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 (KJV)

Then: Paul makes this strong disparaging statement reflecting the world's attitude towards the apostles' daily work. He knows that compared to the Corinthians' comfortable daily schedules, the apostles' life styles contain nothing to boast about. Henry thinks of the Christians arrested and thrown to the beasts or required to fight gladiators in Roman sports arenas.

Now: Modern fight scenes on Saturday Night Live, in violent movies, or in actual sports arenas have not yet reached the "kill" level. As the ten commandments are pushed aside, we might be headed that way. To say that it won't happen is to deny the depravity of human nature without knowledge of God. To keep it from happening requires constant vigilance and dedication to teaching God's Word. God keeps calling his servants. Some answer.

Extra source: Commentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.v.html