December 14, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 4

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 instructers 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?

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction:

The fourth chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is addressed to the church in Corinth and deals with central themes such as humility, service, and the proper attitude towards spiritual leaders. Paul responds to the arrogance and rivalry within the community that had developed in the Corinthian church. He emphasizes his role as a servant of Christ and appeals to the believers to focus on the true foundation of their faith, rather than being guided by human pride and competition. This chapter offers valuable insights into the dynamics of leadership roles within the church and the necessity of humility and willingness to serve among the believers.

Commentary:

1. No Right to Judge (Verses 1-5)

Paul begins this chapter by stating that all believers are regarded as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. However, he emphasizes that it is not his task to judge the members of the church. Instead, he leaves judgment to God, who will ultimately uncover all hidden things. This attitude underscores the need for humility and the avoidance of self-righteousness within the church. Paul warns against making hasty judgments and reminds the Corinthians that only God knows the true heart and motives of each individual.

2. Against the Arrogance of the Corinthians (Verses 6-13)

In this section, Paul criticizes the arrogance of the Corinthians who are elevating themselves above the apostles and their authority. He presents himself and Apollos as examples of humility to teach the Corinthians that no one should exalt themselves above another. Paul emphasizes that all blessings and gifts come from God and that there is no reason for self-praise. He describes his own sufferings and those of the other apostles to remind the believers that true service often comes with hardships. This portrayal serves to admonish the Corinthians to reconsider their attitude and focus on serving Christ, rather than relying on human recognition.

3. Paul, the Father of the Church in Corinth (Verses 14-21)

Paul refers to himself as the spiritual father of the Corinthians, who has begotten them in the gospel. He urges the church to follow him and adhere to his teachings. By sending Timothy, Paul underscores the importance of holding to his ways, which are rooted in faith. He warns against those who are inflating themselves and questioning his authority. Paul emphasizes the power of the kingdom of God, which is not in words, but in power. Finally, he poses the question of whether he should come to them with a rod or with love and a gentle spirit, highlighting the balance between discipline and affection in spiritual leadership.

Summary:

In 1 Corinthians chapter 4, Paul appeals to the church in Corinth to practice humility and readiness to serve while avoiding arrogance and rivalry. He reminds the believers that all are servants of Christ and that judgment is ultimately reserved for God. By depicting his own sufferings and those of the other apostles, Paul encourages the Corinthians to focus on true service for the kingdom of God, rather than seeking human recognition. Finally, he emphasizes the importance of following and accepting his teachings, urging the church to live in power, not just in words. This chapter underscores the values of humility, dedication, and genuine spiritual leadership within the Christian community.

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