1 Corinthians Chapter 4 — Stewards of the Mysteries
Paul describes the apostles as stewards of God's mysteries who endure hardship while calling the Corinthian believers to humility and imitation of his life.
1So let a man think of us as Christ’s servants and stewards of God’s mysteries.
2Here, moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by a human court. Yes, I don’t even judge my own self.
4For I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but he who judges me is the Lord.
5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.
6Now these things, brothers, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to think beyond the things which are written, that none of you be puffed up against one another.
7For who makes you different? And what do you have that you didn’t receive? But 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 come to reign without us. Yes, and I wish that you did reign, that we also might reign with you!
9For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men.
10We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor.
11Even to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten, and have no certain dwelling place.
12We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.
13Being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, the dirt wiped off by all, even until now.
14I don’t write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
15For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, you don’t have many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the Good News.
16I beg you therefore, be imitators of me.
17Because of this I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every assembly.
18Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.
19But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing. And I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.
20For God’s Kingdom is not in word, but in power.
21What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
1 Corinthians 4:2
“Here, moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
This verse establishes the primary requirement and standard for anyone serving in ministry.
1 Corinthians 4:7
“For who makes you different? And what do you have that you didn’t receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”
Paul uses these rhetorical questions to challenge the pride and self-sufficiency of the Corinthian believers.
1 Corinthians 4:20
“For God’s Kingdom is not in word, but in power.”
This highlights that the reality of God's reign is found in spiritual effectiveness rather than mere talk.
Chapter Summary
In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul addresses the pride within the church at Corinth. He defines apostles as servants and faithful stewards of God’s mysteries, noting that only the Lord is the final judge of their work. Paul contrasts the Corinthians' self-perceived wealth and status with the apostles' reality: being fools for Christ, enduring hunger, persecution, and dishonor. He reminds the believers that everything they have is a gift and warns against being puffed up. Writing as a spiritual father rather than a harsh critic, Paul urges them to imitate his conduct. He mentions sending Timothy to remind them of his ways and expresses his intent to visit, emphasizing that the Kingdom of God is demonstrated through power, not just speech. He concludes by asking if he should come to them with a rod of discipline or in a spirit of gentleness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paul uses this term to describe the responsibility of the apostles to manage and share the revealed truths of the Gospel. It emphasizes that they are servants accountable to God rather than to popular opinion or human courts.
He uses this imagery to describe the hardships, public dishonor, and persecution they endure for Christ. He contrasts this suffering with the Corinthians' own sense of comfort and pride to show the true cost of apostolic service.
Paul refers to Timothy, whom he has sent to remind the church of his teachings and lifestyle in Christ. This demonstrates Timothy's role as a trusted representative who modeled Paul's own conduct.
The rod represents a form of spiritual correction or discipline that Paul might have to exercise if the church remains prideful. He expresses a preference to come in love and gentleness but insists on the necessity of authority.
Study Note
The phrase 'filth of the world' in verse 13 uses the Greek word 'perikatharma', which historically referred to waste or low-status individuals often used as scapegoats.
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