1 Corinthians 4:9-15

9For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to die, because 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, we are dishonored!

11To the present hour we are hungry and thirsty, poorly clothed, brutally treated, and without a roof over our heads.

12We do hard work, toiling with our own hands. When we are verbally abused, we respond with a blessing, when persecuted, we endure,

13when people lie about us, we answer in a friendly manner. We are the world’s dirt and scum, even now.

14I am not writing these things to shame you, but to correct you as my dear children.

15For though you may have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, because I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.