1 Corinthians Chapter 4 Breakdown

1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Paul says men should only view them as servants of Christ, agents to bring the mysteries of God.

2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

Anyone considered an agent of God, must be found faithful to God. (What does it mean to be faithful?)

3 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.

Paul does not consider being judged by men or by a human court to mean anything. He then says he doesn’t even judge himself.

4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.

Paul says he does not have anything weighing on his conscience but isn’t justified by that, but his judge is God. Just because he doesn’t see himself doing anything wrong, he still answers to God. 

5 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.

Do not be quick to judge a man before the time Yeshua comes. When He comes he will bring to light all hidden things found in darkness. He will reveal the purposes of the heart. It will be at this time God will reveal to each man the praise they deserve.

6 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 uses figures of speech to try to help them understand. Paul then says something very important that seems to be overlooked. He does not want anyone thinking beyond what is written, that none of them become puffed up for one against another. Simply said, just use the Tanakh to judge if someone is speaking truth or not. If everyone is using the same instructions, there will be limited problems.

7 For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

Why do you think you are different than the next guy? What do you have that wasn’t given to you from God? If God did give it to you, why do you act as if you obtained it on your own?

8 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 tells them they are already satisfied and have an abundance of goods. They have been kings without the Apostles. Then he says if they were still kings they could all reign together.

9 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.

In Paul’s mind, God has sent the apostles to prove His Word, and they will be the last men condemned to death, they have been made known to the world with their message, made known to both angels and men.

10 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!

The apostles are considered fools for the cause of Christ to those in Corinth. But they consider themselves wise. The Apostles are considered weak in Corinth. But those in Corinth consider themselves to be strong with Christ. Paul is clearly mocking these men at this point. They set themselves apart, but dishonor the Apostles.  

11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless.

Paul now says both the Apostles and those in Corinth are hungry and thirsty, and are poor, beaten and homeless.

12 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 off scouring of all things until now.

The Apostles are working to bring the truth, the word, to men. When they are shown hate, they give blessing, and so on. Believers of the world have been viewed as the filth of the world, until now.

14 I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.

Paul says this letter is a warning for those in Corinth, because their conduct is contrary to the word of God.

15 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.

Corinth has many preachers, but there is only One Father. Paul has brought them all to the Father through Christ with the Gospel.

16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

Paul says those in Corinth should do as he does and we will see in chapter 11 he repeats this and says the he imitates Christ..

17 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.

Timothy is being sent to Corinth to show them how to imitate Paul, who imitates Christ which is what Paul teaches in every church.

18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.

Paul points out that because some teachers in Corinth did not think Paul was coming back, they began to place themselves on high.

19 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.

Paul plans to go to Corinth. He says he may not know what these puffed up teachers are saying, but they will be able to see the power they have.

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

God’s kingdom doesn’t rely on men’s word but in power.

21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

Should Paul come at them with fierce anger or in gentle kindness? Which is better?