1 Corinthians - Chapter 4

1 Corinthians 4.1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 1 Corinthians 4.2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4.3 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. 1 Corinthians 4.4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 1 Corinthians 4.5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. 1 Corinthians 4.6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. 1 Corinthians 4.7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? 1 Corinthians 4.8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. 1 Corinthians 4.9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. 1 Corinthians 4.10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. 1 Corinthians 4.11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; 1 Corinthians 4.12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: 1 Corinthians 4.13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. 1 Corinthians 4.14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. 1 Corinthians 4.15 For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 1 Corinthians 4.16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 1 Corinthians 4.17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. 1 Corinthians 4.18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. 1 Corinthians 4.19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. 1 Corinthians 4.20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 1 Corinthians 4.21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

1 Corinthians : Chapter 4

Reflection on 1 Corinthians Chapter 4 Chapter 4 of the First Epistle to the Corinthians addresses essential themes concerning stewardship and apostolic judgment. The apostle Paul invites us to reflect on how to properly evaluate our spiritual leaders. At the heart of his message, faithfulness emerges as a fundamental criterion, while also warning against making hasty judgments. Paul distinguishes himself by contrasting the apparent weakness of the apostles with the manifest arrogance of some Corinthians. Throughout his speech, he uses irony to correct these inappropriate attitudes. The passage concludes with a fatherly call to imitate Christ, a powerful reminder of our Christian calling.

Five Bible passages related to 1 Corinthians 4

We invite you to explore with us five Bible passages that align with the crucial themes of this challenging chapter.

Matthew 7:1-2

"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For in the same way that ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with the measure that ye use, ye shall be measured with it." This verse echoes 1 Corinthians 4:3-5, emphasizing the importance of not making premature judgments.

Philippians 2:5-7

"Let your attitude be like that of Christ Jesus, who, although he was God, did not consider equality with God a thing to be esteemed, but emptied himself and became a servant [...]" This passage complements 1 Corinthians 4:6-7, reminding us of the humility and absence of conceit that should characterize our conduct.

2 Timothy 3:12

"Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." This verse connects to 1 Corinthians 4:9-13, which speaks of the inevitable sufferings of the apostles in their mission.

Hebrews 12:7-8

"Endure difficulties, accept them as discipline; God treats them like children. Now, what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined, and discipline applies to all children, then you are not legitimate children, but illegitimate children." This passage complements 1 Corinthians 4:14-15, illustrating Paul's fatherly relationship with the Corinthians.

1 Thessalonians 1:6

"For you became imitators of us and of the Lord, and despite much suffering, they received with joy the word that came from the Holy Spirit." This verse echoes 1 Corinthians 4:16, inviting us to imitate Paul, just as he imitates Christ.

As we meditate on these passages, we are called to reflect on our own commitment to fidelity, humility, and the imitation of Christ in our daily lives. May this reflection inspire us to live our faith with depth and authenticity.