1 Corinthians4
New American Standard
1This is the way any person is to regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.
3But to me it is an insignificant matter that I would be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.
4For I am not aware of anything against myself; however I am not vindicated by this, but the one who examines me is the Lord.
5Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of human hearts; and then praise will come to each person from God.
6Now these things, brothers and sisters, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos on your account, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.
7For who considers you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
8You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you!
9For I think, God has exhibited us, the apostles, last of all as men condemned to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to mankind.
10We are fools on account of Christ, but you are prudent in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are without honor!
11Up to this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed and roughly treated and homeless;
12and we labor, working with our own hands; when we are verbally abused, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;
13when we are slandered, we reply as friends; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.
14I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
15For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
16Therefore I urge you, be imitators of me.
17For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.
18Now some have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.
19But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall find out, not the words of those who are arrogant, but their power.
20For the kingdom of God is not in words, but in power.
21What do you desire? That I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 1 Corinthians 4.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The true character of gospel ministers. (1–6). Cautions against despising the apostle. (7–13). He claims their regard as their spiritual father in Christ, and shows his concern for them. (14–21).
vv1-6
Apostles were no more than servants of Christ, but they were not to be undervalued. They had a great trust, and for that reason, had an honourable office. Paul had a just concern for his own reputation, but he knew that he who chiefly aimed to please men, would not prove himself a faithful servant of Christ. It is a comfort that men are not to be our final judges. And it is not judging well of ourselves, or justifying ourselves, that will prove us safe and happy. Our own judgment is not to be depended upon as to our faithfulness, any more than our own works for our justification. There is a day coming, that will bring men's secret sins into open day, and discover the secrets of their hearts. Then every slandered believer will be justified, and every faithful servant approved and rewarded. The word of God is the best rule by which to judge as to men. Pride commonly is at the bottom of quarrels. Self-conceit contributes to produce undue esteem of our teachers, as well as of ourselves. We shall not be puffed up for one against another, if we remember that all are instruments, employed by God, and endowed by him with various talents.
vv7-13
We have no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. A sinner snatched from destruction by sovereign grace alone, must be very absurd and inconsistent, if proud of the free gifts of God. St. Paul sets forth his own circumstances, verse 9 Allusion is made to the cruel spectacles in the Roman games; where men were forced to cut one another to pieces, to divert the people; and where the victor did not escape with his life, though he should destroy his adversary, but was only kept for another combat, and must be killed at last. The thought that many eyes are upon believers, when struggling with difficulties or temptations, should encourage constancy and patience. “We are weak, but ye are strong.” All Christians are not alike exposed. Some suffer greater hardships than others. The apostle enters into particulars of their sufferings. And how glorious the charity and devotion that carried them through all these hardships! They suffered in their persons and characters as the worst and vilest of men; as the very dirt of the world, that was to be swept away: nay, as the offscouring of all things, the dross of all things. And every one who would be faithful in Christ Jesus, must be prepared for poverty and contempt. Whatever the disciples of Christ suffer from men, they must follow the example, and fulfil the will and precepts of their Lord. They must be content, with him and for him, to be despised and abused. It is much better to be rejected, despised, and ill used, as St. Paul was, than to have the good opinion and favour of the world. Though cast off by the world as vile, yet we may be precious to God, gathered up with his own hand, and placed upon his throne.
vv14-21
In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and differ in their views, but Christ and Christian truth are the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Whenever the gospel is effectual, it comes not in word only, but also in power, by the Holy Spirit, quickening dead sinners, delivering persons from the slavery of sin and Satan, renewing them both inwardly and outwardly, and comforting, strengthening, and establishing the saints, which cannot be done by the persuasive language of men, but by the power of God. And it is a happy temper, to have the spirit of love and meekness bear the rule, yet to maintain just authority.
Key Words
οὕτω (hoútō): in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos): from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being
λογίζομαι (logízomai): to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively)
ἡμᾶς (hēmâs): us
ὡς (hōs): which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ὑπηρέτης (hypērétēs): an under-oarsman, i.e. (generally) subordinate (assistant, sexton, constable)
Χριστός (Christós): anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἰκονόμος (oikonómos): a house-distributor (i.e. manager), or overseer, i.e. an employee in that capacity; by extension, a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively, a preacher (of the Gospel)
μυστήριον (mystḗrion): a secret or "mystery" (through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 4Paul's explicit appeal to follow his example, which he clarifies is following Christ.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
Underlying concept of a steward appointed to dispense food/mysteries faithfully.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Moses is praised as a faithful servant in God's house, representing the prime ministerial duty.
Supported by JFB
Directly reinforces that all we have is received from God above, preventing human boasting.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Verbal echo of being made a 'gazingstock' or spectacle to the world and angels.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Historical record of Paul actually laboring with his own hands as a tentmaker.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
Lamentations' description of being made 'offscouring and refuse' echoed precisely by Paul.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallel usage of Paul 'begetting' a spiritual son (Onesimus) through the gospel.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
Echoes the contrast between persuasive words of human wisdom and demonstration of divine power.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
Instructing others with the same 'spirit of meekness' Paul offers to the Corinthians.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Parallel concept of the 'day' of testing which reveals every man's work by fire.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
The day when God shall judge the secrets of men's hearts by Jesus Christ.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
Paul using himself and Apollos to show that ministers are only instruments.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Historical context of Paul purposing in the Spirit to visit Corinth and Macedonia.
Supported by John Calvin
Reinforces that the kingdom of God is not external matters but righteousness, peace, and power.
Supported by Matthew Henry