Why Paul said the apostles have become a spectacle?

Why Paul said the apostles have become a spectacle?

 

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."

 

Topic	Description	Explanation	Example	Detailed Scripture
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

 

This table summarizes the main reasons why Paul said the apostles have become a spectacle, as well as the important lessons he wanted to teach the Corinthian believers. Paul contrasts the humble circumstances of the apostles with the self-satisfied attitude of the Corinthian believers to correct their wrong thoughts and behaviors.

 

*Please refer to Life-Study of 1 Corinthians, Message Thirty-Four, Stewards of the Mysteries of God (1)