July 30, 2025
1 Corinthians 4 ESV
This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you! For I think that God has exhibited us apostles as last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute. To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things. I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. I urge you, then, be imitators of me. That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power. For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
Discussion Questions:
This chapter sets forth Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian ecclesia.
1) (Verses 1-5) What does Paul say about their ability to assess him as a leader?
2) (Verses 6-13) How are the Corinthian brethren to compare their Christian experience with Paul’s?
3) (Verses 14-21) How does Paul establish his authority within the ecclesia?
Discussion Summary:
Verses 1-5: Paul dismisses the Corinthian brethren’s assessment of him as a leader because God is the true judge of such matters. Humans can only judge the outward appearance by God judges the motivation, the heart. Paul’s work of ministry would be revealed in time in the hearts of the Corinthian brethren. If he was a good apostle the brethren in Corinth would mature in Christ and prove faithful.
Verses 6-13: The brethren in Corinth were not experiencing persecution in that city (verse 8). Paul on the other hand was experiencing many hardships and suffering as he preached the gospel throughout the region (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). This difference had developed in these brethren a pride and arrogance that their knowledge gave them a better, different Christian experience. They began to be ashamed of Paul for his life and even appearance (2 Corinthians 10:10).
Verses 14-21: Paul established his authority by the power of the Holy Spirit working through him (verses 17,18). We read in Acts 19:6, 11, 12 that Paul was given the ability to work miracles. Paul had his own assurance that his authority was from God as it was told to him at his conversion (Acts 9:15).
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