1 Corinthians 4:10

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

We are “fools” for Christ’s sake, but you people [think you] are “wise” in [the fellowship of] Christ. We are weak, but you people [think you] are “strong.” You are honored, but we are despised.

Cross References

Matthew 24:9

At that time people will turn you over [to the authorities] for persecution and will [even] kill you. And people from all countries will hate you for being loyal to me.

Matthew 5:11

You will be blessed when people speak against you and harm you and say bad things about you that are untrue, because of [your devotion to] me.

Luke 10:16

The person who listens to you, [actually] listens to me. And the person who rejects you, [actually] rejects me. And the person who rejects me, [actually] rejects Him who sent me [i.e., God].”

Luke 18:9

Then Jesus told this parable to certain ones who were relying on their own goodness and putting everyone else down:

Luke 6:22

You are blessed when men hate you and withdraw their fellowship from you and speak abusively about you and reject your name as evil, [all] for being loyal to the Son of man.

Acts 17:18

Also certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers approached him for discussion. Some asked, “What will this know-it-all have to say?” Others said, “He seems to be advocating [a belief in] some different gods.” [They said this] because he was proclaiming Jesus and the resurrection [of the dead].

Acts 17:32

Now when the people heard about the resurrection from the dead, some of them made fun of it, but others said, “We would like to hear [more] from you about this again.”

Acts 26:24

As Paul made his defense in this way, Festus said to him loudly, “Paul, you are crazy. All your education is driving you insane.”

Acts 9:16

I will show him how many things he will have to suffer for my name's sake.”

1 Corinthians 1:21

For since, according to God’s [true] wisdom, the world did not know about Him through its wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe [in Christ] through the “foolishness” of the message preached.

1 Corinthians 1:23

but we [apostles] preach that Christ was crucified [for our sins]. This message is offensive to Jews and foolishness to [unconverted] Gentiles.

1 Corinthians 1:25

For the “foolish things” of God are wiser than men’s [wisdom], and the “weakness” of God is stronger than men’s [strength].

1 Corinthians 10:12

So, the person who thinks he is standing firm [in the faith] should pay attention [to his life], so that he does not fall [away from God].

1 Corinthians 2:14

Now the natural person [Note: Since this person is contrasted with the spiritual person of verse 15, it is taken here to mean the person without the Holy Spirit] does not receive the things [i.e., truths] revealed by the Holy Spirit of God, because they are [considered] foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them because they must be discerned by using spiritual judgment [i.e., judgment aided by the Holy Spirit].

1 Corinthians 2:3

And I was weak, apprehensive and fearful when I was [there] with you [Note: This probably refers to Paul’s sense of inadequacy in view of the task before him].

1 Corinthians 3:18

No one should fool himself. If any person among you thinks he is smart, by human standards, he should become a “fool,” so that he can become [really] wise.

1 Corinthians 3:2

For I fed you with milk, not with solid food [i.e., with basic fundamentals instead of more advanced teaching. See Heb. 5:12-13] because you were not able to absorb it,

1 Corinthians 4:8

[Now] you already have all you want! You have already become wealthy! You have begun to rule as kings without our help! How I wish that you had [really] begun to rule as kings, so that we also could rule with you!

2 Corinthians 10:10

For some people are saying, “Paul’s letters are heavy and severe, but in person he is weak [physically (?)] and his speaking ability is unimpressive.”

2 Corinthians 11:19

For, since you people are so smart, you gladly put up with fools.

2 Corinthians 11:29

Who is weak, and I do not feel their weakness? Who is led astray [from God], and I do not burn [i.e., with righteous anger over the one who caused it]?

2 Corinthians 13:9

For we are glad when we are weak and you are powerful. And we are also praying for your complete restoration [i.e., to spiritual maturity]

2 Corinthians 4:12

So then, [the possibility of physical] death is at work in us, while [spiritual] life is at work in you.

2 Corinthians 6:8

[We have experienced] honor and dishonor; a bad reputation and a good one. [We have been viewed] as deceivers and yet are genuine;

1 Thessalonians 4:8

So, the person who rejects [this exhortation] is not [merely] rejecting what man says but God [Himself], who gives His Holy Spirit to you.

1 Peter 4:14

If you are spoken against for being Christians, you have God’s blessing, because His glorious Holy Spirit rests upon you [to provide comfort, See John 14:16].