1 Corinthians 4:13, Filth of the World

1 Corinthians 4:13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

This word “filth” means “dirt, garbage, rubbish”. The Greek word describes “the most abject and despicable men”. This was how the apostles were treated by those whom they sought to win for Christ and others who opposed their good work.

Elizabeth Elliot together with her husband Jim Elliot and daughter were sent as missionaries to Ecuador in Latin America among the Quito tribes in the 1950s. There was a carnivorous tribe called the Aucas until then were unreached by the gospel (these people literally eat humans). Her husband was killed by members of this carnivorous tribe when he attempted to evangelize them. Instead of resenting and blaming them, Elizabeth Elliot decided to stay put to continue the gospel work. Eventually many were converted including the man who laid hand on the life of her husband. She suffered the loss of her husband! How could she still love her enemy so much? It was a divine love, God’s love that she manifested that enabled her to magnify Christ. Her strength to endure such afflictions was supernatural. Her resolve to stay put in her grief was supernaturally enabled.

Indeed, the Apostle Paul testifies of God’s grace enabling him to endure the rigours of the gospel work in  2 Timothy 3:10-12 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 

May God’s people be willing to trust God and to press on with the gospel work. Amen.