1 Corinthians 4:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 4:13
13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 4 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, mercy, judgment. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 4:13
13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
Analysis
Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. Dysphēmoumenoi parakaloumen (δυσφημούμενοι παρακαλοῦμεν, "being slandered, we exhort/encourage")—Paul responds to malicious speech with gracious appeal. The final two metaphors are shocking: perikatharmata (περικαθάρματα, "filth/scum/refuse") and peripsēma (περίψημα, "offscouring/scrapings")—terms for garbage swept away or scapegoats bearing community sins.
These words may allude to a pagan custom where criminals or outcasts were expelled or killed during disasters to purify the city—human pharmakoi (scapegoats). Paul embraces this imagery: apostles are treated as expendable pollution, society's trash. Yet this very degradation fulfills Christ's example, who "became sin for us" (2 Cor 5:21) and died outside the camp, bearing our shame (Heb 13:12-13). The phrase heōs arti (ἕως ἄρτι, "until now") reiterates ongoing reality—not past tribulation but present experience.
Historical Context
Greek cities occasionally practiced pharmakos rituals, expelling or killing marginalized individuals (criminals, slaves, deformed persons) to avert divine wrath. Whether Paul directly references this or simply uses metaphorical language, his point is clear: apostles occupy the lowest social stratum, bearing vicarious shame for the gospel. This stark imagery climaxes the suffering catalog (vv. 9-13) before Paul pivots to paternal affection (v. 14).
Reflection
- Are you willing to be considered 'scum and refuse' by the world—or even by other Christians—for the sake of gospel faithfulness?
- How does this verse challenge prosperity gospel promises and Christian pursuit of cultural influence and respectability?
- What 'slander' or 'defamation' might you face if you more boldly proclaimed unpopular biblical truths, and how can you prepare to respond with gracious entreaty rather than defensive anger?
Cross-References
- Creation: Lamentations 3:45