1 Corinthians 4:6-13

Last section in chapter 4 was about judging. If you judge others, you elevate yourself, thinking yourself to be above them. This is why Paul explains that we shouldn't do this. "that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against the other" (v6, ESV). This leads to him pointing out that everything we have we have received (v7). Therefore, we shouldn't boast as if we hadn't received it.

The next paragraph explains how the apostles are viewed. First of all, the Corinthians consider themselves to have everything, but apparently the apostles are the opposite.

We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.

(v10, ESV)

In this verse he even says "you are wise in Christ" (v1o, ESV), which may make us think that they are okay in their standing. However, we should think back to previous sections about boasting, judging and wisdom. The Corinthians needed to be told to value God's wisdom as opposed to humanly wisdom. They needed to be told to boast in the Lord and nothing else. They also needed to be told not to judge others. They were probably puffed up, so this "wise in Christ" (v10, ESV) is the way they see themselves. Paul knows he is weak and he properly acknowledges that. We should do the same as Paul. We should recognize that we are weak and without God we are nothing.

It is interesting how the apostles face this persecution.

and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.

(v12-13, ESV)

This idea is similar to one of Jesus's teachings.

bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.

(Luke 6:28, ESV)

I don't think this means that we have to force ourselves to be subject to this treatment. However, trials and storms will come. We should consider the path marked out for us Christians. We have to carry the cross daily (Luke 9:23). Therefore, we should consider the costs (Luke 14:25-35). I guess this is a bit off from what the passage says, but still somewhat linked. Regardless, the apostles were regarded as such. We shouldn't consider ourselves wise or strong or honourable as the Corinthians did, but realize our place as the apostles did (v10). Without God we are nothing. You shouldn't judge. You shouldn't boast. You shouldn't be wise in worldly wisdom, nor should you be wise in your own eyes (Prov 3:7).