While researching my book, Everywhere, I kept bumping into stories of persecution. Lately I’ve been wandering through the Scriptures looking for lessons on the topic. Here’s what I found in 1 Corinthians (I Cor 1:18–25; 4:1–21).
Paul has a problem with the Corinthians.
The Corinthian church is divided by factions and Paul is defending his apostolic authority and the nature of the gospel. His arguments are still relevant and have implications for how we understand and respond to persecution.
The Corinthians have drunk deeply of the Spirit and are living as if the age to come has fully arrived. They are spiritually proud.
Paul says, Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign! If only that were true, we could reign with you (1 Cor 4:8).
They have exchanged the gospel of the crucified Messiah for the wisdom of this world.
Paul responds by reminding them of the cross—a message of foolishness to a perishing world but to those who are being saved, the power of God (1 Cor 1:18).
Instead, we apostles are like men condemned to die in the arena, on display to the whole universe. The kingdom has come, but not in its fulness. We continue to live in a fallen world. Our lives and mission are under the cross. Paul’s weakness reveals God’s wisdom and power.
Paul chides them: You’re wise, but we’re fools for Christ. You’re strong, but we are weak. You’re honored, we’re dishonored and destitute.
Paul revels in what they despise. When cursed, we bless. When persecuted, we endure. When slandered, we answer with kindness. We are the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world.
Paul’s life and mission stand under the cross. That’s the reason why he endures suffering and persecution. That’s why he is a weak and fool in the eyes of his opponents.
God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human might.
Paul appeals to them affectionately as their father through the gospel. He urges them to imitate him (1 Cor 4:14–15).
We live in the overlap of the ages. Through Christ, the kingdom has invaded this world; God’s promises are being fulfilled. Through his death and resurrection, salvation has come, the Spirit has come, and victory has come. What the Corinthians don’t understand is that we continue to live in a fallen world. We’re not home yet and there is a job to do.
Paul shares his suffering as an apostle. As the gospel goes out and disciples and churches form in unreached fields, Paul suffers. He tells the Corinthians to “imitate me.” The task, the sufferings, are not just for full-time missionaries; all of God’s faithful people share in them.
Paul urges every disciple to let go of their demand for a trouble-free life and join him as he follows Jesus.
