What does 1 Corinthians 4:11 mean?

Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; 1 Corinthians 4:11

Explanation

1 Corinthians 4:11 reveals the apostle Paul’s personal hardships during his mission to spread the Christian gospel. In this verse, Paul describes multiple challenges faced by him and his fellow laborers: hunger, thirst, lack of clothing, physical abuse, and homelessness. The literal explanation is straightforward, with Paul listing the physical deprivations and sufferings they endure. On a deeper level, the verse highlights the humility and sacrifice of the apostles for the sake of their calling and contrasts their earthly struggles with the spiritual riches they sought to share. Paul uses these experiences to authenticate his apostleship, emphasizing that true commitment to Christ involves enduring hardships.

Historical Context

The historical context of 1 Corinthians is anchored in Paul’s ministry to the church in Corinth, a cosmopolitan Greek city known for its wealth and immorality. Written around A.D. 55, this letter addresses various issues in the Corinthian congregation, including divisiveness, spiritual arrogance, and moral lapses. By mentioning his own sufferings, Paul could be trying to shape the Corinthians’ understanding of what it truly means to be a leader and follower of Christ—setting a sharp contrast with the “success” that some false teachers of that time equated with godliness.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints will emphasize various aspects of 1 Corinthians 4:11. Evangelical theology may focus on the concept of “suffering for Christ,” seeing Paul’s tribulations as part of the Christian walk. Liberation theology could interpret the verse as a reflection of the solidarity of Christ’s followers with the poor and oppressed. Catholic theology might see it as an encouragement to embrace voluntary poverty and suffering in imitation of the apostles. All of these viewpoints recognize the verse as a testament to the self-denying aspects of Christian discipleship.

Practical Applications

1 Corinthians 4:11 can be applied to modern life by encouraging Christians to be steadfast in faith amidst hardship and to value spiritual prosperity over material wealth. It can prompt believers to support those who serve in difficult mission fields and to reflect on their own willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the gospel. The verse also serves as a reminder to find contentment in Christ alone, regardless of one’s circumstances.

Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 6:4-10: “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,…as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;”
• Matthew 8:20: “And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”
• Acts 14:22: “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text are:

• “πεινῶμεν” (peinomen) – “we hunger”
• “διψῶμεν” (dipsomen) – “we thirst”
• “γυμνιτεύομεν” (gymniteuomen) – “we are naked”
• “κολαφιζόμεθα” (kolaphizometha) – “we are buffeted”
• “ἀστατοῦμεν” (astatoumen) – “we have no certain dwellingplace”

Each of these words highlights a different aspect of the apostles’ physical suffering and emphasizes the severity of their conditions.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Similar to the ascetic practices found in other ancient religions and philosophies (such as Stoicism), the apostle Paul’s life of hardship hints at a tradition of virtuous poverty. However, unlike some other traditions that value suffering as an end in itself, Christian suffering is characterized in this context by its association with the proclamation of the Gospel and the imitation of Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the physical hardships described by Paul (hunger, thirst, exposure, and violence) would undoubtedly impact the health and wellbeing of individuals. Modern research in psychology and medicine would recognize the resilience and possible post-traumatic growth that can result from enduring such adversities, provided the individual possesses strong coping mechanisms, such as a sense of higher purpose or support from a community—factors that might have been present for Paul and his companions.

Commentaries

Modern biblical commentaries emphasize various aspects of 1 Corinthians 4:11:

• They note how Paul sets a powerful example of apostolic ministry marked by humility and sacrifice.
• Some stress Paul’s reliance on God’s strength and grace in weakness, as seen in his other writings.
• Others explore the socio-economic conditions of the time and suggest that the hardships suffered by Paul were common amongst those in traveling ministries.
• There is an understanding that Paul uses his own experiences as a sharp critique against the self-promotion and false teachers that threatened the Corinthian church.