Spectacle to the Whole Universe?

1 Corinthians 4:9 "For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men."

      Lord, at first reading, one might think Paul was wallowing in self-pity.  I know in the Roman Empire, captives from battles or wars would be led at the end of a big procession into the arena to fight for their lives with each other or would be eaten by lions to the delight of the spectators.  That was entertainment to the sinful human mind.  (In 2012 in the USA, we watch that kind of thing in all kinds of media and call if "entertainment" too!)  How very sad...
      Because Apostles were being charged and martyred for their faith for  "turning the whole world upside down"; Christians and non-Christians alike were scrutinizing their every word and action.  In that context, I can well understand his statement.  However; I do not believe for a moment that self-pity was his motive here based on all of his other writings.  The Apostles were targeted, pitted against each other, slandered by the very churches they started and loved because Your  "Enemy" was trying everything he could to destroy their work.  And yes, even the  heavenly and fallen angels were watching to see what would be the outcome.
      I don't believe Paul was expecting them to be at the "head of the procession", although that would have been wonderful in the church; but he did desire that You be at the very head.  And at this time in Corinth, You were not.
      Dear Lord and Savior of my soul and head of the church, keep me ever mindful of the fact that You are the head...no one and nothing else can or should ever take Your place in my thoughts and life!  Keep my eyes and thoughts on You, not on Your messengers.