1 Corinthians 4:9

The Passion Translation

It seems to me that God has appointed us apostles to be at the end of the line. We are like those on display at the end of the procession, as doomed gladiators soon to be killed. We have become a theatrical spectacle to all creation, both to people and to angels.

Cross References

Psalm 44:22

Because of you we face death threats every day. Like martyrs we are dying daily. We are seen as lambs lined up to be slaughtered as sacrifices.

Jeremiah 20:18

Why was I even born? Was it just to experience toil and sorrow and spend my days in shame?

Acts 19:29

The entire city was thrown into chaos as everyone rushed into the stadium together, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia.

Acts 19:31

Some of the high-ranking governmental officials of the region, because they loved him, sent Paul an urgent message, saying, “Whatever you do, don’t step foot into that stadium!”

Romans 8:36

even though it is written: All day long we face death threats for your sake, God. We are considered to be nothing more than sheep to be slaughtered!

1 Corinthians 15:19

If the only benefit of our hope in Christ is limited to this life on earth, we deserve to be pitied more than all others!

2 Corinthians 11:23

Are they servants of the Anointed One? I’m beside myself when I speak this way, but I am much more of a servant than they. I have worked much harder for God, taken more beatings, and been dragged to more prisons than they. I’ve been flogged excessively, multiple times, even to the point of death.

2 Corinthians 6:9

We are unknown nobodies whom everyone knows. We are frequently at death’s door, yet here we are, still alive! We have been severely punished yet not executed.

1 Thessalonians 3:3

so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions, for you know that we are destined for this.

Hebrews 1:14

What role then, do the angels have? The angels are spirit-messengers sent by God to serve those who are going to be saved.

Hebrews 10:33

And at times you were publicly and shamefully mistreated, being persecuted for your faith; then at other times you stood side by side with those who preach the message of hope.

Hebrews 11:36

Others were mocked and experienced the most severe beating with whips; they were in chains and imprisoned.