In strong contrast to the “splendor” which Paul used ironically to describe his Corinthian critics (verses 8-10),  Paul and other true apostles are living as those considered “dishonored” in the Corinthian’s culture. The text covered in this sermon shows the danger of twisting the message of the true apostles (the Biblical ones) to suit the religious inclinations of spiritual elitists. The Corinthians considered themselves elite and many in our world today do as well. Paul’s ‘dishonor’ was being hungry, poorly treated, homeless and working with his hands. The church at Corinth valued preachers who were more suited to enhance their cultural and religious status. Paul was deemed lacking in that account. When mistreated, the true apostles responded with endurance and kindness. We highlight three contrasts in this section which reveal graciousness as the proper response to mistreatment. Paul was not trying to mimic the pagan culture to find honorable status in the eyes of the Corinthians. In application to these verses, we point out that many who promote modern apostles beyond the Biblical ones appointed by Christ value the very elitism rebuked by Paul in 1 Corinthians. Those who are shamed now by the unsaved world believe God’s promises of future glory.