1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Chapter 4
1
Ministers of Christ
Let everyone then see us as the servants of Christ and stewards of God’s secret plans.2
As stewards, we will be accountable for being faithful.
3
I don’t mind if you or any human court judge me. I don’t even judge myself;
4
my conscience doesn’t accuse me of anything. However, that isn’t enough for me to be justified before God— it’s the Lord who judges me.
5
Therefore, don’t judge before the right time, until the Lord comes. He will reveal what is hidden in darkness and expose the secret thoughts of the heart. Then everyone will receive praise from God.
Commentaries
Ministers of Christ.
Paul now speaks personally to the Corinthians. He responds to their criticisms with the strength and passion of his character. Here we see Paul, who is tough yet caring, ironic and sharp, wounded but not bitter, and above all, sincere. In the end, the caring Paul reappears, like a father who gently corrects his beloved children, whom he has led to Christ. He promises to visit them, and this time he will come to them not trembling and scared as before, but with the example of his life inspired by the power of the Gospel.