In 1 Corinthians 4:10–13 Paul describes just how the apostles have become a spectacle.
He begins by drawing three contrasts between the apostles and the Corinthians. Again, there is an ironic tone.
With the first contrast, Paul accuses the Corinthians of becoming wise
while the apostles have remained fools.
This is a serious accusation, since those who are wise in the world are those who have rejected the gospel (1 Corinthians 2:7–9). With the second contrast, Paul again connects foolishness with weakness (see 1 Corinthians 1:27).
In the third contrast, the order is reversed. This is because, in the verses that follow, Paul will expound on the ways in which the apostles are held in disrepute.
10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.