Holy and All-Praiseworthy Apostle Philip.
Polyeleos Feast.
1 Corinthians 4:9-16. John 1:43-51.
Read 1 Corinthians 4:9-16
St. Paul explains how harshly the apostles are treated in comparison to the Corinthians in order to admonish the Corinthians for their pridefulness. The apostles endure persecution and are treated “like men sentenced to death” while the Corinthians regard themselves as wise, strong, and with honor (1 Cor. 4:9-10). Even though Paul and the other apostles hunger and thirst, are poorly clothes, buffeted, homeless, and do manual labor, they bless others, endure persecution, and try to reach peace when they are slandered (1 Cor. 4:11-13).
Paul sets himself as an example for the Corinthians to follow. He tells them: “I urge you, then, be imitators of me” (1 Cor. 4:16). Paul asks them to imitate him and accept persecution, weakness, and being seen as foolish for the sake of Christ. Paul uses irony in these verses to explain that the Corinthians are actually ignorant and impoverished and not truly behaving as Christ’s disciples. Are we willing to be treated badly because of our love for Christ? Are we willing to swallow our pride and accept discomfort?
Paul calls the Corinthians his “beloved children” and says he became their “father in Christ Jesus through the gospel” (1 Cor. 4:14-15). Paul exercises a spiritual fatherhood over them and corrects them because he loves and cares about them. In the Ten Commandments, God commands us: “honor your father and your mother” (Ex. 20:12). We must show honor to our parents, including our spiritual parents. Let us remember to pray for those who lead us and nurture us in our faith.