1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and [to] Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think [of men] above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
7 For who maketh thee to differ [from another]? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive [it], why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received [it]?
8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
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.
10 We [are] fools for Christ’s sake, but ye [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but ye [are] strong; ye [are] honourable, but we [are] despised.
11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, [and are] the offscouring of all things unto this day.
14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn [you].
15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
20 For the kingdom of God [is] not in word, but in power.
21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and [in] the spirit of meekness?
Context and Background
1 Corinthians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Corinth. Chapter 4 addresses issues of leadership, judgment, and the nature of true apostleship. Paul seeks to clarify his role and the role of other leaders in the church, emphasizing humility and faithfulness over worldly standards of success.
Key Themes
- Servanthood and Stewardship: Paul emphasizes that apostles and leaders are servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
- Judgment and Accountability: The chapter discusses the importance of being judged by God rather than human standards.
- Humility: Paul contrasts the arrogance of some Corinthian believers with the humility that should characterize true followers of Christ.
- Discipline and Correction: The chapter includes a call for self-examination and correction among the believers.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis
- Verse 1: Paul describes himself and Apollos as servants of Christ, emphasizing their role as stewards entrusted with the mysteries of God.
- Verse 2: Paul states that it is required of stewards to be found faithful, highlighting the importance of integrity in leadership.
- Verses 3-4: Paul expresses indifference to being judged by human standards, stating that his conscience is clear, but he acknowledges that only the Lord can truly judge him.
- Verse 5: He advises against premature judgment, encouraging the believers to wait until the Lord comes, who will bring to light what is hidden and expose the motives of the heart.
- Verses 6-7: Paul uses himself and Apollos as examples to illustrate the dangers of pride and division within the church, reminding them that all they have is a gift from God.
- Verses 8-10: Paul contrasts the self-sufficient attitude of the Corinthians with his own experience of suffering and humility, asserting that true apostleship involves hardship and ridicule.
- Verses 11-13: He describes the hardships faced by apostles, including hunger and persecution, and emphasizes their response of blessing and endurance.
- Verse 14: Paul clarifies that he writes not to shame them but to admonish them as beloved children, highlighting his paternal concern.
- Verses 15-16: He reminds them that they may have many teachers but only one father in Christ, urging them to imitate him.
- Verse 17: Paul expresses his intention to send Timothy to remind them of his ways in Christ, reinforcing the importance of mentorship and discipleship.
- Verses 18-19: He addresses the arrogance of some in the Corinthian church, warning them that he will come to them soon and will not just be in word but in power.
- Verse 20: Paul emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not about talk but about power, challenging their understanding of spiritual authority.
- Verse 21: He concludes with a rhetorical question, asking whether he should come to them with a rod or in love, indicating the seriousness of their situation and the need for correction.
Conclusion
Chapter 4 of 1 Corinthians serves as a powerful reminder of the nature of Christian leadership, the importance of humility, and the call to accountability within the church. Paul’s words challenge believers to reassess their values and attitudes towards leadership and to embrace a life of servanthood modeled after Christ. This chapter encourages self-examination and a deeper understanding of what it means to live out the Christian faith authentically.
