1 Corinthians 4 explained: Servants, Not Celebrities

Trusted servants answer to God (vv. 1-5)

Paul says leaders like him are household managers trusted with truths God has now made known, and what counts is whether they are faithful. Even a clear conscience does not settle that, so the church should stop passing verdicts on its teachers and leave it to the Lord, who alone sees people's motives.

Nothing you did not receive (vv. 6-7)

Paul used himself and Apollos as examples so the church would stop boasting about following one leader over another, since every gift they had was given to them. He also points to a saying about not going past what is written; it may mean staying within Scripture, but scholars are unsure.

Kings at home, prisoners in the arena (vv. 8-13)

With biting irony, Paul pictures the Corinthians as already rich and ruling, while the apostles are like condemned prisoners brought out last in the arena for the crowd's entertainment. He lists hunger, rags, manual labor and answering abuse with kindness to show what following Jesus was actually costing them.

A father's warning (vv. 14-17)

Paul says he is not trying to shame them: they may have many teachers, but he started their church, so he speaks like a father and asks them to follow his example. He is sending his trusted co-worker Timothy to remind them how Paul lives and teaches in every church.

Talk or real power (vv. 18-21)

Some in the church assumed Paul would not return and grew bold. He says God's kingdom shows itself in real power rather than impressive talk, and asks whether they want him to come with discipline or with gentleness.

Key verse: 1 Corinthians 4:7

Something to think about

When you size up someone you admire or look down on, how much of your judgment rests on what you can actually see, and how much on guesses about their motives?