1st Epistle to the Corinthians Chapter 4: A Bible Commentary by Charles R. Sabo

1 Corinthians:?A Bible Commentary

Chapter 4

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1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. The pronoun “us” refers to all Christians, and not just Paul. The Greek verb “logizomai” was translated as “account,” and should be contextually be understood to mean: “to reckon, to consider.” Paul called the man or woman being evangelized to consider a Christian as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. This not only includes pastors, but all Christians.

Jesus Christ declared that He spoke in parables because what He was teaching was not for the nonbeliever, but the believers (Matt. 13:11, Mark 4:11, Luke 8:10). The mysteries of God are even hard for the average spirit-filled Christian to understand without an interpreter to explain them. Those without the Holy Spirit cannot even begin to fathom the mysteries of God, even when they are explained by a theologian. They will just call the explanation to be foolishness. ?

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: (1 Cor. 2:7) ?

Instead of speaking the wisdom of this world, Christians (we) speak the wisdom of God that appears (to the Gentiles especially) as a hidden wisdom; this hidden mystery should be construed to be because they had never studied the Old Testament, nor read of the coming Messiah. Surely, Isaiah 52-53 was intended to bring clarity to the Jews in what was to occur on the cross, but even they were clueless to this mystery. Paul acknowledged that God had predetermined for this mysterious gospel of Messiah Jesus before He ever made the world, meanwhile intended this for all of the glory of every Christian that has ever lived. Paul used the Greek verb “proorizō,” which actually means: “to predetermine, decide beforehand,” while the translators could have actually used “preordained.” Paul also spoke very extensively in his epistle to Asia Minor (Ephesians) the mystery of the gospel (Eph. 1:9; 3:3-4, 9; 5:32; 6:19); the Colossians were explained to as well the mysteries of God in Colossians 1:26-27; 2:2, and 4:3. He also wrote to Timothy to remind him of the mysteries of God in 1 Timothy 3:9, 16, and the Epistle to the Romans within Romans 16:25. ?

But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as He has declared to His servants the prophets. (Rev. 10:7) ?

The sounding of the seventh cherub angel will occur still on day 1,261, of the 2,520-day tribulation of the Earth. We will not read of this sounding until verse 11:15. The Seven Trumpet Judgments will all sound off on day 1,261, which then begins to unravel the events from that point.

The Mighty Messenger (Jesus), swore by His Father, that this verse will come to pass. The translators used the noun “voice” for the Greek noun “phōnē,” which is also defined as “sound.”?Upon the sound (phōnē) of that seventh cherub angel blowing his trumpet (when he shall begin to sound), the mystery (mystērion), or hidden purpose of God the Father will be completed (fulfilled). This will come to pass, just as He has declared it through His prophets (servants). The Old and New Testaments have declared God’s purpose for all that He does and will do, and by this time spoken of, all will be coming to pass. The Seventh Trumpet Judgment will bring the final wrath (including the seven vials), which will manifest the timeline to Armageddon and the Second Coming of Christ.[1] The mysteries of God will be finished upon the arrival of Jesus the Messiah at His Second Coming.

1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful. In both 4:1, and here in 4:2, Paul addressed Christians as “stewards,” which is translated from the Greek noun “oikonomos.” A steward is a manager, or superintendent, that a proprietor has entrusted the management of his affairs. Jesus Christ has entrusted the management of the affairs of the gospel to His stewards, which are His church of believers. Paul has insinuated that each Christian has been entrusted over Christ’s affairs on Earth, and that each is required to be found faithful to that responsibility (The Great Commission).

1 Corinthians 4:3 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 my own self. The Greek verb “anakrinō” is defined as: “examine, scrutinize, judge of.” Paul insinuated that is a very small thing that God should examine him of the Corinthian Christian’s conduct, or misconduct. He then added that even he does not judge himself in these matters, because in the following verse, he declared that it is God who examines his conduct, or misconduct. Within the context of verses 4:1-2, this examination pertains to how good of stewards each Christian has been.

1 Corinthians 4:4 Because I know nothing by myself, yet am I not hereby justified, but He that judges me is the Lord. This declaration presents the reason that Paul does not examine himself and his stewardship. Paul used the Greek verb “dikaioō,” translated as “justified,” which is defined as: “to declare one to be just, or righteous.” He acknowledged that he knew nothing of himself, yet he asked a rhetorical question to make his point (yes, he is righteous). His righteousness does not depend on what he has done or not done, but God examines him, because He is the Judge.

1 Corinthians 4:5 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. Paul was still addressing the examination of each Christian’s stewardship from verses 4:1-4. We, as Christians, should examine no one’s stewardship, until the Lord returns. Paul used the Greek noun “skotos” metaphorically. The contextual definition of “darkness,” pertaining to stewardship, should be: “of ignorance respecting divine things and human duties.” When Messiah Jesus returns, He will bring to light the hidden things of each steward’s ignorance respecting divine things and human duties. He will reveal (make manifest) the counsels of each steward’s heart, and then every Christian will have their praise from God.

Because there will still be Christians alive on Earth at Christ’s Second Coming, we must conclude that this revealing of the counsels of each Christian’s heart will be accomplished on Earth; the Bema Judgment in heaven is not this. Since there will be a Marriage Supper of the Lamb on Earth after Christ’s Second Coming, this may be that time. Please remember that the Marriage of the Lamb with His Bride will be in heaven before the Second Coming (Rev. 19:1-9), so the Marriage Supper will be on Earth with mortals attending as guests (Matt. 22:1-14). This awards assembly can be recognized within Revelation 20:4, when all still alive as mortals, who did not take the Mark of the Beast will be rewarded. ?

And you yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord; when He will return from the wedding, that when He comes and knocks, they may open unto Him immediately. (Luke 12:36)?

1 Corinthians 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that you might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that not one of you be puffed up for one against another. Paul used the Greek verb “metaschēmatizō,” which was translated as: “have in a figure transferred,” but can be better understood to be “transformed.” Paul stated that he had transformed himself and Apollos for the sake of the Corinthians; otherwise, they became their examples by not examining each person’s stewardship. This was to be their example to not praise (above that which is written), nor fault a person’s own stewardship, so that not one of them would be prideful (puffed up) and think of themselves above another.

1 Corinthians 4:7 Because who makes you to differ from another? And what have you that you did not receive? Now if you did receive it, why do you glory, as if you had not received it? This is the reason why Paul and Apollos were not criticizing how good (or bad) each person’s stewardship was in Corinth (from the previous verse). Paul used the Greek verb “diakrinō,” translated as “makes you to differ,” which contextually is defined as: “make a distinction, discriminate.” In modern English, it would be better to say: Because who discriminates you from another? This is a rhetorical question, which can only be answered one way…God does, and not men. The context of the second question is to be determined to be the receiving of criticism of their stewardship. Those that had gotten puffed up from not receiving criticism were wrongfully assuming they were perfect without fault. For those who had received criticism for their stewardship, Paul asked why they were praising themselves (glory) as if they had not received criticism. Overall, Paul had addressed each of their pridefulness concerning such horrible assumptions concerning themselves.

1 Corinthians 4:8 Now you are full; now you are rich; you have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God you did reign, that we also might reign with you. Greek verb “korennymi” means “satisfied.” Greek verb “plouteō” means: “to have abundance.” Greek verb “basileuō” metaphorically means: “to exercise the highest influence.” Paul acknowledged that the Christian Corinthians had been satisfied and had abundances in their lives, while having great influence on their society. Paul used the Greek particle “ophelon,” which means: “where one wishes that a thing had or would happen.” In the case here, Paul hoped (prayed) to God that the Christian Corinthians had a great influence on their society, so that we (Paul and Christian brethren) might have the same influence along with them.

1 Corinthians 4:9 ?Because I think that God has set forth us, the Apostles, last, as it were appointed to death: because we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. The reason that Paul made the previous statement was because he thought that God had sent the Apostles to them last, until their deaths. Paul desired for the Corinthian Christians to have their influence on their society, because the Apostles were sent out into the world until their deaths, in order to make a public spectacle of themselves to the world, the angelic realm, and to men. The difference between the world and men is a delineation between the “world affairs,” and “to men” referring to individuals.

The angelic realm witnessed the Apostles and their evangelism; Good angels delighted in the successes as they witnessed their persecution unto death. The bad angels were most likely disappointed in the influence that the martyrs had on the men and women who witnessed their loyalties to God.

1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are honorable, but we are despised. Remembering 1:18, Paul had stated that: “the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” As the Apostles were persecuted and killed, the world saw them as fools. Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians that they are wise in Christ, as Paul had stated within 1:24, when he declared that Christ is the power of God, and the wisdom of God. ?

Paul used irony in describing the cultural impact that he had on the Greeks, while the Greeks would have a greater influence on their own culture. The Greek culture despised the Apostles, while they respected their own Greek people. Though Paul can be described to be (bold, daring, and fearless in declaring the truth) the opposite of what he declared here, the irony was real. The Christian Corinthians could make a bigger impact within their own culture than any foreigner might have (you are strong; you are honorable). ?

1 Corinthians 4:11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; Paul continued to bring the irony of the circumstances faced by these Apostles. The pronoun used (we) represents Paul and his weary accompaniment; though they have the wisdom of God, they faced these conditions almost daily. The reality was and is, the people of this world are not gracious, therefore, wearied travelers are treated as outcasts. The world’s apathy is there, even though wearied travelers hunger and thirst, are naked of protection and buffeted, and have no for certain dwelling place to rest their weariness.

1 Corinthians 4:12 And labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Paul continued here revealing the irony of having the wisdom of God, yet labored with their own hands; unlike the pastors of modern-day Christianity, the Apostles all worked for a living, separate from the church. We know that Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla were tentmakers (Acts 18:1-3). They did not get a free ride like the many pastors of the modern world, who profit from their so-called ministries.

Paul included within the irony, by implying that they were reviled, persecuted and suffered in that persecution, ?by this world of nonbelievers: yet they blessed so many with the words of God and His wisdom. They blessed the world as an example of what the Lord had taught during His ministry. Jesus the Messiah told a parable applicable to all people of the Earth. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus replied: “Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, you have done it unto Me.

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34?Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

35?Because I was hungered, and you gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and you took Me in:

36?Naked, and you clothed Me: I was sick, and you visited Me: I was in prison, and you came unto Me. (Matt. 25:34-36)

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The context is best understood to be that we know not yet who are Jesus’ brethren, therefore, we do this for all people. This is the perfect witness to this world of nonbelievers, when a Christian acts out God’s mercy on all people of the world.

1 Corinthians 4:13 Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. ?(entreat = parakaleō = beseech) (offscouring = peripsēma = ?what is wiped off) Paul continued to list the ironic behaviors of the world and the result that the Apostles endured. The world treated the Apostles as filth, and defamed them. The Apostles beseeched the nonbelievers to listen to the good news of the gospel of Christ, and became the wiped-off filth of all things because of it. ?

12?I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13?I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. (Phil. 4:12-13)

1 Corinthians 4:14 ?I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons, I warn you. One should not be ashamed of their belief in the gospel of Jesus Christ, so Paul explained that he was just simply warning the Corinthian Christians of their persecuted lives to come. “And He said to them all: “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23)?

Because I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, because it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Rom. 1:16)

1 Corinthians 4:15 Because though you have ten-thousand instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers, because in Christ Jesus, I have begotten you through the gospel. The English verb: “have begotten” is translated from the Greek verb “gennaō,” which has a literal definition, and a metaphoric as well. Here, Paul used the metaphoric definition, which is: “of one who brings others over to his way of life, to convert someone.” Paul used an exaggerated number of ten thousand, in order to make his point that there are many Christians instructing the ways of Christ. Common sense tells each person they do not have many that they would call their fatherly influence. Paul considered himself to be their fatherly example to each new believer, so much so, that he pointed out that he had converted them through the gospel.

1 Corinthians 4:16 Wherefore, I beseech you, be followers of me. Carnal believers might twist this verse, by implying that Paul was commanding the Corinthians to follow him rather than Christ. If one first reads the previous verse, Paul was commanding them to follow him as he walked as their good example. Christians, through the last two-thousand years, have used Paul as their example to mimic, as he had walked in Christ. The wisdom of God chose the Apostle Paul, knowing that he was going to be all of our example. We try so hard to be like Jesus, just like Paul had. We fail every day, as did Paul. Paul’s integrity was impeccable, because God made him so. ?

22?Because I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

23?But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

24?Oh wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

25?I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. (Rom. 7:22-25)

1 Corinthians 4:17 Because this cause, have I sent unto you Timothy, 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 everywhere in every church. The cause that Paul was sending Timothy for was the need for Timothy to guide the Corinthians in their Christ-like walk (their example). Timothy was taught by Paul, and became Paul’s adopted son. If anyone was properly schooled to walk like Christ, it was Timothy. As Paul disclosed here, Timothy was faithful in the Lord, meanwhile would be almost like having Paul there, because he would be their remembrance of Paul’s ways which be in Christ. It is believed that Paul sent this epistle to Corinth via Timothy, which is believed to be around 55 A.D.

1 Corinthians 4:18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. Just after Paul had written that he was sending Timothy, he wrote this here that some of the Corinthians were puffed up with their carnal pride. This epistle might have been received by some to be offensive, as carnal flesh will do. It does not imply that Paul was intimidated by this, just that he preceded to warn those puffed up that he was coming to them soon in the next verse. Paul was in Corinth for eighteen months (Acts 18:11), which means those puffed up already knew that Paul was not afraid of them. This would imply that they needed to be addressed eventually face-to-face with Paul.

1 Corinthians 4:19 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. Some will say that the Holy Spirit convinced Paul to write this epistle and send it, rather than go and scold them in person in fear of uprising against him. Though it is possible, it does not seem likely, due to the fact that God is always in control and Paul knew it.

It seems that the Lord did not will Paul to go back to Corinth at that time, because he said here that he will return to them shortly, if the Lord wills it. Paul implied that when he arrives, he will know the power that those puffed up actually have, rather than their speech they convey without him there. By this, it can be construed that those puffed up were backbiters (backstabbers) with no real authority in what they say, nor any wisdom.

1 Corinthians 4:20 Because the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. Paul did not imply that God’s word is not powerful within this statement. This statement contextually is the reason that Paul was to come shortly to test whether those puffed-up backbiters had any real power in their words, when encountered with God’s power face–to–face with His Apostle.

1 Corinthians 4:21 What do you will? Shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? Paul gave the puffed-up backbiters a choice. He was not a big man, able to strike the puffed-up ones with a literal rod, but both he and they knew that he walked with God’s rod in his hands. If the Lord willed for the rod, He would discipline the rebellious Corinthians with His power. Paul offered them repentance, by asking if he should return to them in love and the spirit of meekness. Their repentance brings mercy, and that is what both Paul and God willed for them to choose.

[1] Charles R. Sabo, The Revelation of Jesus Christ, (Charles R. Sabo School of Theology, Tucson, 2020), 123.?