1 Corinthians 4:1-13
Q.1. How did Paul see his place in the ministry? About whose opinion and praise was he most concerned? Why should we refrain from judging the efforts of others? – (1 Cor.4:1-7)
Paul saw himself and Apollos – … as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Cor.4:1). He didn’t use the usual word – ‘doulos’, but ‘huperetes’ – the word used for an under rower in a galley. These galley slaves were given no way of escape by the Romans. This shows the lowly way in which Paul viewed himself. As a leader, he also saw himself as a STEWARD OF THE MYSTERIES OF GOD … He was not the owner or author of truth but was accountable to God. He was very aware that he would be judged according to his trustworthiness and faithfulness in discharging his commission [1 Cor.4:2]. Paul was not pre-occupied with the opinions of others, nor their praise (1 Cor.4:3). He made it clear that he could not even make a proper assessment of himself – but the one who examines me is the Lord (1 Cor.4:4). His advice to the Corinthians was to refrain from – … passing judgment before the time but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God (1 Cor.4:5). Only God’s assessment is reliable and valuable (1 Cor.4:5). Paul asked them to apply this to Apollos and himself, and asked – For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (1 Cor.4:7). This is a sobering reality for all God’s servants.
Q.2. How did the attitude of the leaders of the Church at Corinth contrast with his own? How was Paul viewed by the world? What had he suffered for the ministry of the Gospel? – (1 Cor.4:8-13)
Paul mocked the claims of greatness by the Corinthians, by contrasting his attitude and experience of the ministry – 9 For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honour (1 Cor.4:9-10). He expanded on the humble circumstances of God’s servants – 11 To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; 12 and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; 13 when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now (1 Cor.4:11-13). Though Paul sought to bless others and give a message of reconciliation, he and his co-workers were treated like the ‘scum of the world’. Boastfulness and self-promotion are incompatible with true servants of God.