1 Corinthians 4:9-15

9For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: We have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to people.

10We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!

11Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless;

12we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

13when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone’s garbage.

14I’m not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children.

15For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.