Chapter 4
A Plea to Pay Attention and Respond
4:1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 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. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 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.
An interesting statement that Paul makes here, “This is how one should regard us.” Likely referring to Apollos, Cephas, and himself (see 1 Corinthians 3:22), he wants his readers to consider them servants of Christ and stewards (possessing the authority to allocate and distribute resources) of the mysteries (those things previously concealed) of God. And that to be God’s stewards they are required to be faithful. Paul notes that it doesn’t really matter to him if he is judged by them or any other human court. He exclaims that he doesn’t even judge himself, especially since he knows nothing that he could be accused of. But then announces that doesn’t mean he would be acquitted as it is Jesus who judges him. Since Jesus is the only one that can accuse, Paul warns them that they should not pronounce judgment on anyone before Jesus comes back. When He does, that’s when He will bring light to dark secrets and reveal the private motivations residing in everyone’s hearts. After which God will praise and offer commendation to every believer.
4:6 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. 7 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?
Paul tells them that he used Apollos and himself as examples in this discussion regarding judgment so that they would not think of themselves being higher than what was written in the Scriptures (which would be just the Old Testament at this time). And that they would not try to become so prideful that they would begin to elevate some people over others. Paul asks, “What gives you the right to make such a judgment?” (NLT) In other words, Paul is asking what justifies them in saying: “I am of Paul” or “I am of Apollos,” (1 Corinthians 3:4, NKJV) what could they be prideful about? What do they possess that wasn’t given to them by God? If everything they have is from God, then why do they boast as if they didn’t receive anything from Him? That what they thought made them different (such as one following Paul or Apollos) isn’t from God, but from man.
4:8 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! 9 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.
Paul tells them that they think they have everything and are already rich. That they must have begun to reign in God’s kingdom without him and Apollos. Paul notes that he wished that they were already reigning, as that would mean that he and Apollos would be reigning with them. Paul reflects by saying that he believes that God makes His apostles wait longer at the end of their missions as they are being watched (studied, listened to) by both angels and men. Somewhat akin to being like prisoners on display at the end of a victor's parade.
4:10 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. 11 To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly dressed and buffeted and homeless, 12 and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we entreat. We have become, and are still, like the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.
The comparison between true apostles sent by God and those that claim to be ‘different’ continues as Paul uses several contrasting attributes. Paul notes that Apollos and he look like fools for Jesus, while they look wise. That he and Apollos look weak, while they appear strong, and that Paul and Apollos are ridiculed, all while they are being honored. Paul further notes that he and Apollos are currently hungry, thirsty, poorly dressed, often attacked, have no home, and need to earn their living. When they are cursed by others, they bless them in return, when abused, they endure, and when evil is spoken about them, they gently counter. As if that list wasn’t downgrading enough, Paul adds that they (the real apostles) are like the scum of the earth, treated like garbage.
4:14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 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.
Paul stops the comparison and tells the church that even though he is not wrong, these things weren’t written to make them feel bad, but that they do need to be admonished. Even though they had several other potential Christian instructors, he understood his role as their spiritual father due to him teaching them the gospel So, like a father of beloved children, Paul lovingly rebukes them.
4:16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 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.
Paul tells them they need a mentor, he first states that they should try to be more like him. So he is sending Timothy to assist and remind them of how he follows Jesus. He notes that this is something he does for every church.
4:18 Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 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. 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. 21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?
Paul believes some at the church have become arrogant, thinking that he will not return, but he does plan on returning, God willing. When he gets there he will find out if they just ‘talk’ or if they truly do have God’s power. Paul makes a valuable observation, “For the kingdom of God is demonstrated not in idle talk but with power.” (1 Corinthians 4:20, NET) This is a good verse to remember as there are many today who claim to speak for God, but lack the power of God! Paul then gives them an option, do they want him to return with a rod to discipline them or come with love and a gentle spirit.