There is today a pale, pathetic, and unflinching interpretation of the blessed gospel, which guarantees salvation as “a financially and socially upgrading experience”; then it finalizes the offer by “a superlative bonus in eternity and comfort world without end.” How different was Paul’s concept of a disciple of Christ! Look at his vivid interpretation: “I think God has exhibited us apostles as the lowest of the low—like gallows birds; for we have become a spectacle to the universe, both angels and men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, while you are most prudent Christians; we are feeble while you are strong; we are in disgrace while you are honored. To this very moment we are starving, thirsty, ragged, battered tramps; we are like the dregs and scum of society” (C. H. Dobb’s translation of 1 Cor 4:19-23). What an angry outburst this is at the Christianity of Paul’s day (and of our day, too), with vain effort to be acceptable to a Christ-hating world!— Leonard Ravenhill