In Roman society, to labour with one’s hands was considered a sign of low status. Paul willingly took on the troubles and humiliation of being a manual labourer, so that he could preach the gospel free of charge
(1 Corinthians 9:18).
The instructions to bless one’s opponents and to endure persecution come directly from Jesus’ own teachings. Paul repeats these instructions elsewhere (compare Luke 6:28 with Romans 12:14; and Luke 21:12, Luke 21:19 with 2 Timothy 2:11–12).
12 nous nous fatiguons à travailler de nos propres mains; injuriés, nous bénissons; persécutés, nous supportons;