Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 4:12
And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
12. and labour, working with our own hands ] Consult Paley, Horae Paulinae, 1st Ep. to Corinthians, No. vi, for a full discussion of the remarkable coincidence between this passage and the speech to the Ephesian elders in Act 20:34, where, though the words were spoken on a different occasion, and are related by a different author, we find statements exactly corresponding. St Paul, in this Epistle written from Ephesus, and in that speech spoken at Ephesus, states that he laboured with his own hands there, and in both cases the remark is dropped undesignedly. The coincidence is the best proof possible of the genuineness both of Epistle and narrative. See also ch. 1Co 9:6 and Act 18:3 ; 1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8.
being reviled, we bless ] Compare St Mat 5:5; Mat 5:38-45; St Luk 23:34; St Joh 18:23; 1Pe 2:23.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And labour … – This Paul often did. See the note at Act 18:3; compare Act 20:34; 1Th 2:9. 2Th 3:8.
Being reviled – That they were often reviled or reproached, their history everywhere shows. See the Acts of the Apostles. They were reviled or ridiculed as Jews by the Gentiles; and jeered by all as Nazarenes, and as deluded followers of Jesus; as the victims of a foolish superstition and enthusiasm.
We bless – We return good for evil. In this they followed the explicit direction of the Saviour; see the note at Mat 5:44. The main idea in these passages is, that they were reviled, were persecuted, etc. The other clauses, we bless, we suffer it, etc. seem to be thrown in by the way to show how they bore this ill treatment. As if he had said we are reviled; and what is more, we bear it patiently, and return good for evil. At the same time, that he was recounting his trials, he was, therefore, incidentally instructing them in the nature of the gospel, and showing how their sufferings were to be borne; and how to illustrate the excellency of the Christian doctrine.
Being persecuted – See the note at Mat 5:11.
We suffer it – We sustain it; we do not revenge it; we abstain from resenting or resisting it.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 12. Working with our own hands] They were obliged to labour in order to supply themselves with the necessaries of life while preaching the Gospel to others. This, no doubt, was the case in every place were no Church had been as yet formed: afterwards, the people of God supplied their ministers, according to their power, with food and raiment.
Being reviled, we bless, c.] What a most amiable picture does this exhibit of the power of the grace of Christ! Man is naturally a proud creature, and his pride prompts him always to avenge himself in whatever manner he can, and repay insult with insult. It is only the grace of Christ that can make a man patient in bearing injuries, and render blessing for cursing, beneficence for malevolence, &c. The apostles suffered an indignities for Christ’s sake for it was on his account that they were exposed to persecutions, &c.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
And labour, working with our hands; we do not only labour in the word and doctrine, but we labour with our hands, that we might not be burdensome to the church, our hands ministering to our necessities, Act 20:34; though, as he saith, 1Co 9:4, they had a power to eat and drink, that is, a right to have demanded meat and drink of them, and might have forbore working; for who goeth a warfare at his own charges? 1Co 3:6,7. Whence we may observe, that though the ministers of Christ ought to be maintained by the churches to which they relate, and they sin if they neglect it; yet where this either is not done through mens sinful neglect of them, or cannot be done through the poverty of the members of such churches, it is lawful for them to labour with their hands.
Being reviled, we bless; we are reviled and spoken ill of, but we do not revile others, but speak well of them, and wish well to them.
Being persecuted, we suffer it; though we be hunted and pursued to the endangering of our lives and liberties, yet we do make no resistance, but patiently suffer it. By this the apostle showeth them the duty of Christians, as well as their lot and portion in this life; and also tacitly reflecteth on them and their teachers, who were some of those that thus reviled the apostles; and though they did not, it may be, smite them with their hands, yet they persecuted them with their tongues; and leaves it to their consideration, whether the apostles or they lived more up to the rule of Christianity given by Christ, Mat 5:39-41.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
12. working with our ownhandsnamely, “even unto this present hour” (1Co4:11). This is not stated in the narrative of Paul’sproceedings at Ephesus, from which city he wrote this Epistle(though it is expressly stated of him at Corinth, compareAct 18:3; Act 18:19).But in his address to the Ephesian elders at Miletus (Ac20:34), he says, “Ye yourselves know that these hands haveministered unto my necessities,” &c. The undesignedness ofthe coincidence thus indirectly brought out is incompatible withforgery.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And labour, working with our own hands,…. As the apostle did at Corinth, Ac 18:3 and elsewhere; partly to minister to his own necessities, and those of others; and partly that he might not be burdensome to the churches; and also to set an example of diligence and industry to others; though he had a right and power to claim a maintenance of those to whom he ministered.
Being reviled, we bless; as Christ commanded, Mt 5:44 and the apostle himself directed and exhorted to, Ro 12:14
being persecuted, we suffer it; that is, patiently; neither resisting our persecutors, nor murmuring and repining at our unhappy circumstances; but taking all in good part, as what is the will of God, and will make for his glory.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
We toil (). Common late verb for weariness in toil (Lu 5:5),
working with our own hands ( ) instrumental case and not simply for himself but also for Aquila and Priscilla as he explains in Ac 20:34. This personal touch gives colour to the outline. Paul alludes to this fact often (1Thess 2:9; 2Thess 3:8; 1Cor 9:6; 2Cor 11:7). “Greeks despised manual labour; St. Paul glories in it” (Robertson and Plummer). Cf. Deissmann, Light, etc., p. 317.
Being reviled we bless ( ). Almost the language of Peter about Jesus (1Pe 2:23) in harmony with the words of Jesus in Matt 5:44; Luke 6:27.
Being persecuted we endure ( ). We hold back and do not retaliate. Turn to Paul’s other picture of his experiences in the vivid contrasts in 2Cor 4:7-10; 2Cor 6:3-10 for an interpretation of his language here.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
Labor [] . Rev., toil. Unto weariness. See on Luk 5:5. Reviled [] . See on Act 23:4.
We bless [] . See on blessed, Joh 12:13.
We suffer [] . Lit., we hold or bear up.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “And labor, working with our own hands.” (kai kopiomen ergazomenoi tais idiais chersin) “and labor, continually working with my own hands.” Paul did tent-making with his own hands in Corinth, Act 18:3, while building the church. More than three years later he continually did manual labor, supporting himself and other missionaries in Ephesus while the Corinthian brethren were at ease in Corinth, Act 20:34-35.
2) “Being reviled, we bless.” (loidoroumenoi eulogoumen) “While being continually reviled or vilified, we bless.” This is what our Lord taught his servants to do, Mat 5:44; this is what Stephen did, Act 7:60.
3) “Being persecuted, we suffer it:- (diokomenoi anechometha) “being continually persecuted we bear up under it or keep on enduring it.” Paul knew experimentally that God would not suffer him to be tested more than he was able to bear, 1Co 10:13; 2Co 12:9-10.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
12. When he says that while persecuted he suffers it, and that he prays for his revilers, he intimates that he is not merely afflicted and abased by God, by means of the cross, but is also endowed with a disposition to abase himself willingly. In this, perhaps, he gives a stroke to the false apostles, who were so effeminate and tender, that they could not bear to be touched even with your little finger. In speaking of their laboring he adds — with our own hands, to express more fully the meanness of his employments (243) — “I do not merely gain a livelihood for myself by my own labor, but by mean labor, working with my own hands. ”
(243) “ Que c’estoit vn mestier ville, et mechanique;” — “That it was a mean and mechanical occupation.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(12) And labour.While at Ephesus, whence this letter was written, the Apostle supported himself by working with Aquila and Priscilla at tent-making. This labour was no recreation or pastime with St. Paul, it was hard and earnest work. (See 1Th. 2:8-9; 2Th. 3:8.) That this labour was rendered more excessive from the Apostles characteristic generosity to others, we may conclude from the expression used in his farewell to the Ephesian elders (Act. 20:17-38), Ye yourselves know that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
Being reviled, we bless.A striking contrast to the way in which the Corinthians would act under similar circumstances, and yet a literal obedience to the teaching of the Master (Mat. 5:39; Mat. 5:44). Thus the Apostle became in the eyes of the world, a fool for Christs sake.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
12. Working hands Not only at Corinth at first, (Act 18:3,) but in Ephesus now. Act 20:34.
Reviled bless The words, perhaps, indicate that St. Paul had read the Gospel of Matthew. See Mat 5:39; Mat 5:44.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
DISCOURSE: 1954
PAULS MEEKNESS
1Co 4:12-13. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the earth, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
AS there is a wide difference between the characters of the wicked and the righteous, so there are strong marks of discrimination between those who are truly pious, and those who have taken up a profession of religion without having felt its transforming efficacy. In too many there remains a proud, contentious spirit, amidst all their pretensions to piety: but in the upright Christian there is a meek, patient, and benevolent disposition, which will shew itself in the most trying circumstances, and afford a decisive evidence of his sincerity. Of the former description were those teachers, who, in order to gain over to themselves a party in the Corinthian Church, introduced among them contentions and divisions. But to these the Apostles conduct forms a striking contrast: and though he doubtless was peculiarly eminent in his attainments, we may see in him what every Christian, according to the measure of his grace, will surely practise.
We shall take occasion from his words to shew,
I.
The treatment which every Christian meets with from an ungodly world
The people of God have in every age been despised by the world
[It was the common complaint of all the Prophets [Note: David, Psa 25:19; Psa 56:5-6. Jeremiah, Jer 18:18 and Lam 3:62. In reference to all of them, see Act 7:52.], and Apostles [Note: 1Co 4:9.], and of Christ himself [Note: Joh 7:7; Joh 15:24-25.], that they were objects of hatred and contempt to all around them. We also are taught to expect the very same treatment at the hands of ungodly men [Note: Mat 10:22; Mat 10:24-25.]. We shall be defamed behind our backs, and reviled to our face: nor will our enemies be satisfied with injuring us merely by their words; they will also persecute us by acts of open hostility [Note: Mat 5:11 and 2Ti 3:12.]: yea, they will account us as the very scum of the earth, and as execrable wretches that are fit only to be sacrificed to devils, to appease their wrath in a time of public calamity [Note: This is the precise idea suggested in the text; and it refers to a custom which obtained in some heathen countries, and was probably well known at Corinth. See Doddridge on the place.].]
Strange as this may seem, it may be easily accounted for
[Christians are not thus detested because they are worse than others (for they are the excellent of the earth, more excellent than any of their neighbours [Note: Psa 16:3. Pro 12:26.],) but because they exhibit a light which forces men to see their own wickedness [Note: Mat 5:10. Luk 6:22. Joh 3:19-20.]. To this we must ascribe Cains murder of his brother [Note: 1Jn 3:12.], and the universal opposition which the seed of the serpent make to the seed of the woman [Note: Gen 3:15. Gal 4:29. Psa 38:20.]. If we were of the world, the world would love its own: but because we are chosen out of the world, and walk contrary to its sinful customs, it does, and will, hate us even unto death [Note: Joh 15:18-20.].]
Doubtless such treatment is hard to be borne; but the Christian distinguishes himself by,
II.
His behaviour under it
There are two things that characterize a true Christian under all his trials:
1.
A passive meekness
[The saints are men of like passions with others; but, through grace, they are enabled to repress the workings of corruption, and to regulate their tempers by the word of God. Instead of giving loose to a vindictive spirit, they bear with silent resignation the injuries that are inflicted on them, or, if they speak, it is only in words of gentle entreaty. David, in his conduct towards Shimei [Note: 2Sa 16:5-11.] and Saul [Note: 1Sa 26:8-9; 1Sa 26:18-20; 1Sa 26:24.], exemplifies in both these points of view the Christians duty, and the Christians experience. There are indeed occasions whereon, through inadvertence or the power of temptation, they may be overcome [Note: e. g. Moses, Num 20:10. Psa 106:32-33 and Paul, Act 23:3-5.]: but, on the whole, they will possess their souls in patience [Note: Luk 21:19.], and shew all meekness unto all men [Note: Tit 3:2.]. Rather than provoke contention they will endure the wrong that is done towards them [Note: 1Co 6:7.], and, forbearing to notice it in complaint to man [Note: Psa 38:12-14.], will commit themselves into the hands of a righteous God [Note: 1Pe 4:19.].]
2.
An active benevolence
[The natural man, under injuries received, is mindful only of his own troubles: but the Christian feels a concern for the souls of those who injure him. He is grieved for them [Note: Psa 35:7; Psa 35:11-17.]; and would be willing to sustain any temporal evils whatever, if by means of his own sufferings he might bring his enemies to a better mind, and avert from them Gods heavy displeasure [Note: Exo 32:32. Rom 9:1-3.]. He will even bless his enemies, and pray for them [Note: Luk 6:27-28. Rom 12:14.], and rendering to them good for evil, he will heap coals of fire, as it were, upon their heads, in order to melt them into love [Note: Rom 12:17; Rom 12:19-20.]. He will contend indeed; but he will use no weapon except that of love: and in this warfare he will fight strenuously, till, instead of being overcome of evil, he overcomes evil with good [Note: Rom 12:21.].]
Infer
1.
How different is the judgment of God from that of sinful men!
[Men hate and despise the righteous [Note: Psa 37:32. Isa 59:15.]; and would pour out their blood as water, if God should withdraw his restraints from them [Note: Psa 79:2-4.]. But God declares that, instead of their being unfit to live in the world, the world itself is not worthy of them [Note: Heb 11:38.]; that their blood is precious in his sight [Note: Psa 116:15.]; that whoso toucheth them, toucheth the apple of his eye [Note: Zec 2:8.]; and that it were better for any man to be cast into the sea with a millstone tied about his neck, than that he should offend one of his little ones [Note: Mat 18:6.]. Moreover the time is fast approaching, when this difference of sentiment shall be made to appear before the whole assembled universe, to the everlasting comfort of his afflicted people, and the eternal confusion of his enemies [Note: Isa 66:5.]. Let us then learn to take up our cross daily, and to follow the example of our blessed Lord [Note: 1Pe 2:21; 1Pe 2:23.]; so shall we approve ourselves his true Disciples [Note: Mat 16:24-25.], and obtain a glorious reward in the day of judgment [Note: Mat 5:12.].]
2.
How superior are the operations of divine grace to all the suggestions of human wisdom, or all the efforts of human power!
[Philosophy never could devise means to eradicate a vindictive spirit from the heart: on the contrary, it extolled revenge as a virtue, and regarded the temper that is exhibited in the text, as meanness and pusillanimity. If men had even endeavoured to exercise such a disposition as Pauls, they would have failed in the attempt, because unassisted nature is wholly incompetent to such a work. But what cannot the grace of God effect? It will turn a lion into a lamb; or rather, it will transform the vilest of the human race into the image of our incarnate God. Let us then follow the example of the saints and martyrs that have gone before us [Note: Jam 5:10.]. Let us exert ourselves in dependence on the Lord Jesus, and not doubt but that his grace shall be sufficient for us. Then shall our very enemies be constrained to glorify God in us [Note: Gal 1:24.], and to confess that God is with us of a truth [Note: 1Co 14:25.].]
Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)
12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
Ver. 12. And labour, working, &c. ] Whereas they might object, Are you hungry, thirsty, naked? It is because you are idle. No, saith he, “we labour, working with our hands” (a shame for you to suffer it), and yet can hardly sweat out a poor living. This one example of Paul is much pleaded in these times by men of perverse minds to dispute God out of his own. One apostle works with his hands, or two, now and then at pleasure; all the rest live upon the Church (for could those fishermen catch fish in the forests, deserts, or streets?), yet one Paul is set against all the rest of the apostles; yea, set together by the ears with himself; anything to save their purses.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
12 .] As testimonies to Paul’s working with his own hands, see Act 18:3 ; Act 20:34 ; ch. 1Co 9:6 ; 1Th 2:9 ; 2Th 3:8 . That the other Apostles did the same, need not necessarily be inferred from this passage, for he may be describing the state of all by himself as a sample; but it is conceivable, and indeed probable, that they did.
. . . .] ‘So far are we from vindicating to ourselves places of earthly honour and distinction, that we tamely submit to reproach, persecution, and evil repute; nay, we return blessing, and patience, and soft words.’
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
working, &c. See Act 18:3; Act 20:34. 1Th 2:9. 2Th 3:8.
reviled. Greek. loidoreo. See Joh 9:28.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
12.] As testimonies to Pauls working with his own hands, see Act 18:3; Act 20:34; ch. 1Co 9:6; 1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8. That the other Apostles did the same, need not necessarily be inferred from this passage, for he may be describing the state of all by himself as a sample; but it is conceivable, and indeed probable, that they did.
. …] So far are we from vindicating to ourselves places of earthly honour and distinction, that we tamely submit to reproach, persecution, and evil repute;-nay, we return blessing, and patience, and soft words.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
1Co 4:12. , we labour) as if compelled by necessity. Few of the Corinthians did so.–,-, we bless-we endure-we entreat) i.e. we do not return reproaches, persecution, evil speaking, but we only bless; nothing else is lawful; the world thinks that despicable.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
1Co 4:12
1Co 4:12
and we toil, working with our own hands:-[Paul supported himself and his companions in labor by the dreary toil and scant earnings of a tentmaker, in the express determination to be no burden to those who accepted the gospel under his preaching in Corinth. (2Co 11:7-9). Such conduct was more noble because all mechanical trades were looked down upon by the Greeks. It is quite likely that this is mentioned to put the false teachers at Corinth to shame, who not only demanded maintenance from them, but were living in ease and luxury through their liberality to them.]
being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;- [The picture of the ignominious condition of Paul and his fellow laborers is continued, and its effects heightened by the contrast of their demeanor. They are so utterly empty and devoid of all honor with others that, as respects those who reviled, persecuted, and slandered them, they did not in any wise defend themselves or seek vengeance against them.]
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
labour: 1Co 9:6, Act 18:3, Act 20:34, 1Th 2:9, 2Th 3:8, 1Ti 4:10
being reviled: Mat 5:44, Luk 6:28, Luk 23:34, Act 7:60, Rom 12:14, Rom 12:20, 1Pe 2:23, 1Pe 3:9, Jud 1:9
being persecuted: Mat 5:11, 1Pe 3:14, 1Pe 4:12-14, 1Pe 4:19
Reciprocal: 1Ki 13:14 – sitting Psa 89:51 – they have Mat 26:52 – Put Joh 9:28 – they 1Co 9:12 – but 1Co 9:15 – I have 1Co 9:27 – I keep 2Co 6:4 – necessities 2Co 11:27 – in hunger Eph 1:1 – which Phi 4:11 – in respect 1Th 4:11 – to work
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Co 4:12. and we toil, working with our own handssee Act 18:3; Act 20:34; 1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8. Indeed be had to vindicate his liberty to preach at Corinth without hire (when that was ascribed to want of manly openness), and in order to do this he had to work for his own support (see chap. 1Co 9:6).
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
and we toil, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless [Luk 6:27; 1Pe 2:23]; being persecuted, we endure;
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
12. We toil, working with our own hands. Like tramps in our day, they were ready to perform manual labor for temporal support. Being reviled, we bless. Lord, help us to bless people when they abuse us. Being persecuted, we bear it with no retaliatory spirit whatever. Lord, help us to do likewise.