Illusions of grandeur (1.Cor 4:8-10)

You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you. For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. (1.Cor 4:8-10)

Wait... Who put that picture here?

If Paul had had the common sense to end this section after his initial remarks, he could have been quite a successful mega-church pastor or TV-preacher. “You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings...” Just add something about turkey-bacon, and you’re pretty much set. But of course he has to go and ruin it, by saying he wished it all was true.

Of course, we don’t panic yet, because surely Paul will offer some kind of solution for this predicament? How to become filled, rich and reign as kings so they won’t be lacking all of this anymore? Perhaps they need to have more faith? Or maybe they haven’t been faithful tithers, and Paul will instruct them to sow their seed into his ministry? Do they need to pray harder, do a 40 day fast, or just speak it into existence? Because surely God wouldn’t want anything less for his servants.

To the contrary, dear fried. Look at how Paul contrasts his own christian walk to the proclaimed grandeur of the Corinthians:

For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor.

Paul is not complaining here. He’s setting forth himself and the other apostles as examples to be followed. If you want to follow Christ in the same way as the apostles, be prepared to be a weak, dishonored fool in the eyes of everyone else.