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1
Corinthians Chapter Four
1 Corinthians 4
As for the apostle and the labourers, they were to
consider them as stewards employed by the Lord. And it was to Him that Paul
committed the judgment of his conduct. He cared little for the judgment man
might form respecting him. He was not conscious of anything wrong, but that did
not justify him. He who judged (examined) him was the Lord. And, after all, who
was it that gave to the one or to the other that which he could use in service?
Paul had thought well, in treating this subject, to use names that
they were using in their carnal divisions, and those, especially himself and
Apollos, which could not be used to pretend he was getting rid of others to set
up himself; but what was the real state of the case? They had despised the
apostle. Yes, he says, we have been put to shame, despised, persecuted, in
distress; you have been at ease, like kings-a reproach in accordance with their
own pretensions, their own reproaches-a reproach that touched them to the quick,
if they had any feeling left. Paul and his companions had been as the
offscouring of the earth for Christ's sake, while the Corinthians were reposing
in the lap of luxury and ease. Even while writing to them, this was still his
position. "Would to God," he says, "ye did reign" (that the
day of Christ were come) "in order that we might reign with you." He
felt his sufferings, although he bore them joyfully. They, the apostles, were
set forth on God's part as though to be the last great spectacle in those marvellous
games of which this world was the amphitheatre; and as His witnesses they were
exposed to the fury of a brutal world. Patience and meekness were their only
weapons.
Nevertheless he did not say these things to put them to
shame, he warned them as his beloved sons; for his sons they were. Though they
might have ten thousand teachers, he had begotten them all by the gospel. Let
them then follow him. In all this there is the deep working of the affection of
a noble heart, wounded to the utmost, but wounded in order to bring out an
affection that rose above his grief. It is this which so strikingly
distinguishes the work of the Spirit in the New Testament, as in Christ
Himself. The Spirit has come into the bosom of the assembly, takes part in her
afflictions-her difficulties. He fills the soul of one who cares for the
assembly, [1] making him feel that which is going on-feel
it according to God, but with a really human heart. Who could cause all this to
be felt for strangers, except the Spirit of God? Who would enter into these
things with all the perfection of the wisdom of God, in order to act upon the
heart, to deliver the conscience, to form the understanding, and to set it
free, except the Spirit of God? Still the apostolic individual bond was to be
formed, to be strengthened. It was the essence of the work of the Holy Ghost in
the assembly to bind all together in this way. We see the man: otherwise it
would not have been Paul and his dear brethren. We see the Holy Ghost, whom the
latter had grieved, no doubt, and who acts in the former with divine wisdom, to
guide them in the right way with all the affection of their father in Christ.
Timothy, his son in the faith and in heart, might meet the case. Paul had sent
him; Paul himself would soon be there. Some said, No, he would not, and took
occasion to magnify themselves in the absence of the apostle; but he would come
himself and put everything to the test; for the kingdom of God was not in word,
but in power. Did they wish him to come with a rod, or in love?
Here this part of the epistle ends. Admirable specimen of
tenderness and of authority!-of authority sure enough of itself on the part of
God, to be able to act with perfect tenderness towards those who were
thoroughly dear to him, in the hope of not being forced to exercise itself in
another way. The most powerful truths are unfolded in so doing.
[1]
sunantilambanei tais astheneiais hemon ("The Spirit joins also its help to
our weakness," Rom. 8:26.)
── John Darby《Synopsis of 1 Corinthians》
1 Corinthians 4
Chapter Contents
The true character of gospel ministers. (1-6) Cautions against
despising the apostle. (7-13) He claims their regard as their spiritual father
in Christ, and shows his concern for them. (14-21)
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1-6
(Read 1 Corinthians 4:1-6)
Apostles were no more than servants of Christ, but they
were not to be undervalued. They had a great trust, and for that reason, had an
honourable office. Paul had a just concern for his own reputation, but he knew
that he who chiefly aimed to please men, would not prove himself a faithful
servant of Christ. It is a comfort that men are not to be our final judges. And
it is not judging well of ourselves, or justifying ourselves, that will prove
us safe and happy. Our own judgment is not to be depended upon as to our
faithfulness, any more than our own works for our justification. There is a day
coming, that will bring men's secret sins into open day, and discover the
secrets of their hearts. Then every slandered believer will be justified, and
every faithful servant approved and rewarded. The word of God is the best rule
by which to judge as to men. Pride commonly is at the bottom of quarrels.
Self-conceit contributes to produce undue esteem of our teachers, as well as of
ourselves. We shall not be puffed up for one against another, if we remember
that all are instruments, employed by God, and endowed by him with various
talents.
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:7-13
(Read 1 Corinthians 4:7-13)
We have no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or
do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. A sinner snatched
from destruction by sovereign grace alone, must be very absurd and
inconsistent, if proud of the free gifts of God. St. Paul sets forth his own
circumstances, ver. 9. Allusion is made to the cruel spectacles in the Roman
games; where men were forced to cut one another to pieces, to divert the
people; and where the victor did not escape with his life, though he should
destroy his adversary, but was only kept for another combat, and must be killed
at last. The thought that many eyes are upon believers, when struggling with
difficulties or temptations, should encourage constancy and patience. "We
are weak, but ye are strong." All Christians are not alike exposed. Some
suffer greater hardships than others. The apostle enters into particulars of
their sufferings. And how glorious the charity and devotion that carried them
through all these hardships! They suffered in their persons and characters as
the worst and vilest of men; as the very dirt of the world, that was to be
swept away: nay, as the offscouring of all things, the dross of all things. And
every one who would be faithful in Christ Jesus, must be prepared for poverty
and contempt. Whatever the disciples of Christ suffer from men, they must
follow the example, and fulfil the will and precepts of their Lord. They must
be content, with him and for him, to be despised and abused. It is much better
to be rejected, despised, and ill used, as St. Paul was, than to have the good
opinion and favour of the world. Though cast off by the world as vile, yet we
may be precious to God, gathered up with his own hand, and placed upon his
throne.
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:14-21
(Read 1 Corinthians 4:14-21)
In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between
sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are
likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would
rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others
must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice.
Christians may mistake and differ in their views, but Christ and Christian
truth are the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Whenever the gospel is
effectual, it comes not in word only, but also in power, by the Holy Spirit,
quickening dead sinners, delivering persons from the slavery of sin and Satan,
renewing them both inwardly and outwardly, and comforting, strengthening, and
establishing the saints, which cannot be done by the persuasive language of
men, but by the power of God. And it is a happy temper, to have the spirit of
love and meekness bear the rule, yet to maintain just authority.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on 1 Corinthians》
1 Corinthians 4
Verse 1
[1] Let
a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the
mysteries of God.
Let a man account us, as servants of Christ — The original word properly signifies such servants as laboured at the
oar in rowing vessels; and, accordingly, intimates the pains which every
faithful minister takes in his Lord's work. O God, where are these ministers to
be found? Lord, thou knowest.
And stewards of the mysteries of God — Dispenseth of the mysterious truths of the gospel.
Verse 3
[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.
Yea, I judge not myself — My final state is not to be determined by my own judgment.
Verse 4
[4] For
I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me
is the Lord.
I am not conscious to myself of anything
evil; yet am I not hereby justified — I depend not on this,
as a sufficient justification of myself in God's account.
But he that judgeth me is the Lord — By his sentence I am to stand or fall.
Verse 5
[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.
Therefore judge nothing before the time — Appointed for judging all men. Until the Lord come, who, in order to
pass a righteous judgment, which otherwise would be impossible, will both bring
to light the things which are now covered with impenetrable darkness, and
manifest the most secret springs of action, the principles and intentions of
every heart.
And then shall every one — Every faithful steward, have praise of God.
Verse 6
[6] And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and
to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above
that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
These things —
Mentioned, 1 Corinthians 1:10, etc. I have by a very
obvious figure transferred to myself and Apollos - And Cephas, instead of
naming those particular preachers at Corinth, to whom ye are so fondly
attached.
That ye may learn by us — From what has been said concerning us, who, however eminent we are, are
mere instruments in God's hand. Not to think of any man above what is here
written - Or above what scripture warrants. 1 Corinthians 3:7
Verse 7
[7] For
who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not
receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst
not received it?
Who maketh thee to differ — Either in gifts or graces.
As if thou hadst not received it — As if thou hadst it originally from thyself.
Verse 8
[8] Now
ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would
to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
Now ye are full —
The Corinthians abounded with spiritual gifts; and so did the apostles: but the
apostles, by continual want and sufferings, were kept from self - complacency.
The Corinthians suffering nothing, and having plenty of all things, were
pleased with and applauded themselves; and they were like children who, being
raised in the world, disregard their poor parents. Now ye are full, says the
apostle, in a beautiful gradation, ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings - A
proverbial expression, denoting the most splendid and plentiful circumstances.
Without any thought of us. And I would ye did
reign — In the best sense: I would ye had attained
the height of holiness.
That we might reign with you — Having no more sorrow on your account, but sharing in your happiness.
Verse 9
[9] For
I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to
death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
God hath set forth us last, as appointed to
death — Alluding to the Roman custom of bringing
forth those persons last on the stage, either to fight with each other, or with
wild beasts, who were devoted to death; so that, if they escaped one day, they
were brought out again and again, till they were killed.
Verse 10
[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.
We are fools, in the account of the world,
for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ - Though ye are Christians, ye
think yourselves wise; and ye have found means to make the world think you so
too.
We are weak — In
presence, in infirmities, in sufferings.
But ye are strong — In
just opposite circumstances.
Verse 11
[11] Even
unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are
buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
And are naked —
Who can imagine a more glorious triumph of the truth, than that which is gained
in these circumstances when St. Paul, with an impediment in his speech, and a
person rather contemptible than graceful, appeared in a mean, perhaps tattered,
dress before persons of the highest distinction, and yet commanded such
attention. and made such deep impressions upon them!
Verse 12
[12] And
labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted,
we suffer it:
We bless-suffer it-intreat — We do not return revilings, persecution, defamation; nothing but
blessing.
Verse 13
[13]
Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the
offscouring of all things unto this day.
We are made as the filth of the world, and
offscouring of all things — Such were those poor wretches among the
heathens, who were taken from the dregs of the people, to be offered as
expiatory sacrifices to the infernal gods. They were loaded with curses,
affronts, and injuries, all the way they went to the altars; and when the ashes
of those unhappy men were thrown into the sea, these very names were given them
in the ceremony.
Verse 14
[14] I
write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
I do not write these things to shame you, but
as my beloved children I warn you — It is with admirable
prudence and sweetness the apostle adds this, to prevent any unkind construction
of his words.
Verse 15
[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.
I have begotten you —
This excludes not only Apollos, his successor, but also Silas and Timothy, his
companions; and the relation between a spiritual father and his children brings
with it an inexpressible nearness and affection.
Verse 16
[16]
Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
Be ye followers of me — In that spirit and behaviour which I have so largely declared.
Verse 17
[17] For
this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, 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 every where in every church.
My beloved son —
Elsewhere he styles him "brother," 2 Corinthians 1:1; but here paternal affection
takes place.
As I teach — No
less by example than precept.
Verse 18
[18] Now
some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
Now some are puffed up — St. Paul saw, by a divine light, the thoughts which would arise in their
hearts.
As if I would not come — Because I send Timothy.
Verse 19
[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.
I will know — He
here shows his fatherly authority Not the big, empty speech of these vain
boasters, but how much of the power of God attends them.
Verse 20
[20] For
the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
For the kingdom of God — Real religion, does not consist in words, but in the power of God ruling
the heart.
Verse 21
[21] What
will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of
meekness?
With a rod —
That is, with severity.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on 1
Corinthians》
Chapter 4. Faithful Steward
Ten Thousand
Guardians
Not Many Fathers
I. Entrusted
with the Secret Things of God
II. The Heart
of Paul the Apostle
III. Three
Kinds of Different Believers
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
Chapter Four General Review OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To learn further how we should regard preachers and teachers 2) To learn a lesson in humility by observing the examples of the apostles SUMMARY
With this chapter Paul brings to a conclusion his treatment of the problem of division as it existed in the church at Corinth describes the proper estimate one should have of those who serve God, and why we should leave the ultimate evaluation of such men to God (1-5). Having already used himself and Apollos as examples to help them see the errors of their arrogance (cf. "puffed up"), Paul also uses the example of the apostles in a passage filled with irony (6-13). His purpose is not to shame them, but to warn them, for he is sending Timothy to remind them of what is proper, and he himself is coming to deal with those who are "puffed up", if necessary (14-21). OUTLINE
I. THE PROPER ESTIMATE OF PAUL & OTHERS (1-5)
A. SERVANTS & STEWARDS (1-2) 1. Servants of Christ, stewards of the mysteries of God (1) 2. Their chief responsibility: faithfulness (2) B. THE PROPER JUDGE OF SUCH THINGS (3-5) 1. Not Christians, or any human court (3a ) 2. Not even one's own self, but rather, the Lord (3b-4) 3. Therefore leave it up to Him (5) II. LESSONS IN HUMILITY (6-13)
A. PAUL & APOLLOS ALREADY USED AS EXAMPLES (6) 1. To learn in them not to think beyond what is written (6a ) 2. That none be "puffed up" on behalf of one against the other (6b) B. REBUKE IN THE FORM OF IRONY (7-8) 1. For they act as though they were the source of what they have (7) 2. With irony, Paul rebukes them (8) C. THE EXAMPLE OF THE APOSTLES (9-13) 1. Made a "spectacle" to the world (9) 2. Contrasted with the pride of the Corinthians, using more irony (10) 3. The plight of the apostles (11-13) III. PAUL'S PURPOSE IN WRITING THESE THINGS (14-21)
A. NOT TO SHAME, BUT TO WARN (14-16) 1. Those whom he considers as beloved children (14) 2. Those whom he has begotten through the gospel (15) 3. Those whom he charges to imitate him (16) B. TO COMPLEMENT VISITS BY TIMOTHY AND HIMSELF (17-21) 1. He is sending Timothy to remind them (17) 2. He himself will soon come, Lord willing, to deal with those who are "puffed up" (18-21) REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) List the main points of this chapter
- The Proper Estimate Of Paul And Others (1-5) - Lessons In Humility (6-13) - Paul's Purpose In Writing (14-21) 2) What two terms properly describe preachers of the gospel? (1)
- Servants of Christ - Stewards of the mysteries of God 3) Who is to be the judge of those who serve the Lord? (3-5)
- The Lord 4) Why was Paul writing these things? (6)
- That none be "puffed up" on behalf of one against the other 5) What technique did Paul use in teaching lessons about humility?(8,10)
- Irony 6) Who did Paul use as an example of humility? (9-13)
- The apostles 7) Why was Paul writing these things to them? (14)
- To warn those he loved 8) How had Paul become like a "father" to them? (15)
- Through teaching them the gospel by which they had been "begotten" in Christ Jesus 9) Why was he sending Timothy to them? (17)
- To remind them of Paul's ways in Christ 10) What one phrase is used repeatedly in this chapter to describe some