SEV Biblia, Chapter 4:10
Nosotros locos por amor del Cristo, y vosotros prudentes en el Cristo; nosotros flacos, y vosotros fuertes; vosotros nobles, y nosotros viles.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:10
Verse 10. We are fools for Christ's sake] Here he still carries on the allusion to the public spectacles among the Romans, where they were accustomed to hiss, hoot, mock, and variously insult the poor victims. To this Philo alludes, in his embassy to Caius, speaking of the treatment which the Jews received at Rome: wsper gar en qeatrw klwsmosurittontwn, katamwkwmenwn, ametracleuazontwn? "For, as if exhibited upon a theater, we are hissed, most outrageously hooted, and insulted beyond all bounds." Thus, says the apostle, we are fools on Christ's account; we walk in a conformity to his will, and we bear his cross: and did we walk according to the course of this world, or according to the man-pleasing conduct of some among you, we should have no such cross to bear. Ye are wise in Christ] Surely all these expressions are meant ironically; the apostles were neither fools, nor weak, nor contemptible; nor were the Corinthians, morally speaking, wise, and strong, and honourable. Change the persons, and then the epithets will perfectly apply.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 10. We are fools for Christs sake , etc.] They were so in the esteem of men, for their close attach merit to a crucified Christ; and for preaching the doctrine of salvation by him; and for enduring so much reproach, affliction, and persecution, for his sake and the Gospels: but ye are wise in Christ . This is ironically said; for his meaning is not that they were truly wise in Christ, in the knowledge and faith of him, in preaching his Gospel, or professing his name; but they were so in their own eyes, and made use of much worldly wisdom and carnal policy in their profession of religion. Their ministers took care to preach, and they to profess Christ, in such a manner as to retain the favour of the world, and to escape reproach and persecution. We are weak ; in your account; our bodily presence is weak, and speech contemptible; we are men of mean capacities and abilities; nor are we able to express ourselves in that strong and masculine way, with those masterly strokes of eloquence and oratory your ministers do; or we are pressed down with infirmities, and afflictions, and persecutions. But ye are strong ; your ministers are men of great parts, strong voice, masculine language, and powerful oratory; and you abound in outward prosperity, and are free from persecution for the cross of Christ. Ye are honourable ; high in the favour and esteem of men for your wisdom and learning, your riches and wealth, power and grandeur. But we are despised ; are in dishonour and disgrace, for the mean appearance we make, the Gospel we preach, and the cross we bear.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 7-13 - We have no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. A sinner snatche from destruction by sovereign grace alone, must be very absurd an inconsistent, if proud of the free gifts of God. St. Paul sets fort his own circumstances, ver. 9 Allusion is made to the cruel spectacle in the Roman games; where men were forced to cut one another to pieces to divert the people; and where the victor did not escape with his life, though he should destroy his adversary, but was only kept for another combat, and must be killed at last. The thought that many eye are upon believers, when struggling with difficulties or temptations should encourage constancy and patience. "We are weak, but ye ar strong." All Christians are not alike exposed. Some suffer greate hardships than others. The apostle enters into particulars of their sufferings. And how glorious the charity and devotion that carried the through all these hardships! They suffered in their persons an characters as the worst and vilest of men; as the very dirt of the world, that was to be swept away: nay, as the offscouring of all things, the dross of all things. And every one who would be faithful in Christ Jesus, must be prepared for poverty and contempt. Whatever the disciples of Christ suffer from men, they must follow the example, an fulfil the will and precepts of their Lord. They must be content, with him and for him, to be despised and abused. It is much better to be rejected, despised, and ill used, as St. Paul was, than to have the good opinion and favour of the world. Though cast off by the world a vile, yet we may be precious to God, gathered up with his own hand, an placed upon his throne.
Greek Textus Receptus
ημεις 2249 P-1NP μωροι 3474 A-NPM δια 1223 PREP χριστον 5547 N-ASM υμεις 5210 P-2NP δε 1161 CONJ φρονιμοι 5429 A-NPM εν 1722 PREP χριστω 5547 N-DSM ημεις 2249 P-1NP ασθενεις 772 A-NPM υμεις 5210 P-2NP δε 1161 CONJ ισχυροι 2478 A-NPM υμεις 5210 P-2NP ενδοξοι 1741 A-NPM ημεις 2249 P-1NP δε 1161 CONJ ατιμοι 820 A-NPM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
10. For Christ's sake - in Christ (dia Criston - en Cristw). We apostles are fools in the world's eyes on account of (dia) Christ, because we know and preach nothing but Christ: You are wise in Christ, as Christians, making your Christianity a means to your worldly greatness - union with Christ the basis of worldly wisdom. "Wise men are ye in your connection with Christ! Sagacious, enlightened Christians!" (Meyer). Honorable (endoxoi). With a suggestion of display and splendor. Right honorable are ye!
Robertson's NT Word Studies
4:10 {We--you} (hemeis--humeis). Triple contrast in keenest ironical emphasis. "The three antitheses refer respectively to teaching, demeanour, and worldly position" (Robertson and Plummer). The apostles were fools for Christ's sake (#2Co 4:11; Php 3:7). They made "union with Christ the basis of worldly wisdom" (Vincent). There is change of order (chiasm) in the third ironical contrast. They are over strong in pretension. endoxos, illustrious, is one of the 103 words found only in Luke and Paul in the N.T. Notion of display and splendor.
