This short article is not what you think. It is an examination of 1 Corinthians 4:6-15, and especially verse 10 where Paul writes, “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!” Looking at the context of Paul’s letter, he here is obviously using sarcasm. He is referring to the Corinthian’s self-satisfaction and arrogance. He writes in verse 8, “You have reigned as kings without us – and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you!”
The actual state of the Corinthians was not what they thought. Their view of themselves was similar to how the Laodiceans thought of themselves in Revelation 3:17, “Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing – and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…”
When Paul called himself a fool for Christ, he was not in any way resentful of such a designation. He actually was willing to give up anything for his Lord, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” (Galatians 2:20).
Likewise the Corinthians wisdom was not as it appeared. They thought themselves, wise, but “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25). Become a fool for Christ!
