1 Corinthians 4:12

“And labour, working with our own hands, etc.] As the apostle did at Corinth, (<441803>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, (<400544>Matthew 5:44) and the apostle himself directed and exhorted to, ( <451214>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…”

“working with our own hands--namely, "even unto this present hour" (Co1 4:11). This is not stated in the narrative of Paul's proceedings at Ephesus, from which city he wrote this Epistle (though it is expressly stated of him at Corinth, compare Act 18:3, Act 18:19). But in his address to the Ephesian elders at Miletus (Act 20:34), he says, "Ye yourselves know that these hands have ministered unto my necessities," &c. The undesignedness of the coincidence thus indirectly brought out is incompatible with forgery.”

“And labour ... - This Paul often did. See the note at Acts 18:3; compare Acts 20:34; 1Th 2:9. 2 Thessalonians 3:8. Being reviled - That they were often reviled or reproached, their history everywhere shows. See the Acts of the Apostles. They were reviled or ridiculed as Jews by the Gentiles; and jeered by all as “Nazarenes,” and as deluded followers of Jesus; as the victims of a foolish superstition and enthusiasm. We bless - We return good for evil. In this they followed the explicit direction of the Saviour; see the note at Matthew 5:44. The main idea in these passages is, that they were reviled, were persecuted, etc. The other clauses, “we bless,” “we suffer it,” etc. seem to be thrown in…”

“We bless - suffer it - intreat - We do not return revilings, persecution, defamation; nothing but blessing. 1 Corinthians 4:13”

“4:12 We work: To avoid being blamed by others for taking money, Paul preferred to support himself (9:3-18; Acts 18:3; 20:33-35). • We bless those who curse us: Paul’s response was in line with Jesus’ teaching (Matt 5:44-45; cp. Rom 12:14, 17-21).”

“labour: Co1 9:6; Act 18:3, Act 20:34; Th1 2:9; Th2 3:8; Ti1 4:10 being reviled: Mat 5:44; Luk 6:28, Luk 23:34; Act 7:60; Rom 12:14, Rom 12:20; Pe1 2:23, Pe1 3:9; Jde 1:9 being persecuted: Mat 5:11; Pe1 3:14, Pe1 4:12-14, Pe1 4:19 1 Corinthians 4:13”