The current age is not one of triumphant festivity, but of suffering and battle (although victory is certain; see 1 Corinthians 3:21–22; Romans 8:37–39). This is clearly demonstrated in the lives of the apostles. Although they have been sent out
by Christ (as the title apostle
indicates), in the eyes of the world they are last of all.
The image of spectacle
comes from the Roman arena, where prisoners who were condemned to die were sent in to fight against gladiators and wild animals. Such is the lowly position that God has given to the apostles. They are being persecuted, martyred, and killed before the eyes of everyone.
9 For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.