12 And with our hands we do the hardest work: when they give us curses we give blessings, when we undergo punishment we take it quietly;
Not giving back evil for evil, or curse for curse, but in place of cursing, blessing; because this is the purpose of God for you that you may have a heritage of blessing.
And because he was of the same trade, he was living with them, and they did their work together; for by trade they were tent-makers.
Give blessing and not curses to those who are cruel to you.
Give blessing to those who give you curses, say prayers for those who are cruel to you.
But you are happy if you undergo pain because of righteousness; have no part in their fear and do not be troubled;
Now when Michael, one of the chief angels, was fighting against the Evil One for the body of Moses, fearing to make use of violent words against him, he only said, May the Lord be your judge.
Dear brothers, do not be surprised, as if it was something strange, if your faith is tested as by fire: But be glad that you are given a part in the pains of Christ; so that at the revelation of his glory you may have great joy. If men say evil things of you because of the name of Christ, happy are you; for the Spirit of glory and of God is resting on you.
But I say to you, Have love for those who are against you, and make prayer for those who are cruel to you;
And this is the purpose of all our work and our fighting, because our hope is in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, and specially of those who have faith.
And we did not take food from any man for nothing, but were working hard night and day not to be a trouble to any of you:
Or I only and Barnabas, have we no right to take a rest from work?
You yourselves have seen that with these hands I got what was necessary for me and those who were with me.
Keep in mind the words I said to you, A servant is not greater than his lord. If they were cruel to me, they will be cruel to you; if they kept my words, they will keep yours.
Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4 Matthew Henry Commentary
Chapter 4
In this chapter the apostle,
1Cr 4:1-6
Here,
1Cr 4:7-13
Here the apostle improves the foregoing hint to a caution against pride and self-conceit, and sets forth the temptations the Corinthians had to despise him, from the difference of their circumstances.
1Cr 4:14-16
Here Paul challenges their regard to him as their father. He tells them,
1Cr 4:17-21
Here,