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! 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. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now. (1 Co 4:8–13).
In our last devotional, we spoke about Paul addressing the mindset of some in the Corinthian church who thought they had arrived. They had a wrong Perspective of their own spirituality, thinking that they were spiritually mature when they were still spiritual babes needing the milk of the word.
Paul exercised a little bit of sarcasm to correct their perspective lovingly. He then goes on to contrast their experience with the experience of his own and that of the other apostles commissioned by Jesus Christ himself to go into the world to make disciples of all men, “teaching as whatsoever things I have commanded you.”
The experience of Paul and the other apostles certainly contrasted not only to the Corinthian church but also to many who call themselves apostles today. From this passage alone, what can we learn about Christ’s apostles?
Apostles are willing to relinquish personal status.
Christianity expresses a foolish or irrational perspective of the world – period! The gospel is centred on a deep commitment to following Christ and spreading the message of the Gospel. And as Paul has already pointed out, the things of God are foolishness to man, and likewise, man’s wisdom is foolishness to God. Paul emphasizes that the apostles are willing to relinquish personal status, honour, and worldly wisdom for the sake of their commitment to Christ and their mission to spread the message of salvation. They are willing to endure hardships, face opposition, and make sacrifices, considering it a privilege to serve Christ, even if it means being regarded as fools in the eyes of the world.
We are weak, but you are strong.
Based on our previous experiences within various Apostolic/Prophetic movements, we have consistently observed certain common traits among their "apostles." These individuals can captivate their audience through a magnetic presence, exuding confidence that positions them as authorities on matters of faith. They demonstrate exceptional oratory skills and effectively engage their listeners through compelling storytelling, humour, and the skillful use of rhetorical devices. They commonly emphasize their wealth or success, employing motivational tactics and organizing fundraising initiatives to encourage financial contributions to their ministries, movements or – yes, even brands. These individuals exhibit high functioning and possess considerable capacity, leaving little doubt about their ability to influence and catalyze action. We have repeatedly witnessed these qualities as they demonstrate their power to inspire and motivate.
Paul came in fear and great weakness.
Paul's arrival in Corinth was marked by fear and great weakness. The apostle Paul, as described in the New Testament, faced various challenges and hardships throughout his missionary journeys. When he came to Corinth, he carried the weight of previous experiences that had tested his faith and resilience. He experienced great weakness during this time. He may have been physically unwell or struggling with some ailment, often referred to as his "thorn in the flesh."
Paul's fear and great weakness in Corinth serve as a reminder of his vulnerability as a human being, subject to the same emotions and physical limitations as anyone else. He did not show up in town as the “anointed CEO “ or the man with the plan.
A stark contrast can be observed between the characteristics of modern-day apostles and the apostles of Jesus in the first century, as depicted in the New Testament. The apostles in the Gospels and Acts exemplified humility and servant-heartedness, devoid of any desire for personal fame, wealth, or status. In contrast, contemporary apostles may emphasize showcasing material success, which stood in contrast to the first-century apostles who prioritized simplicity and often lived without significant personal wealth. The authority of the first-century apostles stemmed from their association with Jesus and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit rather than relying on personal charisma.
They encouraged generosity and sacrificial giving among believers, focusing on spiritual transformation and the growth of the early Christian community. Their teachings revolved around repentance, faith in Jesus, and cultivating a Christ-centered character rather than promoting personal prosperity or success. These distinctions highlight the differing values and priorities between the apostles of Jesus in the first century and specific characteristics often associated with modern-day apostles.
And we labour, working with our own hands.
"And we labour, working with our own hands." This statement reflects the principle followed by the apostles in the New Testament, emphasizing their commitment to humility and self-sufficiency. In several instances, the apostle Paul, for example, sets an example by engaging in manual labour to support himself and not burdening the communities he visited (Acts 18:3, 1 Corinthians 4:12). This practice demonstrated their willingness to forgo personal gain or financial support and instead work diligently to provide for their own needs, embodying a humble and self-reliant approach.
We have been made the filth of the world.
The apostles faced intense opposition, persecution, and societal rejection throughout their lives and ministries. They were often regarded as outcasts or even despised by those who opposed the message of the Gospel, particularly Paul and his fellow workers.
Throughout his missionary journeys, Paul faced numerous challenges and hardships. He endured physical beatings, imprisonments, shipwrecks, and betrayals (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). He encountered false accusations, slander, and persecution from Jews and Gentiles who vehemently opposed his teachings. Paul frequently expressed the reality of the apostles' sufferings and the contempt they faced for their faith. He even described himself and his fellow apostles as "the offscouring of all things" or "the rubbish of the world." This imagery vividly depicts the lowly and despised position they held in the eyes of the world, being treated as the lowest and most worthless individuals.
From the world's perspective, it was understandable why they faced such disdain during that time. After all, their God was crucified as a Roman criminal. However, these first Apostles, chosen by Christ, served as the foundation stones of our faith. Their message was singular and focused – Christ and His crucifixion. Their experiences of persecution, rejection, and suffering stood as a powerful testimony to their unwavering dedication to Christ and their commitment to spreading His message, even in the face of extreme adversity.
Despite their hardships, the apostles remained steadfast and resolute in their mission. They exemplified a level of dedication and faith that served as an inspiration to believers throughout history. Their sufferings became a testament to the Gospel’s transformative power and the depth of their love for Christ. They endured persecution and rejection for the sake of their unwavering commitment to spreading the message of salvation.
Advice For modern-day “apostles”
If someone claims to be an apostle today, we consider it a significant claim. Although we cannot deny the possibility of "modern-day apostles," we have not personally encountered anyone who unequivocally meets the standards outlined in the New Testament for an apostle. However, for those who have encountered such individuals, valuable lessons can be learned from the experiences of the apostles described in the New Testament. These lessons include:
· Expect Opposition and Persecution: The apostles faced intense opposition, persecution, and societal rejection. Similarly, modern-day apostles should recognize that faithfully proclaiming the Gospel may invite opposition and resistance from those who oppose the message. They should be prepared to face challenges and remain steadfast in their dedication to Christ.
· Embrace Humility and Endurance: The apostles endured hardships and were regarded as outcasts and despised by many. Modern-day apostles should cultivate a humble spirit, understanding that their commitment to Christ may not align with societal values or expectations. They should be willing to endure hardships, slander, and even persecution to spread the Gospel.
· Stay Focused on the Core Message: The apostles' central focus was on Christ and His crucifixion. Modern-day apostles should maintain a similar focus, keeping the message of Jesus Christ as the foundation of their teachings and ministries. They should prioritize the Gospel's core truths and avoid diluting or distorting the message with extraneous or peripheral matters.
· Trust in God's Strength in Adversity: The apostles relied on God's strength and grace to endure their challenges. Modern-day apostles should trust God's faithfulness, knowing He will sustain them through difficulties and opposition. They should rely on prayer, seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, and draw strength from the apostles’ example in their unwavering dedication to Christ.
· Persevere in Spreading the Message: Despite the adversity they faced, the apostles remained dedicated to spreading the message of Christ. Modern-day apostles should be encouraged by their example and persevere in their mission to share the Gospel, even when faced with obstacles. They should draw inspiration from the apostles' unwavering commitment and allow their experiences to serve as a testimony to the power of Christ's message.
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