I Corinthians 4

For this lesson, we will continue our study of the book of

I Corinthians, with Chapter 4.

In our study of I Corinthians 3, we again studied the divisions in the church.

(I Cor 3:21) For all things are yours: {22} whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come; all are yours. {23} And you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

Paul was pleading with them to unite in Christ.

Now let us continue our study with Chapter 4.

(1 Cor 4 NKJV) Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards¹ of the mysteries of God. {2} Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

1a) especially a steward, manager, superintendent (whether free-born as was usually the case, a freed-man or a slave) to whom the head of the house or proprietor has intrusted the management of his affairs, the care of receipts and expenditures, and the duty of dealing out the proper portion to every servant and even to the children not yet of age

1c) the superintendent of the city’s finances, the treasurer of a city (or of treasurers or quaestors of kings)

2) metaphorically the apostles and other Christian teachers and bishops and overseers

Being a steward is a very serious matter. You give account to someone, but listen to what Paul says about that:

(1 Cor 4 :3) But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. {4} For I know nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.

“He who judges me is the Lord.” That’s where judgment should be left—with the Lord.

What judging had they been doing? Apparently making judgment who was the best preacher. What does Paul say about that practice?

(I Cor 4:5) Therefore 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 one's praise will come from God.

Paul makes it plain that he is talking about their judging of their preachers:

(I Cor 4:6) Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other.

(1 Cor 4:6 NCV) Brothers and sisters, I have used Apollos and myself as examples so you could learn through us the meaning of the saying, "Follow only what is written in the Scriptures." Then you will not be more proud of one person than another.

(I Cor 4:7) For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

2) If I am an American and therefore richer than if I had been born in Africa, but what did I do to be born here?

Then the sobering question: “Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”

(I Cor 4:8) You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us; and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you!

“It is generally agreed that this is spoken in irony, and that it is an indignant sarcasm uttered against the false and self-confident teachers in Corinth. The design is to contrast them with the apostles; to show how self-confident and vain the false teachers were, and how laborious and self-denying the apostles were; and to show to them how little claim they had to authority in the church, and the real claim which the apostles had from their self-denials and labors. The whole passage is an instance of most pungent and cutting sarcasm, and shows that there may be occasions when irony may be proper, though it should be rare.” -- Comments of Albert Barnes

I agree with Barnes on his assessment of this passage. I think the sarcasm is pretty clear in this statement:

“I could wish you did reign,” so the obvious conclusion has to be: but you don’t, even though he had said, “You have reigned as kings without us;”

(I Cor 4:9) For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.

“as men condemned to death;” As far as we know, only John died a natural death, and some suggest that John didn’t die, but I have nothing to really back that up. The rest died as martyrs. They made the supreme sacrifice.

(I Cor 4:10) We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!

I think this is the sarcasm of verse 9 continued: “We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ!”

Sarcasm, or simply contrast: “We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!”

Why this difference? If both are supposed to be Christians, what’s wrong with this picture?

(I Cor 4:11) To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. {12} And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; {13} being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.

(I Cor 4:14) I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.

In effect, he is saying, you need to think about why there is such a difference in what we are and what you are?

Paul reminds them of how he relates to them:

It is a unique role!

(I Cor 4:15) For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. {16} Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

“Therefore I urge you, imitate me.” How many can say that? Paul lived such a great life that he could serve as an example. He wasn’t saying do as I say, not as I do, but “Do as I do!”

(I Cor 4:17) For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

Paul was concerned about the Galatians that he might have spent his efforts on them in vain:

He is doing what he can to keep that from happening with the Christians in Corinth:

Again: (I Cor 4:17) For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

Timothy was a trusted representative of Paul, and a faithful preacher of the gospel.

He is speaking in very elementary language. They are inflated, or blown up, but with what? Air!

(I Cor 4:18) Now some are puffed up¹, as though I were not coming to you. {19} But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. {20} For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

The difference in words and power: With words, you can boast, you can threaten, you say a lot of things, but can you do it? Do you have the power?

“not in word” Words have a lot to do with the gospel. We have the preaching of the gospel, but Paul is now speaking of the power behind the words: The power of God. It’s a tragic mistake to forget the power behind the words of God!

(I Cor 4:21) What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

It’s their choice, but what will determine the difference? What determines how we treat our children or grandchildren? Isn’t it their conduct? As long as they behave, everything can be pleasant and enjoyable, but what if they challenge us and will not obey? Then it is a different matter.

It’s better for them, and better for all, to do the will of God. Then we can have peace and love.