Les Feldick Bible Study

Who are the 'us the apostles' in 1 Corinthians 4:9?

In 1 Corinthians 4:9, “us the apostles” refers to the Twelve apostles in Jerusalem along with Paul himself, and likely Barnabas. The phrase identifies those God set forth as apostles last, appointed to death.

Les explains that when Paul writes “us the apostles” in verse 9, he is including the Twelve back in Jerusalem and himself, and probably Barnabas as well. Paul says God has set forth them as apostles last, as it were appointed to death. This follows his rebuke of the carnal Corinthians, who were rich and full and reigned as kings without the apostles. Paul wanted them to experience a greater joy of salvation, since he had been responsible for bringing them out of their paganistic lifestyle.

1 Corinthians 4:9

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.