Partly - That is, your affliction consisted partly in this. The Greek is, "this" - specifying one kind of affliction that they were called to endure.

Whilst ye were made a gazing-stock - Greek θεατριζόμενοι theatrizomenoi - you were made a public spectacle, as if in a theater; you were held up to public view, or exposed to public scorn. When this was done, or in precisely what manner, we are not told. It was not an uncommon thing, however, for the early Christians to be held up to reproach and scorn, and probably this refers to some time when it was done by rulers or magistrates. It was a common custom among the Greeks and Romans to lead criminals, before they were put to death, through the theater, and thus to expose them to the insults and reproaches of the multitude. See the proofs of this adduced by Kuinoel on this passage. The "language" here seems to have been taken from this custom, though there is no evidence that the Christians to whom Paul refers had been treated in this manner.

By reproaches - Repreached as being the followers of Jesus of Nazareth; probably as weak and fanatical.

And afflictions - Various "sufferings" inflicted on them. They were not merely reviled in words, but they were made to endure positive sufferings of various kinds.

And partly, while ye became companions of them that were so used - That is, even when they had not themselves been subjected to these trials, they had sympathized with those who were. They doubtless imparted to them of their property; sent to them relief, and identified themselves with them. It is not known to what particular occasion the apostle here refers. In the next verse he mentions one instance in which they had done this, in aiding him when he was a prisoner.

Ye were made a gazing-stock - Θεατριζομενοι· Ye were exhibited as wild beasts and other shows at the theatres. See the note on 1 Corinthians 4:9, where all this is illustrated.

Companions of them that were so used - It appears, from 1 Thessalonians 2:14, 1 Thessalonians 2:15, that the Churches of God in Judea were greatly persecuted, and that they believed with courage and constancy in their persecutions. When any victim of persecuting rage was marked out, the rest were prompt to take his part, and acknowledge themselves believers in the same doctrine for which he suffered. This was a noble spirit; many would have slunk into a corner, and put off the marks of Christ, that they might not be exposed to affliction on this account.

Partly whilst ye were made a gazing stock,.... Brought upon the stage or theatre, and made a spectacle to the world, angels, and men, 1 Corinthians 4:9

both by reproaches and afflictions; suffering both in their characters and reputations, and in their persons and substance:

and partly whilst ye became companions of them that were so used; they maintained their communion with them, relieved them in distress, and sympathized with them.

Whilst ye were made a gazing-stock (θεατριζόμενοι)

N.T.o. olxx, oClass. Lit. exhibited in the theater. Comp. 1 Corinthians 4:9.

Whilst ye became companions (κοινωνοὶ γενηθέντες)

Rend. by becoming partakers. More than companionship is implied. For κοινωνοὶ see on Luke 5:10. The noun and its kindred verb in N.T. almost exclusively of ethical and spiritual relations, as 1 Timothy 5:22; 1 Peter 4:13; 2 John 1:11; 1 Corinthians 10:18; 2 Corinthians 1:7; Plm 1:17. Even when applied to pecuniary contributions they imply Christian fellowship as the basis of the liberality. See on Romans 12:13; see on Romans 15:27; see on Philippians 4:15.

Of them that were so used (τῶν οὕτως ἀναστρφομένων)

Rend. "of them that fared thus." Others render "who conducted themselves thus"; endured their persecutions, so bravely. But the οὕτως can refer only to made a gazing-stock.

Partly, whilst ye were made a {p} gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became {q} companions of them that were so used.

(p) You were brought forth to be shamed.

(q) In taking their miseries, to be your miseries.

10:33 Partly, whilst ye were made a gazingstock both by reproaches and afflictions. Looked upon with reproach, abused and afflicted personally.

And partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used. Sharing the suffering of those who were persecuted.

33. The persecutions here referred to seem to have been endured by the Hebrew Christians at their first conversion, not only in Palestine, but also in Rome and elsewhere, the Jews in every city inciting the populace and the Roman authorities against Christians.

gazing-stock-as in a theater (so the Greek): often used as the place of punishment in the presence of the assembled multitudes. Ac 19:29; 1Co 4:9, "Made a theatrical spectacle to the world."

ye became-of your own accord: attesting your Christian sympathy with your suffering brethren.

companions of-sharers in affliction with.

10:32-39 Many and various afflictions united against the early Christians, and they had a great conflict. The Christian spirit is not a selfish spirit; it puts us upon pitying others, visiting them, helping them, and pleading for them. All things here are but shadows. The happiness of the saints in heaven will last for ever; enemies can never take it away as earthly goods. This will make rich amends for all we may lose and suffer here. The greatest part of the saints' happiness, as yet, is in promise. It is a trial of the patience of Christians, to be content to live after their work is done, and to stay for their reward till God's time to give it is come. He will soon come to them at death, to end all their sufferings, and to give them a crown of life. The Christian's present conflict may be sharp, but will be soon over. God never is pleased with the formal profession and outward duties and services of such as do not persevere; but he beholds them with great displeasure. And those who have been kept faithful in great trails for the time past, have reason to hope for the same grace to help them still to live by faith, till they receive the end of their faith and patience, even the salvation of their souls. Living by faith, and dying in faith, our souls are safe for ever.