corinthian believers boast about themselves, considering themselves rich and satisfied

1. They believe they are already full and rich

2. Their behavior suggests they can reign without the apostles

3. This attitude is in the flesh and is wrong

Corinthian believers consider themselves already satisfied, rich, and able to reign without the apostles

Paul's

teaching

Paul teaches believers not to be arrogant and to recognize that everything is received from God

1. Do not go beyond what is written in Scripture

2. Do not exalt some people and despise others

3. Recognize that everything is received from God and should not boast

Paul and Apollos are merely servants of Christ and should not be overestimated

Correct

attitude

Believers should be like prisoners condemned to death, becoming a spectacle to the universe

1. Should not view themselves as satisfied, rich, and powerful

2. Should give others the impression of being like prisoners

3. Become a spectacle to the entire universe

The attitude and behavior of the Apostle Paul