Read the Passage: 1 Corinthians 4

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: 1 Corinthians 4

Believers’ Faithfulness (4:1–5)

In the previous chapter, Paul described Christian labor in terms of being a farmer (cf. 1 Cor. 3:6–9) or a builder (cf. 1 Cor. 3:10–15). In 1 Cor. 4:1–5, Paul explains the work of a believer as being like that of a servant or a steward. Note that themes related to humility are topics that Paul will return to repeatedly in this epistle, as some in the Corinthian church were struggling with pride and self-importance. In 1 Cor. 4:1, the word that Paul uses for “servant” refers to the lowest of slaves, and the term “steward” depicts one who manages the goods and services of another for the benefit of that person and in accord with their wishes. Paul’s reference to “the mysteries of God” in this passage does not signify an unknown thing; rather, it denotes something that was at one time hidden, but is now revealed—namely, the gospel and other truths revealed in the New Testament.

After teaching that faithfulness is essential for Christians, Paul reveals he is not living for the Corinthians’ verdict on his life, nor does he even trust his own self-judgment (cf. Job 9:21; Prov. 28:26). While this might seem arrogant, Paul’s point here is not to claim that the opinions of others do not matter. In fact, elsewhere Paul wrote that an essential characteristic of Christian leaders is that they “have a good reputation with outsiders” (1 Tim. 3:7; cf. Prov. 22:1). At 1 Cor. 4:3–5, then, Paul’s teaching is that it is ultimately the judgment of God that matters. Earlier, at 1 Cor. 3:12–15, Paul wrote about the judgment that will come on the great Day of the Lord. In view of this coming day, at 1 Cor. 4:5 Paul reminds his readers that God will eventually reveal all the hidden motives, thoughts, and attitudes of man. Indeed, God will render His verdict on each persons’ faithfulness.

Corinthians’ Pride (4:6–13)

As Paul moves toward the conclusion of his discussion on church unity, he once again appeals to his own example, as well as that of Apollos. Paul writes, “These things . . . I have figuratively transferred to myself” (1 Cor. 4:6), by which Paul was referring to his previous description in 1 Cor. 4:1–5 of being a servant and a steward. Indeed, it is evident that Paul’s earlier claims were not arrogant, as here Paul writes that he wanted the believers in Corinth to imitate him so “that none of you may be arrogant on behalf of one against the other” (1 Cor. 4:6). In 1 Cor. 4:7 Paul gives two reasons why the Corinthians should not be prideful: first, no one viewed them as being superior—except for themselves; and second, everything that mankind possesses is a gift from God. As James would later teach, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” (Jas. 1:17; cf. Job 1:21).

At first glance, 1 Cor. 4:8–13 may be surprising, for here Paul uses sarcasm to highlight the foolishness of the Corinthians’ pride. This passage is striking, for many assume that sarcasm is inherently sinful. Indeed, Scripture does warn against “crude joking” (Eph. 5:4) and having a sharp tongue (cf. Prov. 15:1), and believers are exhorted to “speak the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). Yet, there are many examples of humor, sarcasm, irony, wittiness, and the like in the Bible. For example, see Elijah’s confrontation with the false prophets of Baal (cf. 1 Kings 18:27), Isaiah’s description of those who make idols (Isa. 44:15–20), Jesus’ message to Herod (cf. Luke 13:31–33), and Paul’s desire concerning the Judaizers (cf. Gal. 5:12). In the present passage, Paul describes, with satire, the Corinthians as being full, rich, kings, wise, strong, and distinguished—all in contrast to the supposed foolishness of the apostles.

Paul’s Admonition (4:14–21)

Lest the Corinthians mistake his sarcasm for mocking, in 1 Cor. 4:14 Paul writes, “I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.” After again exhorting the believers to imitate him, Paul discloses that he had sent Timothy to minister to the church. Note that Timothy was likely the courier of the letter of 1 Corinthians. Before beginning to address personal ethics (cf. 1 Cor. 5:1–11:16) and church ethics (cf. 1 Cor. 11:17–14:40), Paul twice warned the church about being “puffed up” (1 Cor. 4:18, 19). Moreover, Paul revealed that he planned to soon visit Corinth, at which time he said he would address those who were acting with arrogance. Next, Paul rhetorically asked the church, “Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” (1 Cor. 14:21). Observe that this is not a threat of physical harm, but a warning about spiritual accountability.

Application Questions:

1. How can we foster unity within the church, especially considering that a healthy church will consist of a diversity of people?
2. Why do many Christians focus more on being famous than being faithful? What are the mysteries of God?
3. Does the idea of a future judgment of the motives, thoughts, and attitudes of mankind comfort or concern you?
4. In what circumstances might it be appropriate to use sarcasm? How can we tell the difference between sinful and permitted sarcasm?
5. What responsibilities do the spiritually mature in the church have toward those who are less spiritually mature?