1 Corinthians 4:9
For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
Original Language Analysis
δοκῶ
I think
G1380
δοκῶ
I think
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
1 of 21
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
γάρ
For
G1063
γάρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποστόλους
the apostles
G652
ἀποστόλους
the apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
8 of 21
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
ἀπέδειξεν
hath set forth
G584
ἀπέδειξεν
hath set forth
Strong's:
G584
Word #:
10 of 21
to show off, i.e., exhibit; figuratively, to demonstrate, i.e., accredit
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
11 of 21
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
13 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
θέατρον
a spectacle
G2302
θέατρον
a spectacle
Strong's:
G2302
Word #:
14 of 21
a place for public show ("theatre"), i.e., general audience-room; by implication, a show itself (figuratively)
ἐγενήθημεν
we are made
G1096
ἐγενήθημεν
we are made
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
15 of 21
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμῳ
unto the world
G2889
κόσμῳ
unto the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
17 of 21
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀγγέλοις
to angels
G32
ἀγγέλοις
to angels
Strong's:
G32
Word #:
19 of 21
compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor
Cross References
Hebrews 10:33Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used.Romans 8:36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.Hebrews 1:14Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?Hebrews 11:36And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:Acts 19:29And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.Acts 19:31And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.Psalms 44:22Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.2 Corinthians 6:9As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;1 Thessalonians 3:3That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
Historical Context
Roman society thrived on spectacle—gladiatorial games, triumphal processions, public executions. Paul deliberately adopts this imagery to contrast apostolic reality with Corinthian fantasy. Where they imagined themselves reigning, apostles were dying. This catalog of suffering (vv. 9-13) parallels other Pauline peristaseis (hardship lists) that authenticated apostleship through weakness rather than power (2 Cor 4:7-12; 6:4-10; 11:23-29).
Questions for Reflection
- How does apostolic suffering as 'spectacle' challenge contemporary celebrity Christian culture and platform-building?
- What would it mean for you to embrace Christ's pattern of descending into obscurity and suffering rather than climbing toward recognition and comfort?
- How might your willingness to endure hardship for the gospel serve as a 'spectacle' that displays God's upside-down kingdom values to watching angels and humans?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death. The verb apodeik nymi (ἀποδείκνυμι, "to exhibit/display publicly") was used for gladiatorial spectacles. Eschatous (ἐσχάτους, "last") means both chronologically last and socially lowest. Epithanatious (ἐπιθανατίους, "condemned to death") referred to criminals or prisoners of war paraded before crowds en route to execution. Paul presents apostles as the ultimate anti-celebrities—society's refuse, not its elite.
For we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. Theatron (θέατρον, "spectacle/theater") extends the gladiatorial imagery. The cosmos—both visible (kosmos, world of humanity) and invisible (angelois, angelic witnesses)—observes apostolic suffering as a cosmic drama revealing God's wisdom (Eph 3:10). While Corinthians sought applause, apostles endured public shame. This inverted status hierarchy reflects the crucified Messiah's own trajectory (Phil 2:6-11).