1 Corinthians 4:12

12 And labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it;

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 We [are] fools for Christ's sake, but ye [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but ye [are] strong; ye [are] honorable, but we [are] despised.

11 Even to this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place;

12 And labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it;

13 Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things to this day.

14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn [you].