1 Corinthians 4

1 Corinthians 4 serves as an appeal from Paul to the Corinthians concerning the nature of true apostleship. He emphasizes humility and the role of a steward of God’s mysteries, urging the Corinthians to adopt a correct perspective on leadership within the church. He contrasts the apostles' outward hardships with their spiritual responsibilities and ends with a stern but loving warning to those who were proud.

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

Paul begins by positioning himself and his fellow workers as servants and stewards, emphasizing that their primary responsibility is to Christ and the gospel. The key quality expected of them, and by extension of any leader in the church, is faithfulness to their divine commission.

1 Corinthians 4:3-5 (NKJV) 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. For I know nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. 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 discusses the judgment he faces from others and even self-assessment. He clarifies that human judgments, including his own self-evaluation, are inconsequential compared to the judgment of the Lord. Paul instructs the Corinthians to refrain from premature judgments about spiritual leaders, as true evaluation will only be possible when God reveals all motives and actions at the final judgment.

1 Corinthians 4:6 (NKJV) 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.

Paul refers to the previous discussions about divisions and allegiances to different leaders within the church, using himself and Apollos as examples. He admonishes the Corinthians not to elevate church leaders inappropriately or create factions, but to adhere strictly to Scripture, promoting unity and humility.

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

Here, Paul challenges the Corinthians on the source of their gifts and talents, stressing that everything they have is received from God. Thus, boasting as if they had achieved these things on their own is both foolish and unjust.

1 Corinthians 4:8 (NKJV) 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!

Paul uses irony to criticize the Corinthians' arrogance and self-satisfaction. He contrasts their perceived state of having achieved spiritual fullness and authority with the reality of their need for guidance and growth.

1 Corinthians 4:9-10 (NKJV) 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. 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!

Paul contrasts the apostles' suffering and humility with the Corinthians' self-perceived wisdom and strength. He uses this comparison to highlight the irony in their attitudes, suggesting that true apostleship, characterized by suffering and dishonor for Christ's sake, differs greatly from the Corinthians' current state.

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

Paul describes the harsh realities of apostolic life, which includes physical deprivation and societal rejection. Despite these hardships, the apostles respond with blessings, patience, and appeals for peace, embodying the teachings of Christ in their conduct.

1 Corinthians 4:14-15 (NKJV) I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you. 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.

Paul clarifies his motive; his harsh words are not meant to shame but to instruct, as a father would correct his children. He underscores his unique role as their spiritual father through the gospel, differentiating his deep, personal investment in their spiritual well-being from that of other teachers who may lack such a connection.

1 Corinthians 4:16 (NKJV) Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

Paul calls for the Corinthians to emulate his example, particularly his humility, dedication to Christ, and willingness to suffer for the gospel, as the true markers of leadership and discipleship in the church.

1 Corinthians 4:17 (NKJV) 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.

To reinforce his teachings and provide a living example of his principles, Paul has sent Timothy to them. Timothy's presence and behavior will serve as a reminder of Paul's teachings and lifestyle, consistent across all the churches he serves.

1 Corinthians 4:18-20 (NKJV) Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. 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. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

Paul identifies that some in the Corinthian community have become arrogant ("puffed up"), likely believing that Paul would not return to hold them accountable for their actions or their teachings. This arrogance might stem from a misunderstanding of Paul’s teachings or a misguided sense of spiritual superiority. The tone suggests that their arrogance is linked to a false security in their rhetorical skills or intellectual knowledge, which they perhaps thought Paul would not challenge. Paul counters this by expressing his intent to visit them soon, contingent on God’s will ("if the Lord wills"). His visit will not just be a social call but a time for discernment and evaluation. He aims to distinguish between mere words and true apostolic power. This implies that Paul suspects that their faith may be superficial, demonstrated through eloquent speech rather than genuine spiritual power. His goal is to observe firsthand the transformative power of the Gospel among them, not just the persuasive words some might use. "For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power." - Paul emphasizes that the true essence of God’s reign and authority is manifested not through eloquent speech or theoretical knowledge, but through divine power. This power is evidenced by changed lives, ethical living, and the Holy Spirit's miraculous workings among believers. It’s a corrective reminder that the faith they profess must be lived out with tangible, observable changes in behavior and community life, which reflect the transformative power of the Gospel.

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

Paul ends the chapter by posing a choice to the Corinthians, reflecting the tone of his upcoming visit. He can come with discipline (symbolized by a rod) if they continue in disobedience, or with love and gentleness if they correct their ways, underscoring the conditional nature of his approach based on their behavior.