1 Corinthians 4:13
when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul flips the script on worldly honor, showing that true spiritual leaders aren't those who demand respect, but those who, like Jesus, endure slander with gentle pleas. Their lowliness, deemed "scum" by the world, is actually a sign of their Christ-like suffering and dedication to the Gospel.
Paul is addressing divisions and arrogance within the Corinthian church, who are taking sides and acting like worldly celebrities. He's contrasting their self-important attitudes with the humble suffering of the apostles, who are willing to be treated as worthless for Christ's sake, facing slander and mistreatment without retaliation. This sets the stage for his call to imitation and his further explanation of Christ-like suffering.
When people attack your character, is your first instinct to lash out? Paul shows us a radically different way.
Paul isn't talking about ignoring injustice or being a doormat. Instead, he's highlighting a profound spiritual discipline: responding to slander not with equal or greater force, but with earnest appeals for reconciliation and understanding.
The Power of Entreaty
'Entreat' here means to implore, to beg, to appeal earnestly. It's the opposite of retaliation. When slandered, the Corinthian believers (and by extension, us) are called to seek peace, to offer words that heal rather than wound, and to consistently point towards God's loving purposes even when misunderstood.
This doesn't mean agreement with the false accusations, but a persistent, gentle effort to win people over with truth and grace, mirroring Christ's own suffering.
Paul shockingly embraces the label of 'scum' and 'refuse.' What does this deep humility reveal about God's kingdom?
Paul's description of himself and the apostles as 'the scum of the world, the refuse of all things' is incredibly stark. It's not just self-deprecation; it's an identification with the lowest, most despised elements of society.
Kingdom Values vs. World Values
In God's economy, humility and suffering for righteousness' sake are not signs of defeat but of victory. The world values power, prestige, and popularity. God's kingdom often operates in reverse, exalting the humble and using the weak to shame the strong.
By embracing this low status, Paul demonstrates that their worth and authority come from God alone, not from human approval or societal standing. They are living out the upside-down values of the Gospel.
Understand the original words
blasphēmeō · Greek Verb
To speak evil of or blaspheme someone; to attribute malicious intent to another, often attacking their reputation.
parakaleō · Greek Verb
To call upon, appeal to, or plead; used in Scripture to describe earnest prayer or humble, persuasive exhortation.
perikatharma · Greek Noun
Literally 'rubbish' or the 'scrapings' of a surface; used figuratively to describe people who are considered social outcasts or of no value in the eyes of the world.
peripsēma · Greek Noun
Refuse or waste discarded as filth; things that are 'wiped off' or rejected as worthless by society.
Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 4:13 are a raw and honest reflection of the immense personal suffering and public disgrace he endured for the sake of the gospel, particularly in his challenging relationship with the Corinthian believers.
c. AD 49-50
Paul Founds Corinthian Church
The Apostle Paul established the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey, facing significant opposition in this wealthy, cosmopolitan, and morally complex city.
c. AD 53-55— this verse
Paul Writes First Letter to Corinth
Written from Ephesus, this letter addresses numerous issues plaguing the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and misunderstandings about spiritual gifts and apostolic authority.
c. AD 55
Paul Visits Corinth
Paul likely made a difficult visit to Corinth around this time, which may have been when he experienced further rejection and pain from some members of the church.
c. AD 56-57
Paul Writes Second Letter to Corinth
This letter (often identified with 2 Corinthians) reflects Paul's intense emotions regarding the Corinthian church, where he defends his apostolic ministry against harsh criticism and slander.
This Psalm speaks about the blessings for the one who considers the weak and the poor, directly contrasting with the 'scum of the world' description, highlighting God's care for those overlooked by society.
2 Corinthians 11:23-28Paul lists his sufferings and hardships in service to Christ, mirroring the 'refuse of all things' attitude of the world towards those who serve God, showing this was a shared experience among apostles.
Philippians 2:3-7This passage encourages believers to act with humility, valuing others above themselves, a mindset that aligns with Paul's willingness to be considered 'scum' for the sake of the Gospel, reflecting Christ's own humility.
1 Peter 4:12-14Peter reassures believers that suffering and slander for Christ's sake are reasons to rejoice, as the Spirit of glory rests upon them, echoing the paradoxical honor found in Paul's description.
Paul flips the script on worldly honor, showing that true spiritual leaders aren't those who demand respect, but those who, like Jesus, endure slander with gentle pleas. Their lowliness, deemed "scum" by the world, is actually a sign of their Christ-like suffering and dedication to the Gospel.
Paul is addressing divisions and arrogance within the Corinthian church, who are taking sides and acting like worldly celebrities. He's contrasting their self-important attitudes with the humble suffering of the apostles, who are willing to be treated as worthless for Christ's sake, facing slander and mistreatment without retaliation. This sets the stage for his call to imitation and his further explanation of Christ-like suffering.
Paul is addressing divisions and arrogance within the Corinthian church, who are taking sides and acting like worldly celebrities. He's contrasting their self-important attitudes with the humble suffering of the apostles, who are willing to be treated as worthless for Christ's sake, facing slander and mistreatment without retaliation. This sets the stage for his call to imitation and his further explanation of Christ-like suffering.
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"when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things." — Paul flips the script on worldly honor, showing that true spiritual leaders aren't those who demand respect, but those who, like Jesus, endure slander with gentle pleas. Their lowliness, deemed "scum…
