1 Corinthians 4:9, Appointed to Death

1 Corinthians 4:9 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.

This is not the time to boast when the Apostles’ life is on the line. William MacDonald observed well, “He pictures them as thrown into the arena with wild beasts while men and angels look on. As Godet has said: “It was not time for the Corinthians to be self-complacent and boasting, while the church was on the throne and the apostles were under the sword.”

The way of the Apostles was the way of the cross, of persecuting and suffering. The service to God is the way of self-denial and sacrifice, counting the cost, not a road of ease for self-exaltation and personal glory. The Corinthian church has missed the point of Christian service and witness. This the Apostle Paul is pointing out to them.

Indeed, we are reminded of Jesus’ words in Mark 8:34-35 …Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.  

May God bless His people to be willing to serve God unconditionally and sacrificially for His glory. Amen.