V.6
"now these things"
most likely referring to v.1-5 (perhaps chap. 3 also); here he
directly states that the principles apply to all christians.
"not to exceed what is written"
lots of debate here; a few say 'scribal error', but most go
with some variation on paul wanting them to fall in line
with scripture, scripture he's quoted thus far, his letters,
etc...
"so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other."
assuming we're discussing v.1-5 (makes more sense than chap. 3 in terms of
broad application), the judgement/condemnation against one another would not
have been done not out of concern but out of arrogance;
perhaps this is the deliniator in judgement?
does this answer the question "when should we judge, and when shouldn't we?"
i don't think i can say absolutely that the only distinction is our
pride/attitude, but that definitely seems to be a big part (as a minimum).
"what did you have that you did not receive?"
(in the contest of factionalism) what do you lack that you must grasp and
fight for?
this is a key phrase that i'd like to discuss later...
"You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings
without us; and indeed, {I} wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign
with you."
paul seems to be using sarcasm here as he declares them to be kings and then
states that they aren't...
the phrase most likely either refers to :
kings as eschatalogical fulfillment
kings as general high status
"For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death"
the picture here is that of a gladiator (bread and circuses)
"We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak,
but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor."
paul compares their 'status' with the status of the apostles...he
seems to be calling into question their perception...
"To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed..."
the apostles as an example of humility...
POSITIVE : WHAT WE HAVE RECEIVED
"what did you have that you did not receive?"
what does this attack? any area in which we feel superior and in which
we want to take credit.
appearance - invalid, as we are created. gen 1
intelligence - invalid, as we are created. rom 9
sanctification (morality) - invalid, it is the work of god. 1 cor 1:2
salvation - invalid, it is the work of god. 1 cor 1:4
NEGATIVE : WHAT WE HAVE RENOUNCED
"we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when
we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate;"
the actions of humility
please notice the pragmatic carrying out of humility here
they are not above work
there is no status held over other humans about being too good to
work.
when reviled, they bless
when persecuted, they endure
when slandered, they conciliate
phil. 2...humility is our command. we are (to borrow earlier terms from chap 4)
servants and stewards of christ, and are under obligation to live in humility.