Paul is trying to address both of these problems. Paul had a real problem with the Corinthians; they tended to look down on him and not respect his apostolic authority. Clarke's Commentary. 2018 David Guzik No distribution beyond personal use without permission. The object of thanksgiving is God, for as he is the author of all mercies, the glory and praise of them ought to be given to him. IV. Do but your duty, and you have no reason to avoid my presence." Everything we have has come from God, so there is no reason for pride. It is better to fall into the hands of God than into the hands of men, 2 Sam 24 14. Leading someone to Christ does not give you special authority over their life, but it does give you a special relationship. We want the power without the cost. Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. So Paul may have a double meaning here when using the words filth and offscouring. The word hyperetas literally means an under-rower, in the sense that someone is a rower on a big galley ship. It is reasonably thought by the critics that an allusion is here made to a common custom of many heathen nations, to offer men in sacrifice in a time of pestilence, or other like grievous calamity. This is a divine prerogative (Jer 17 10), and yet it is what our Saviour challenges to himself in a very peculiar manner (Rev 2 23): All the churches shall know that I am HE who searcheth the reins and hearts, and I will give to every one of you according to your works. Note, How bold a sinner is the forward and severe censurer! Can, or should, every Christian today have the same attitude? Not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power: Those among the Corinthian Christians who loved high-sounding words and their successful image had their own word, but Paul had the true power of the gospel. Whatever the disciples of Christ suffer from men, they must follow the example, and fulfil the will and precepts of their Lord. c. I urge you, imitate me: The first reaction of many of the Corinthian Christians would probably be horror. In 1 Corinthians 4:6, Paul pointed out that his use of his own name and that of Apollos was not to be construed as an admission that he and Apollos had actually headed any divisive parties in Corinth, but that he had used these names figuratively for the purpose of teaching against all divisions. In fact, I do not even judge myself. Historical Books Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; being defamed, we entreat. Here, Paul uses the word hyperetas, which describes a subordinate servant functioning as a free man. Do I live with a spirit of humble gratitude? Maybe that wasnt so bad after all! If there is a difference between us, it is because of what God has done in us, so there is no reason for pride. i. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. Then Paul also might reign with you! The same truth, taught over again, if it give no new light, may make new and quicker impression. They returned blessings for reproaches, and entreaties and kind exhortations for the rudest slanders and defamation, and were patient under the sharpest persecutions. d. Why do you glory as if you had not received it? 1 Corinthians 4:5. Catch the latest Corinthians and Grmio news and find up to date Brazilian Srie A standings , results , top scorers and previous winners . The word of God is the best rule by which to judge as to men. i. Whatever other teachers they had, he was their spiritual father. A show. When they thought Paul was afraid of them, it made them all the more proud in their hearts. 7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? 15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Then Paul also might reign with you! 1. The New Testament With contrast after contrast, Paul sarcastically shows how foolish it is for the Corinthians to think that they are more spiritually privileged, blessed, or endowed, than the apostles were. 1 Corinthians 4:1-13 NIV - The Nature of True Apostleship - This is not meant to represent the possession of them as problematical (Rckert), but is concessive. 1 Corinthians 4 Commentary - Bible Study Tools Love actively waits for others without resentment. Which Paul did they want to come the Paul with the rod of correction (used by shepherds to smack disobedient sheep), or the Paul with the spirit of gentleness? The Lord Jesus Christ will manifest the counsels of the heart, of all hearts. Wisdom Literature b. Such I am as he shall find and judge me to be." We can pass for fools in the world, and be despised as such, so that the wisdom of God and the honour of the gospel may by this means be secured and displayed." There is no reason for this self-glorying pride. "But you are wise in Christ. There is no doubt Paul would prefer to come in gentleness, but hell leave that decision up to the Corinthian Christians. Our own judgment is not to be depended upon as to our faithfulness, any more than our own works for our justification. g. Being defamed, we entreat: Paul is saying that when they were slandered, the apostles would reach out in kindness to the one who spoke against them. NIV Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. All Rights Reserved. II. (4) Charity suffereth long. Apostles were not to be undervalued; for, though they were ministers, they were ministers of Christ. But I hope I have approved myself a faithful steward of the mysteries of Christ, and a faithful servant of my master Christ; so far follow me, and tread in my steps." And especially knowing how much I, like most people, would like to have the respect and admiration of the world. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. Pride commonly lies at the bottom of these quarrels. And there is a time coming when men cannot fail judging aright concerning themselves and others, by following his judgment. But Jesus is the only judge, and you are judging before the events are over.. You are regarded as a fool, as weak, as dishonored; you are hungry and thirsty and poorly clothed, homeless and beaten; you work hard to support yourself with manual labor. It is a very small thing that I should be judged by you: Paul insists that their low estimation of him really mattered little; it is what God judges that is important (he who judges me is the Lord). 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but . Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 1:1-9 All Christians are by baptism dedicated and devoted to Christ, and are under strict obligations to be holy. Verse 1 Corinthians 4:1. The Corinthian Christians had two problems: they were proud of their own spirituality, and they were somewhat embarrassed of Paul because of his weakness and humble state. i. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Proud member We must not think of them above what is written. CSB In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful. A minister is not to be estimated as a supernatural teacher, or a civil autocrat, or an infallible critic, but as an ambassador from Christ, who reveals to the "initiated" that which they could not otherwise know. Indeed I could wish you did reign: Wouldnt it be great if they really were reigning already? For we are made a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men. The Gospels 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; such in common account, and we are well content to be so accounted. 1. Let a man so account of us Though the apostle had before said that he, and other ministers of the Gospel, were not any thing with respect to God, and, with regard to the churches, were theirs, for their use and advantage; yet they were not to be trampled upon, and treated with contempt, but to be known, esteemed, and honoured for their works' sake, and in their respective . b. 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. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. 1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Corinthians 4 NIV - The Nature of True Apostleship - This, - Bible IV. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. 1 Corinthians 4:1 - Bible Hub Augustine used this text often in proclaiming the total depravity of man against the Pelagians. Morgan describes this under-rower as one who acts under direction, and asks no questions, one who does the thing he is appointed to do without hesitation, and one who reports only to the One Who is over him.. "Us" refers to the apostolic leaders through whom the Corinthians had come to faith and to whom the various factions in the church claimed allegiance ( 1 Cor. Therefore I urge you, imitate me. You are regarded as a fool, as weak, as dishonored; you are hungry and thirsty and poorly clothed, homeless and beaten; you work hard to support yourself with manual labor. For who makes you differ: The puffed up state of the Corinthian Christians meant there was a pride problem. They thought they had a rich amends for all the outward good things they wanted, if they might but serve Christ and save souls. We must take our every cue from Scripture. He was laughing at them with holy laughter, and yet with utter contempt for what they had been doing. (Morgan). They were the common-sewer into which all the reproaches of the world were to be poured. He compares his own case with that of the Corinthians: "We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are honourable, but we are despised, v. 10. But how fearful should they be of loading any with reproaches now whom their common Judge shall hereafter commend. We are fools for Christs sake, but you are wise in Christ! You are already full! Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. What do you want? Matthew Henrys Bible Commentary (concise), Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. What had they to glory in, when all their peculiar gifts were from God? 1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. He had not one doctrine for one place and people, and another for another. Note, Ministers should so live that their people may take pattern from them, and live after their copy. Bible Gateway passage: 1 Corinthians 4 - King James Version Maybe that wasnt so bad after all! 18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. Note, The ministers of Christ should make it their hearty and continual endeavour to approve themselves trustworthy; and when they have the testimony of a good conscience, and the approbation of their Master, they must slight the opinions and censures of their fellow-servants: But with me, saith the apostle, it is a small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment, v. 3. iii. (14-21). 11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place; 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. They judge him on his humor, his entertainment value, his appearance, or his skill at marketing and sales. Corinth was a strategically located Roman city on the main land route between East and West and was the crossroads for several sea routes. Today, there is no shortage of ministers who want to display the image of worldly success and power, and no shortage of Christians who will only value that in their minister. The image of 1 Corinthians 4:9 is either from the coliseum or the parade of a conquering Roman general, where he displayed his armies first, the booty second, and at the end of the procession, the defeated captives who would be condemned to die in the arena. Pauline Epistles It is foolish in us therefore, and injurious to him, to boast of it; those who receive all should be proud of nothing, Ps 115 1. When they did their duty in it, and approved themselves faithful: It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful (v. 2), trustworthy. We are fools for Christs sake, but you are wise in Christ! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! They did not set up for masters, but they deserved respect and esteem in this honourable service. 1 Corinthians - Free Bible Commentary in easy English We can only say this, in the full sense that Paul means it, if we are apostles. c. For in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel: The instructor did have legitimate authority, but certainly not like a father. They were stewards of God's household, high-stewards in his kingdom of grace. ii. We are almost always too hard or too easy on ourselves. I am not conscious that I am guilty of any evil, or have neglected to fulfil faithfully the duty of a steward of Jesus Christ. In a broader sense, it is an important lesson: not to think beyond what is written. 9. Note, Those do not commonly know themselves best who think best of themselves, who have the highest opinion of themselves. We are suffering for Christ's sake" (so being weak plainly signifies, 2 Cor 12 10), "when you are in easy and flourishing circumstances." In this passage, Paul offers a definitive statement of what it means to be a leader: "Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries" ( 1 Cor. He is not to be understood of judging by persons in authority, within the verge of their office, nor of private judging concerning facts that are notorious; but of judging persons' future state, or the secret springs and principles of their actions, or about facts doubtful in themselves. They may think very meanly or very hardly of him, while he is doing his duty; but it is not by their judgment that he must stand or fall. (1 Corinthians 4:8-13) Pauls sarcastic rebuke. i. Note, Ministers should use prudence in their advices and admonitions, but especially in their reproofs, lest they lose their end. It would offend them that one of Gods apostles would actually work with his own hands! These were things that the Corinthian Christians, in their pride, wanted to avoid at all cost. Comp 1 Corinthians 3:5, 1 Corinthians 12:6, 1 Corinthians 15:10. In relation to the master of the house, the steward was a slave; but in relation to the other slaves the steward was a master. II. We want the power without the cost. Or else, "We pass upon the world for persons of but mean endowments, mere striplings in Christianity; but you look upon yourselves, and are looked upon by others, as men, as those of a much more advanced growth and confirmed strength." 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. d. I have sent Timothy: Timothy seemed to be Pauls chief troubleshooter, often being sent to problem churches. So consider us, as servants of Christ: There are several different words in the language of the New Testament to describe a servant. This is to think beyond what is written. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. Paul leaves the ball in their court. f. Each ones praise will come from God: Paul knew he had little praise from the Corinthian Christians, but that did not concern him. And we labor, working with our own hands. As of the ministers of Christ. People look at you and see filth and the offscouring of all things. c. That none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other: When the Corinthian Christians used unbiblical standards to judge the apostles, they could easily like one and hate another based on bad standards. h. The offscouring of all things: Some ancient Greeks had a custom of casting certain worthless people into the sea during a time of plague or famine, while saying Be our offscouring! The victims were called scrapings in the belief that they would wipe away the communities guilt. They carried their lives in their hands: God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death, v. 9. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. God help us to choose Pauls way, because it is really Gods way. They were treated as men not fit to live, perikatharmata. 1 Corinthians 4:1 - Bible Verse Meaning and Commentary - Bible Study Tools He first brought them off from pagan idolatry to the faith of the gospel and the worship of the true and living God. of Scripture. New Testament 1 Corinthians: Epistle to the 21st Century We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. We can only say this, in the full sense that Paul means it, if we are apostles. Paul had a unique place of authority and leadership among the Corinthian Christians, not only because he fathered the church itself in Corinth (I have begotten you through the gospel), but also because of his apostolic authority. You might have ten thousand instructors: The instructor was a paidagogoi, a guardian or slave-guide, who escorted the boys to and from school and who supervised their general conduct. To be the off-scouring of any thing is bad, but what is it to be the off-scouring of all things! The Gospels If they continued perverse among themselves and with him, it would be necessary to come with a rod; that is, to exert his apostolical power in chastising them, by making some examples, and inflicting some diseases and corporal punishments, or by other censures for their faults. So then, men ought to view us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. a. Previous Chapter Next Chapter 1 Corinthians 4 (King James Version) 1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. c. What do you want? Note, Christians may well be patient under unjust censures, when they know such a day as this is coming, especially when they have their consciences testifying to their integrity. This is tough work to do in a heart, and only a great work by the Spirit can accomplish it! He received all the cash, expended what was necessary for the support of the family, and kept exact accounts, for which he was obliged at certain times to lay before the master. (Clarke). 1 Corinthians 4:2 Imitate you, Paul? 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. You are already full! The image of 1 Corinthians 4:9 is either from the coliseum or the parade of a conquering Roman general, where he displayed his armies first, the booty second, and at the end of the procession, the defeated captives who would be condemned to die in the arena. Which must be understood with a restriction to the subject he is upon, faithfulness in the ministry; otherwise he knew much by himself of indwelling sin, and the corruption of his nature, which he sometimes found very strong and prevalent in him, and of the daily infirmities of life; but as to his ministerial service, he was pure from the blood . Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Note, Pride is a great prejudice to our improvement. (1) Man. I would not have you be my disciples, but his. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now: Its a little embarrassing to read Pauls description of his ministry while working on a nice computer and surrounded by several hundred books. Christians may mistake and differ in their views, but Christ and Christian truth are the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. What one apostle taught every one taught. And we labor, working with our own hands. Though Paul uses strong sarcasm, his purpose isnt to make fun of the Corinthian Christians. Poor circumstances indeed, for the prime ministers of our Saviour's kingdom to have no house nor home, and to be destitute of food and raiment! The stewards in Christ's family must appoint what he hath appointed. Whenever Paul would hear criticism of his style or manner, he could simply ask, Did I give you the truth? As a good steward, thats what he first cared about. Indeed I could wish you did reign: Wouldnt it be great if they really were reigning already? e. I have sent Timothy: Timothy seemed to be Pauls chief troubleshooter, often being sent to problem churches. a. I have figuratively transferred: In the first few verses of this chapter, Paul spoke of the apostles being servants and stewards. 1. 1 Corinthians 4 - Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible - Bible i. a. a. Enduring Word Bible Commentary 1 Corinthians Chapter 4 The standard-bearers in an army are most struck at. There is a day coming, that will bring men's secret sins into open day, and discover the secrets of their hearts. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point So Paul may have a double meaning here when using the words filth and offscouring. 1. And especially knowing how much I, like most people, would like to have the respect and admiration of the world. The Corinthians might have reigned, and the apostle with them, if they had not been blown up with an imaginary royalty. iii. f. Each ones praise will come from God: Paul knew he had little praise from the Corinthian Christians, but that did not concern him. You can also change some of your preferences. These three questions should prompt other questions in my heart: do I truly give God the credit for my salvation? The word spectacle is theatron, from which we get our word theater. When Paul says we have been made a spectacle to the world, he speaks of how the apostles were publicly humiliated. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. a. Shame you warn you: With his biting sarcasm, Paul knows the Corinthian Christians might be pretty ashamed. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. He tells them of his having sent Timothy to them, to bring them into remembrance of his ways in Christ, as he taught every where in every church (v. 17)to remind them of his ways in Christ, to refresh their memory as to his preaching and practice, what he taught, and how he lived among them. Note, All our purposes must be formed with a dependence on Providence, and a reserve for the overruling purposes of God. We dont have apostolic authority like this. d. And stewards of the mysteries of God: What did Paul and the other apostles manage in the household of God? Paul had a real problem with the Corinthians; they tended to look down on him and not respect his apostolic authority. Here Paul challenges their regard to him as their father. You are already full! Note, It is not judging well of ourselves, justifying ourselves, that will prove us safe and happy. Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. Note, It is a good way in the general to judge of a preacher's doctrine, to see whether the effects of it upon men's hearts to be truly divine. Should we have no or little regard for what other Christians think about us, and just say he who judges me is the Lord? I thank my God always on your behalf Now follows a thanksgiving for various blessings bestowed upon this church, which is a proof of the apostle's great affection for it, and how much its welfare lay at his heart. Follow me as far as I follow Christ. And apostles could not meet with better usage. of The New Testament Not because of all these difficulties, but despite them, and often because of them, the glory and power of Jesus Christ shines through me.. We must take our every cue from Scripture. (1 Corinthians 4:3-5) Being Gods servants, we answer only to Him. They had to be efficient managers of the masters resources.
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