1 Corinthians Chapter 4

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Introduction

THIS chapter is a continuation of the subject discussed in those which go before, and of the argument which closes the last chapter. The proper division would have been at verse 6. The design of the first six verses is to show the real estimate in which the apostles ought to be held as the ministers of religion. The remainder of the chapter (1Cor 4:7ff) is occupied in setting forth further the claims of the apostles to their respect in contradistinction from the false teachers, and in reproving the spirit of vain boasting and confidence among the Corinthians. Paul 1Cor 4:7 reproves their boasting by assuring them that they had no ground for it, since all that they possessed had been given to them by God. In 1Cor 4:8, he reproves the same spirit with cutting irony, as if they claimed to be eminently wise. Still further to reprove them, he alludes to his own self-denials and sufferings, as contrasted with their ease, and safety, and enjoyment, 1Cor 4:9ff. He then shows that his labours and self-denials, in their behalf, laid the foundation for his speaking to them with authority as a father, 1Cor 4:15, 1Cor 4:16. And to show them that he claimed that authority over them as the founder of their church, and that he was not afraid to discharge his duty towards them, he informs them that he had sent Timothy to look into their affairs, 1Cor 4:17, and that himself would soon follow; and assures them that he had power to come to them with the severity of Christian discipline, and that it depended on their conduct whether he should come with a rod, or with the spirit of meekness and love, 1Cor 4:21.

Text

1: Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. edit

2: Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. edit

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. edit

4: For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. edit

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. edit

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. edit

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? edit

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. edit

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. edit

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. edit

11: Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; edit

12: And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: edit

13: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. edit

14: I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. edit

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. edit

16: Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. edit

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. edit

18: Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. edit

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. edit

20: For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. edit

21: What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? edit