What does 1 Corinthians 4:12 mean?

And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: 1 Corinthians 4:12

Explanation

The verse 1 Corinthians 4:12 expresses a measure of paradox and endurance in the face of adversity. It is a call to work diligently and serve humbly. When the apostle Paul speaks of “labour, working with our own hands,” he emphasizes the dignity of manual labor, and that the apostles were not above providing for their own needs through physical work. The subsequent phrases “being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it” capture the apostolic response to mistreatment. Rather than retaliating when insulted, they choose to bless—meaning to speak well of or invoke divine favor upon their opponents. When they are persecuted, they endure without seeking revenge. The deeper meaning here invokes a Christian ethic of responding to hatred with love, to persecution with patience, and to insult with kindness.

Historical Context

The verse is part of a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth around 53-54 AD. Corinth was a major Greek city known for its wealth, diverse population, and moral laxity. The Christians in Corinth faced internal strife, moral dilemmas, and external pressures from a pagan society. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to address various issues within the church, including divisions, immorality, and the proper conduct of Christians. In the immediate context, 1 Corinthians 4:1-21, Paul is addressing the issue of apostolic authority and the correct way to regard apostles. The Corinthians were judging the apostles by worldly standards, and Paul is demonstrating that apostolic ministry involves servant leadership and often includes suffering.

Theological Insights

Theologically, 1 Corinthians 4:12 can be analyzed from several perspectives:

• From a soteriological viewpoint, the verse implies that salvation does not exempt one from hardship. Rather, the Christian ethic is one that finds honor in suffering for the sake of Christ.
• Through an eschatological lens, suffering is temporary, and the response of blessing and enduring persecution is linked to the hope of future glory and vindication.
• Ecclesiologically, this verse suggests that the Church should embody an ethic of hard work and resilience in the face of external pressures, reflecting Christ’s teachings on loving enemies (Matthew 5:44).
• From a Christological approach, the life of Christ himself serves as the model for this kind of behavior. Just as Christ responded to persecution with forgiveness (Luke 23:34), Christians are called to do the same.

Practical Applications

The teachings found in 1 Corinthians 4:12 can be applied in various practical ways:

• Christians are encouraged to work diligently and honestly, regardless of the task at hand.
• The verse advocates for a peaceful response to insults and persecution. In personal conflicts and broader social issues, a Christian is called to bless and not curse.
• In the workplace or amongst peers, when faced with unfair criticism or hostility, this teaching suggests responding with integrity and patience rather than retaliating.
• This verse can also inform Christian counseling and conflict resolution, encouraging individuals to endure hardships while maintaining a Christ-like demeanor.

Cross-References

• Matthew 5:39-44: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
• Romans 12:14: Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
• 1 Peter 2:23: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.
• 2 Thessalonians 3:8-9: Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words like “labour” (κοπιῶντες, kopiontes) have a connotation of toiling or working hard. “Working with our own hands” (ἐργαζόμενοι, ergazomenoi) indicates self-sufficiency. The word “reviled” (λοιδορούμενοι, loidoroumenoi) conveys verbal abuse or insults, and “bless” (εὐλογοῦμεν, eulogoumen) suggests invoking a benediction. Finally, “suffer it” (ἀνεχόμεθα, anechometha) implies patiently enduring or bearing up under.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader Greco-Roman world, responses to personal attacks and insults varied. Philosophers such as the Stoics advocated for self-control and not allowing oneself to be perturbed by external events. However, the Christian ethic introduced by Jesus and expounded by Paul contrasts with the common retaliation practices of honor and shame cultures. In other ancient religions, the response to personal affronts might involve appeasing deities through sacrifice or ritual to overcome one’s enemies, rather than praying for them.

Scientific Perspectives

While not directly related to the scientific domain, this verse touches on human psychology and social behavior. Modern psychology recognizes the benefits of forgiveness and non-retaliatory behavior for one’s mental health and for society at large. Research in psychology and sociology often aligns with the principles in this verse, suggesting that responding to negativity with positive behavior can lead to better mental well-being and more harmonious social interactions.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentaries offer interpretations of this verse within its broader context:

• The Matthew Henry Commentary emphasizes that apostles were willing to work with their hands, though it was not required, to avoid being burdensome and to set an example of humility and diligence.
• The John MacArthur Study Bible notes the contrast in responses commanded by Paul—returning blessings for curses and patiently enduring persecution—reflections of Christ’s own responses.
• The ESV Study Bible points out that early church leaders were often tentmakers like Paul, and their manual labor was a sign of their commitment to the Gospel and their refusal to be a financial burden to their communities.
• The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible remarks on the concept of “honorable work,” indicating that manual labor was not typically respected in Greco-Roman society, and Paul is redefining what is considered honorable.