1 Corinthianschapter 4

21 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 377 cross-references outward and receives 457 — heaviest partner: 1 Corinthians.

Chapter summary

Paul answers the judgments of the Corinthian faction — it is a small thing to be judged of them; the Lord alone judges. The apostles are made a spectacle unto the world, a show for angels and men. Ye are full, ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us. Paul sends Timothy to remind them of his ways in Christ. He will come shortly — shall it be with a rod or in love and meekness? Calvin reads the chapter as the apostolic cross in contrast to the Corinthian enthronement.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Epistle · Paul — see the 1 Corinthians overview for the book's full setting.

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

2 Here, moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

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.

4 For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

5 Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God.

6 Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other.

7 For who maketh thee to differ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? but if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it?

8 Already are ye filled, already ye are become rich, ye have come to reign without us: yea and I would that ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

9 For, I think, God hath set forth us the apostles last of all, as men doomed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, both to angels and men.