When you think of the word “spectacle”, what comes to your mind initially? For many, it is a visually striking public performance or display, especially on a large scale: or some unseemly or unusual behavior by a person; they behave foolishly or badly in public. So, a spectacle can be either an exciting event (public entertainment) or embarrassing event. The word “spectacle” in English has Latin roots. It has been around for over 700 years coming from the Latin word: spectaculum, from spectare , which literally translated means, “to look”
Interestingly, the apostle Paul use the word “spectacle” to describe himself and his co-workers. “For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.” 1 Corinthians 4:9
Why the word “spectacle”? Who would want to purposely be a spectacle to the world? From a worldly perspective, only some foolish-minded people, perhaps. Some people, by accident, create a spectacle. For example: you are walking through your office with a large pile of important papers and then you slip on a wet floor and the papers go flying every which way, and some get wet from the puddle on the floor. We can say, you created quite a spectacle at that moment. It was an accident; but, when you create a spectacle on purpose, people look at you as a fool or mentally deranged.
Some take this verse to mean that, as Christians, we have to purposely live at cross purposes to the world—to purposely dress and act in such an outlandish manner as to be not only a spectacle but viewed as obnoxious by the world. This is not true. We are to live for Christ, sincerely and honestly, and if then we find ourselves out of harmony with the world it should not be in an open, obnoxious, and outlandish manner, purposefully.
In the above verse, the word “spectacle” has a marginal reading that reads “Gr. Theatre.” It comes from the Greek word Theatron. When Paul uses this analogy to describe himself and his co-workers, he is referring to the public entertainment in his day (an exciting event for the people) of the cruel ancient Roman games—the practice of providing entertainment in their amphitheatres. The Colosseum at Rome became the centre for these “entertainments.” In the verse, Paul also mentions that they were “appointed to death.” What does he mean? Looking back to those Roman games, they did have specific people who were “appointed unto death.”
The common practice was that, in the morning, those criminals to whom they gave a chance of escaping with their lives fought with the wild beasts, armed. But, in the afternoons, the poorest and weakest prisoners were brought in to fight with the beasts without weapons. Nobody expected too much from their performance. They were “appointed unto death.” The spectators loved to watch their dying agonies. Other times the afternoon entertainments saw the gladiators fight. They were armed and fought each other until one or both died. If a gladiator managed to live he was not set free. They too were “appointed unto death.” They were brought out to fight again and again, until they were killed. There was no hope of freedom for them ever. That was their appointed life—death.
What does it mean that they were “appointed unto death” in a spiritual sense? Those who believe and teach predestination can argue that some persons were born to die. They are appointed unto death, and regardless of how good they live their lives, they will never attain to eternal life because they were appointed (predestinated) unto death (the second death). They can fight against sin and self, but it will be of no avail. Their destiny is death. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
As we see, Paul uses this terminology to describe himself and the other apostles.
The phrase “appointed unto death” is from one Greek word: epithanatious. It can also be translated to say, “Doomed to death”. The word occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It clearly denotes the certainty of death (the first death); being destined to death, as in the Roman games.
The reality is that we are all appointed to death when we sin, “by one man’s offence death reigned.” Romans 5:17. However, many of us do enjoy some years of peaceful living and do not consider death as immediate, but at some point in time in the future. We are not appointed to death in the same way as the Roman gladiators were.
Figuratively, Paul represents himself and his co-workers as on this arena or stage, contending with foes, and destined to death. Around him and above him are an immense host of human beings and angels, looking on at the conflict, and awaiting the outcome. He is not alone or unobserved. He is made public; and the universe gazes on the struggle. Angels (and unfallen beings in the universe) and human beings are the spectators gazing upon the conflicts and struggles of the apostles. Many worldly spectators watch with mockery and scorn. Their continued conflicts, trials, and persecutions, most certainly would terminate in their death. This is true for all true believers in Christ. If the devil had his way, all true believers would have their life taken as soon as possible. In God’s permissive will, however, (for their salvation), He has “appointed” them (permitted the devil to harass them) in the sight of the universe, to pains, and trials, and persecutions, and poverty, and want, which would eventually terminate only in their death—for their salvation—to purify them in the furnace of affliction.
“The world is a theater; the actors, its inhabitants, are preparing to act their part in the last great drama.” –Maranatha, p. 138. “The Christian is a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. Singular?–Yes; he has a most singular, peculiar character, because his life is worked out after the divine similitude. The inhabitants of unfallen worlds and of the heavenly universe are watching with an intense interest the conflict between good and evil.” –The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 1088. It will not get easier as time goes on because the church will become even more strange in its appearance to the world. There will be a marked contrast between the followers of Christ and the world when the Sunday Laws are enforced, and the death decree is made against all those who refuse the Mark of the Beast. They will be clearly and surely then be “appointed unto death.”
Although not so much in common use today, the word “spectacle” has also the meaning of eyeglasses. People wear spectacles (eyeglasses) so that they can see better. They have poor vision. Many people require reading glasses as they get older. Reading glasses are nothing more than magnifying glasses. A magnifying glass is used to enlarge things so you can get a better look. We could say that we are under a magnifying glass to the entire universe, as well as to our friends and acquaintances not in the church. Unfortunately, there are members (unconverted), who love to use their spiritual magnifying glass and study every detail in the lives of their brothers, sisters, and especially leaders of the church, looking for defects which they will then magnify with unholy glee and spread rumours and contempt against them, so as to appear perfect and well-off themselves. They judge others and have a high opinion of themselves.
“We are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. Unbelievers are watching those who profess to be the children of God to see if they are in reality that which they profess to be. Is it consistent for us to talk of Christ’s self-denial, of His self-sacrifice, and yet walk and work contrary to His example?” –The Upward Look, p. 29.
So, shall we run and hide to avoid being a spectacle—to spare our lives rather than to be appointed unto death?
Shall we keep our faith hidden from worldly friends, acquaintances, co-workers and employers? Shall we keep quiet so as to avoid any conflict with the world? “Never, for one moment, let the impression be left upon anyone that it would be for his profit to hide his faith and doctrines from the unbelieving people of the world, fearing that he might not be so highly honoured if his principles were known.
“It is no time to be ashamed of our faith. We are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. The whole universe is looking with inexpressible interest to see the closing work of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. At such a time as this, just as the great work of judging the living is to begin, shall we allow unsanctified ambition to take possession of the heart? What can be of any worth to us now except to be found loyal and true to the God of heaven? What is there of any real value in this world when we are on the very borders of the eternal world?” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 526
In many places that Paul went he was rejected, but he did not run and hide. The Christian life is to be lived out openly and publicly. There is no such thing as a secret disciple. The world should know who and what we are and they should see that we have a clear devotion to that cause. It requires boldness and courage to do so. It can only be done by a life that is thoroughly devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ.
You are not your own. Nothing is hidden that will not be found out. There are no secrets that you can withhold from God. Your life is clearly visible to all the inhabitants of the universe and your thoughts and motives are open to God as though you audibly spoke them.
The thought that many eyes are upon believers, when struggling with difficulties or temptations, should encourage them to be more faithful. Not All Christians suffer to the same extent. Some suffer greater hardships than others. God knows what you are able to manage (with His help) and He has promised to be with you in all your trials. Yet, everyone who would be faithful in Christ Jesus, must be prepared for poverty and contempt. Whatever the believers in Christ suffer from men, they must learn not to complain. It is much better to be rejected, and despised by the world, than to be in good favour with the world and be rejected by God. You cannot live for both. Though cast off by the world as vile, yet we may be precious to God, gathered up with His own hand, and placed upon His throne.
The reason that some are not rejected in the world now is because their position as Christians is not very well known. The tendency of some is to hesitate when they are faced with ridicule or persecution, but God needs men and women in our day to do His will.
When you read the context surrounding verse 9, in 1 Corinthians chapter 4, you read that the apostle Paul is being very direct and straightforward with the Corinthian church. He does not beat around the bush. He tells them exactly how he views their spiritual condition. Then we get a clear idea as to why he wrote what he did in verse 9.
At the beginning of his letter to the Corinthians, Paul sets the tone by saying, “the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are.” 1 Corinthians 1:25–28
Then in chapter 4, Paul wrote to them very ironically. There was a problem in the church in Corinth that he wanted to address. He gets to the heart of the matter by bringing it home personally to the believers. “Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. . . . We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.” 1 Corinthians 4:8, 10–14
The Corinthian believers esteemed themselves to be rich in spiritual things. Paul compares these proud believers with his own life. Sarcastically, he said they were living as if they were kings, and he wishes he could also do the same (verse 8). In verse 7, he asks them, “For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?”
Paul then goes on to show the contrast of their attitudes and lifestyle with those of himself, the other apostles, and, of course, Jesus. He wants to show them the true path of those who live as servants of Christ. He shows how they are lowly esteemed from a worldly perspective. Instead of living as kings, as the Corinthian believers were trying to do, Paul and his fellow workers were living as men condemned to death row—a spectacle for all to see. Both men and angels were watching to see how poorly they lived in human terms.
Paul wants the Corinthian believers to understand two things. Firstly, how much those who ministered to them in spiritual matters have sacrificed of their lives—their comforts for the gospel. And secondly, to expect that a life spent in service to Christ may include pain and loss of comfort instead of wealth and power. He describes himself and his co-workers as “A spectacle of the world” (v. 9); “Fool’s for Christ’s sake.” (v. 10); “Filth of the world.” (v. 13); and “Offscouring of all things.” (v. 13). Can this be said of every true believer in Christ? Would you describe yourself as such? Would you describe your church leaders and missionaries, the servants of the Lord, as such? This is how the world may view the true Christians, but in God’s eyes they are jewels.
All true believers should be willing to suffer shame for the cause of Jesus Christ. This is becoming an increasingly foreign concept in modern day (false) Christianity—to want to appear different from the world. Some in God’s church could find themselves in this danger also. Paul wrote much of the true dangers facing Christians. “We not only believe in the Lord but we suffer for His sake.” Philippians 1:29. Paul states it as a certainty that, “We will suffer tribulation.” 1 Thessalonians 3:4. The promise though is, “If we suffer with Him, we will be glorified with Him” (Romans 8:17); and “If we suffer with Him, we will reign with Him.” 2 Timothy 2:12
Now let us consider our own missionaries in our church. Ask yourself today, is there a difference in the lifestyle between regular members and missionaries? Can Paul’s words be true today for some in God’s church?
How often do some judge our missionaries? Do some get paid a low salary and are left to be a part of the lower class community, considered a low income family, depending on government support (in those countries where this is a privilege), to supplement their income so that they can live just at, or just above, the poverty line? While we have good jobs and fine houses?
Some will also judge our missionaries for their methods or labour, their number of souls won to the faith. Some want our churches to grow, and they sit back and judge the work of the missionary and blame the lack of growth on their work, doing little missionary work themselves.
Is it God’s plan that the apostles and missionaries should be subject to contempt and suffering; and be made poor and persecuted, while the rest of the church members live well, have nice houses and have high honours? What kind of home did Jesus have? Are we greater than He? Let us show the proper respect for our missionaries who have sacrificed the wealth of this world to preach the gospel.
We have no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. A sinner saved by grace must be out of his mind if he becomes proud of his actions and is self-righteous.
In the end of his second letter to the Corinthians, regarding all his trials, the apostle Paul could say, “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9–10
Paul did not complain about his lot in life. He gladly suffered for the Lord. He said that he took pleasure in infirmities.
“In the experience of the apostle John under persecution, there is a lesson of wonderful strength and comfort for the Christian. God does not prevent the plottings of wicked men, but He causes their devices to work for good to those who in trial and conflict maintain their faith and loyalty. Often the gospel laborer carries on his work amid storms of persecution, bitter opposition, and
unjust reproach. At such times let him remember that the experience to be gained in the furnace of trial and affliction is worth all the pain it costs. Thus God brings His children near to Him, that He may show them their weakness and His strength. He teaches them to lean on Him. Thus He prepares them to meet emergencies, to fill positions of trust, and to accomplish the great purpose for which their powers were given them.” –The Acts of the Apostles, p. 574–575
When Jesus went to the cross, was He made a spectacle to the world? Yes. To die by crucifixion was a very public and shameful event. Jesus came to this earth and was “appointed unto death.” It was prophesied that He would bear the penalty of man’s sin. He died the agony of the second death; but, He went with joy. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
“The joy set before Christ, which sustained Him in all His sufferings, was the salvation of poor sinners. This should be our joy and the spur of our ambition in the cause of our Master. In so doing we please God and manifest our love and devotion to Him as His servants. He first loved us, and withheld not from us His beloved Son, but gave Him from His bosom to die that we might have life. Love, true love for our fellow men, evinces love to God. We may make a high profession, yet without this love it is nothing. Our faith may lead us to even give our bodies to be burned, yet without self-sacrificing love, such as lived in the bosom of Jesus and was exemplified in His life, we are as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 115–116
Often when facing a tragedy of some sort, we do not face it with joy. Sadness and anguish may initially set in and then a slow realization and acceptance that this was God’s plan and purpose for our life or the life of a loved one. And then joy fills the heart finally, after much prayer, counselling and soul searching. Joy in understanding that it is all in God’s plan for our salvation. The joy does not come immediately with many, though. As we have faith and see the Lord’s purpose being fulfilled in our lives, we can have a calm and peaceful trust in His leading. Many martyrs went singing to their death.
“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also.” John 15:20
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2–4
“Multitudes in the world are witnessing this game of life, the Christian warfare. And this is not all. The Monarch of the universe and the myriads of heavenly angels are spectators of this race; they are anxiously watching to see who will be successful overcomers and win the crown of glory that fadeth not away. With intense interest God and heavenly angels mark the self-denial, the self-sacrifice, and the agonizing efforts of those who engage to run the Christian race. The reward given to every man will be in accordance with the persevering energy and faithful earnestness with which he performs his part in the great contest.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 34–35
“Be brave in God. Put on the whole armor of God, and let unbelievers about you see that your life is not spoiled because you stand loyal and true to all the commandments of God. You can be, and God requires you to be, a decided witness for Him.” –Sons and Daughters of God, p. 189. “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32
This is the most honourable death. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
Jesus will one day come to, “to loose those that are appointed to death;” Psalm 102:20. Amen.
Wendy Eaton