3:1–4:7
After comparing human and spiritual wisdom, Paul addresses the divisions in the Corinthian church (see 1 Corinthians 1:10–12), especially their undue loyalty to him and Apollos.
Study notes
1 Corinthians 4
4:1
Do not see Paul and Apollos as leaders competing for followers. They are servants of Christ, explaining God's mysteries. They are stewards managing the master's business (as in Luke 12:42). Their lives focus on their master's concerns, not their own.
mysteries of God: See study note on 1 Corinthians 2:7.
4:1–5
Paul highlights his loyalty and sincere intentions as an apostle of Christ. However, only God can judge a person's heart.
4:1–21 Section
Paul used himself and Apollos as examples to describe what church leaders should be like. Church leaders are servants of Christ. God has trusted them with the job of teaching others the truth about Jesus.
Paul described the teachings about Jesus as mysteries. They are like a treasure that church leaders must faithfully take care of. God will judge how well they have done this. Faithful church leaders follow Jesus’ example as they teach and serve people. They often face suffering and may be thought to be weak and foolish. Even when they are treated badly, they continue doing good to those who hurt them.
They are like spiritual parents to the people they share the good news with. As leaders they must set the example for other believers about how to serve. Yet the Corinthian believers didn’t follow Paul’s example. Many of them expected life with Jesus to be free of troubles. They thought that they would have everything they needed and wanted. And they were fighting about which church leader was better. Paul made it clear that they must stop doing that. Everything that church leaders and believers have is a gift from God. And God’s gifts are to be used to serve others.
4:3–4
Paul's greatest wish was to be faithful to God. What people thought of him, including his own opinion, did not matter.
4:5
judge nothing: Only the Lord can truly know a person's heart. When he returns, he will judge. Paul took God's judgment of his ministry very seriously (see 2 Corinthians 5:9–10; Philippians 2:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20; compare 2 Corinthians 1:14).
4:6–21
Paul criticizes the Corinthian Christians for their arrogance (1 Corinthians 4:6–13) and then advises them like a father (4:14–21).
4:7
Pride in a leader comes from not realizing that everything is a gift from God. We should feel humble gratitude instead.
4:8–13
Paul points out the difference between himself and the Corinthians. Their attitudes show worldly wisdom, while his shows God's wisdom. The Corinthians were proud and thought they had achieved everything, but they still had much to learn (see Revelation 3:17–18; compare with Philippians 3:12–14). If they had truly achieved everything, they would share in Paul's suffering (1 Corinthians 4:11–13). Unlike the Corinthians, who were proud of their achievements and the respect they received, the apostles faced scorn and contempt.
4:9
God has displayed us apostles: Like prisoners condemned to die by facing wild animals in the amphitheater, the apostles were a spectacle. Paul gladly accepted suffering because God used it to bless others (see 2 Corinthians 1:4–7; 4:7–12; Philippians 2:17; Colossians 1:24).
4:11–13
Paul reminds the Corinthians of the hardships he endured for Christ (see 2 Corinthians 6:4–5; 11:23–28).
4:12
We work hard with our own hands: To avoid accusations of taking money, Paul chose to support himself (1 Corinthians 9:3–18; Acts 18:3; 20:33–35).
When we are vilified, we bless: Paul's response followed the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 5:44–45; compare Romans 12:14, 17–21).
4:14–16
As their spiritual father who first shared the good news about Jesus, Paul shows his true concern for their well-being (see 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12). As his beloved children, they should listen to him and follow his example and teachings (see 1 Corinthians 11:1; Galatians 4:12; Philippians 3:17; 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:7–9).
4:14–21
Paul ends this part about divisions in the church with kind, fatherly advice and a warning (1 Corinthians 1:10–4:21).
4:17
Timothy, Paul's spiritual child and close associate, was with Paul when he first preached the good news about Jesus in Corinth (see 2 Corinthians 1:19). Paul sent him to clearly explain what it means to follow Christ Jesus.
4:18–20
Some might have thought Paul was afraid to visit because he sent Timothy. However, Paul was very busy with his work in Ephesus at that time (Acts 19:8–20; see study note on Acts 19:10). He planned to visit soon (see 1 Corinthians 16:5–9; Acts 19:21–22; 20:1–3; compare 2 Corinthians 1:15–2:4) and would face those who opposed him. He would show they were just talkers. His actions and words would prove God's power (see also 1 Corinthians 2:4).
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources