1 Corinthians 4:12

12 et laboramus operantes manibus nostris maledicimur et benedicimus persecutionem patimur et sustinemus

1 Corinthians 4:12 Meaning and Commentary

1 Corinthians 4:12

And labour, working with our own hands
As the apostle did at Corinth, ( Acts 18:3 ) and elsewhere; partly to minister to his own necessities, and those of others; and partly that he might not be burdensome to the churches; and also to set an example of diligence and industry to others; though he had a right and power to claim a maintenance of those to whom he ministered.

Being reviled, we bless;
as Christ commanded, ( Matthew 5:44 ) and the apostle himself directed and exhorted to, ( Romans 12:14 )

being persecuted, we suffer it;
that is, patiently; neither resisting our persecutors, nor murmuring and repining at our unhappy circumstances; but taking all in good part, as what is the will of God, and will make for his glory.

1 Corinthians 4:12 In-Context

10 nos stulti propter Christum vos autem prudentes in Christo nos infirmi vos autem fortes vos nobiles nos autem ignobiles

11 usque in hanc horam et esurimus et sitimus et nudi sumus et colaphis caedimur et instabiles sumus

12 et laboramus operantes manibus nostris maledicimur et benedicimus persecutionem patimur et sustinemus

13 blasphemamur et obsecramus tamquam purgamenta huius mundi facti sumus omnium peripsima usque adhuc

14 non ut confundam vos haec scribo sed ut filios meos carissimos moneo