1 Corinthians 4:13

Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

Defamed. Gr. dusphemed, “to slander,” “to calumniate,” “to defame.”

Intreat. Gr. parakaled, a word with various meanings (see on John 14:16). Here probably means “to speak in a friendly manner.” Compare the use of parakaled in Luke 15:28; Acts 16:39.

Filth. Gr. perikatharmata, “dirt that collects from cleaning something.” Inspired and blinded by Satan, the world looks with hatred and disgust on the faithful witnesses for Christ and regards them as the refuse of the earth (see Lam. 3:45). This was particularly true in Paul’s case (see 2 Cor. 11:23-27). The Saviour sought to prepare His disciples for such experiences when He warned them that the world would not receive them kindly but would subject them to many kinds of ill-treatment (see Matt. 10:16-18, 21, 22, 36; John 15:18, 19; 9T 235). It is not to be expected that a message that is directly opposed to the way of the world and to the plans and purposes of Satan will be gladly welcomed. If the Christian finds that all is well with him, that he is not being troubled by the adversary, he may well begin to inquire as to whether there is something wrong with his relationship to God (see Luke 6:26; John 15:19). Paul rejoiced in tribulation (see Rom. 5:3; 2 Cor. 7:4). Suffering for Christ’s sake will bring joy to the true believer because he knows that his testimony for Christ is bearing fruit, as evidenced by the fact that Satan is angry. This does not mean that Christians should deliberately invite persecution. They should avoid needless difficulties, but should not shirk duty because of obstacles and trials (see 9T 241,242; DA 355).

Offscouring. Gr. peripsema, “the dirt that collects in the cleaning process.”

Peripsema is synonymous with perikatharmata, “filth” (see above under “filth”).