Paul contrasts two different Christian lives.
1. The contrast (v8) The Corinthians thought they had everything they wanted. (v9) The Apostles are last in the line. Suffering. Despised and hated. (v11) - The scum of the earth. Summary, v10.
2. Gospel timing. (v8) - Already. They thought they had already arrived. We shall have all later - after the resurrection. (Rom 8:16-17). Paul is saying - your celebration is premature. The Corinthians will reign, but not now. Timothy is sent (v17) to remind them of Paul's way of life of suffering.
3. Christian life and leadership. (v1) The Corinthians had added and changed the focus. Faithfulness is the primary call to us all. Judgement will be by God in due time (v3), not by the Corinthians. God will praise the faithful.
4. Implications. Warnings. (a) Watch out for the 'prosperity doctrine'. Don't despise the hardships of life. (b) Don't aim for suffering, but rather faithfulness. We can avoid persecution by not being faithful. (c) Don't get too comfortable a life. (d) Be discerning but not judgemental. Be gracious to those who do things differently.
