King James Bible
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.

American Standard Version
For, I think, God hath set forth us the apostles last of all, as men doomed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, both to angels and men.

Young's Literal Translation
for I think that God did set forth us the apostles last -- as appointed to death, because a spectacle we became to the world, and messengers, and men;

1 Corinthians 4:9 Additional Translations
Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

God hath set forth us the apostles last - This whole passage is well explained by Dr. Whitby. "Here the apostle seems to allude to the Roman spectacles, της των θηριομαχων, και μονομαχιας ανδροφονου, that of the Bestiarii and the gladiators, where in the morning men were brought upon the theatres to fight with wild beasts, and to them was allowed armor to defend themselves and smite the beasts that assailed them; but in the meridian or noon-day spectacles the gladiators were brought forth naked, and without any thing to defend themselves from the sword of the assailant; and he that then escaped was only kept for slaughter to another day, so that these men might well be called επιθανατιοι, men appointed for death; and this being the last appearance on the theater for that day, they are said here to be set forth εσχατοι, the last." Of these two spectacles Seneca speaks thus, Epist. vii.: "In the morning men are exposed to lions and bears; at mid-day to their spectators; those that kill are exposed to one another; the victor is detained for another slaughter; the conclusion of the fight is death. The former fighting compared to this was mercy; now it is mere butchery: they have nothing to cover them; their whole body is exposed to every blow, and every stroke produces a wound," etc.

We are made a spectacle - Ὁτι θεατρον εγενηθημεν, We are exhibited on the theater to the world; we are lawful booty to all mankind, and particularly to the men of the world, who have their portion in this life. Angels are astonished at our treatment, and so are the more considerate part of men. Who at that time would have coveted the apostolate?

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

I.

1 Corinthians 15:30-32 And why stand we in jeopardy every hour...

2 Corinthians 1:8-10 For we would not, brothers, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure...

2 Corinthians 4:8-12 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair...

2 Corinthians 6:9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;

Philippians 1:29,30 For to you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake...

1 Thessalonians 3:3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

us the apostles last, as. or, us the last apostles, as.

Psalm 44:22 Yes, for your sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.

Romans 8:36 As it is written, For your sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

1 Thessalonians 5:9,10 For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ...

Revelation 6:9-11 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God...

we are.

Hebrews 10:33 Partly, whilst you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly...

Hebrews 11:36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yes, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

spectacle. Gr. theatre.

Acts 19:29,31 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel...

to angels, and to men.

Hebrews 1:14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Revelation 7:11-14 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces...

Revelation 17:6,7 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her...

1 Corinthians 4:9 Parallel Commentaries
Angels Apostles Appointed Condemned Creation Death Die Display Displayed Doomed End Fate Forth Last Messengers Procession Seems Sentenced Spectacle Think Universe Whole WorldAngels Apostles Appointed Condemned Creation Death Die Display Displayed Doomed End Fate Forth Last Messengers Procession Seems Sentenced Spectacle Think Universe Whole WorldTHE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica®.

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