The apostles suffered and died because God had set them forth in a position appointed to death, and they endured for the sake of the gospel.
The apostles, including Paul, were committed to their calling to spread the gospel, which brought persecution and hardship. Paul, specifically, gave up wealth and prestige to serve as the apostle to the Gentiles, enduring suffering as part of his mission.
1 Corinthians 4:9 — Paul describes the apostles as appointed to death, showing their suffering was part of God's plan.
The Bible reveals that the apostles were set forth by God in a position that was appointed to death. Paul writes, "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). This indicates that suffering and martyrdom were part of their divine calling. Paul also describes his hardships: "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" (1 Corinthians 4:11-12). He further affirms, "I die daily" (1 Corinthians 15:31), showing daily exposure to death. Jesus promised Paul suffering for His name's sake, as recorded in Acts 9:16: "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."
Les Feldick teaches that the apostles, including Paul, were appointed to suffering and death by God. They were not seeking comfort or material gain. Paul, for instance, gave up his previous wealth and prestige to become the apostle to the Gentiles, and he labored with his own hands to support himself while enduring constant persecution. Les emphasizes that Paul's suffering was tied to his calling to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. He faced opposition from Judaizers and Romans, and even experienced severe illness and threats to his life. Yet, he remained faithful, knowing that his hardships were part of God's plan. Les also notes that the apostles' martyrdom was a preparation for the early believers, who would also face persecution and even death for their faith. Paul's example of enduring suffering serves as an inspiration and a model of commitment to the gospel.
Paul's suffering was directly connected to his calling as the apostle to the Gentiles. He gave up his previous wealth and prestige to fulfill this role, and he endured physical hardship, persecution from Judaizers and Romans, and even severe illness. Les Feldick notes that Paul's sacrifices were necessary for the gospel to reach the Gentile world.
Paul faced hunger, thirst, nakedness, buffeting, and had no certain dwelling place. He labored with his own hands to meet his needs. He was reviled, persecuted, defamed, and made as the filth of the world. He also expressed that he had the sentence of death in himself, showing his constant brush with death.
Les Feldick indicates that most of the apostles died as martyrs, with the possible exception of John, who may have died naturally while in exile on Patmos. However, the Bible records that all faced persecution and suffering for their faith.
Les teaches that God appointed the apostles to this path of suffering as part of their calling. It was not a random occurrence but a divine purpose. The suffering served to demonstrate their commitment and to prepare believers for similar trials.
Why Does God Wait Until the End to Judge? — 1 Corinthians 4 Explained
cup is full of air? Half. If I pour out three-fourths of the cup, then three-fourths is air, one-fourth is water. All right, now I always bring this together in an analogy. This is a good way to explain the fullness of the Holy Spirit. The moment we're saved, we're filled to the brim with the Holy Spirit.
Paul's Suffering in Ministry
Les describes Paul's severe suffering, including illness and persecution, while he was serving the gospel.
Paul's Sacrifice for the Gospel
Les explains that Paul gave up wealth and prestige to become the apostle to the Gentiles, and he endured hardship, working with his own hands.
Paul's Daily Death
Les connects Paul's 'I die daily' to constant physical pressure and suffering, which God had promised him.
Paul's Martyrdom
Les mentions that Paul suffered for years and eventually died a martyr's death because of his apostolic work.
Paul Defends His Apostleship
Les explains that Paul had to defend his apostleship by citing his suffering for the sake of the Gentiles.
Preparing Believers for Martyrdom
Les says Paul was preparing believers for the coming persecution, when they would also die for their faith.
Sentence of Death
Les highlights that Paul had the sentence of death in himself, emphasizing his constant danger and reliance on God.
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.
Paul states that God appointed the apostles to death, showing that their suffering was part of God's plan.
1 Corinthians 4:11-13: 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 intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
Paul details the physical hardships he and the apostles endured.
1 Corinthians 15:31: I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
Paul expresses that he faces death daily, indicating his constant exposure to danger.
Acts 9:16: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
God promises Ananias that Paul will suffer for Christ's name.
2 Corinthians 1:9: But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
Paul reveals that he had the sentence of death, showing the severity of his trials.
According to Les Feldick, most of the twelve apostles died as martyrs, with John as a possible exception who died naturally in exile on Patmos. The Bible indicates that all faced persecution for their faith.
Paul suffered physical hardship including hunger, thirst, nakedness, and beatings, as well as persecution from enemies and severe illness. He worked with his own hands to support himself and faced constant danger, even having the sentence of death in himself.
Les Feldick teaches that God appointed the apostles to suffer as part of their calling. Their suffering was not random but served God's purpose in spreading the gospel and preparing believers for trials.
Watch the Teaching: Why Does God Wait Until the End to Judge? — 1 Corinthians 4 Explained