1 Corinthians 4

1 Corinthians 4 addresses the Corinthians’ pride and division, focusing on the role of apostles as servants of Christ, not celebrities to be idolized. Written around AD 55 from Ephesus, Paul corrects their factionalism, emphasizing humility, stewardship, and the cost of apostolic ministry. He urges them to imitate his faithfulness, not worldly wisdom.
Key Sections
Apostles as Servants (4:1–5): Paul instructs the Corinthians to view apostles as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries, requiring faithfulness, not human judgment. God alone judges, revealing hidden motives, so they should avoid premature judgments.
Humility vs. Pride (4:6–7): Paul warns against going beyond Scripture, inflating pride by favoring one leader (e.g., Paul, Apollos) over another. All gifts come from God, so boasting is baseless, as they have nothing they did not receive.
Apostolic Suffering (4:8–13): Sarcastically, Paul contrasts the Corinthians’ self-perceived wealth and wisdom with the apostles’ hardships—hunger, persecution, and being “scum of the earth.” Apostles endure for Christ, blessing despite curses, unlike the Corinthians’ arrogance.
Paul as a Fatherly Example (4:14–21): Paul, as their spiritual father, urges them to imitate his humility and devotion, not to shame them. He sent Timothy to remind them of his ways in Christ. He warns that he will come with discipline if needed, asking if they prefer correction or gentleness, as God’s kingdom is about power, not mere talk.
Cross-References
Apostles as Servants: 
Matthew 24:45–47: Faithful stewards.

1 Peter 4:10: Stewards of God’s grace.

Titus 1:7: Overseers as stewards.
Humility vs. Pride: 
Romans 12:3: Don’t think too highly.

Philippians 2:3: Humility above self.

Jeremiah 9:23–24: Boast in God.
Apostolic Suffering: 
2 Corinthians 11:23–27: Paul’s hardships.

Acts 14:22: Enter kingdom through tribulation.

Matthew 5:11–12: Blessed when persecuted.
Paul as Father: 
1 Thessalonians 2:11–12: Fatherly care.

Philippians 3:17: Imitate Paul’s example.

2 Timothy 1:13: Follow sound teaching.
Theological Meaning
Servant Leadership: Apostles are accountable to God as stewards, not seeking human praise (4:1–2; Mark 10:43–44).

God’s Judgment: Only God judges motives, rendering human opinions secondary (4:3–5; Romans 14:10).

Humility in Grace: All abilities and blessings are God’s gifts, eliminating grounds for pride (4:7; Ephesians 2:8–9).

Cost of Discipleship: True ministry involves suffering and humility, contrasting worldly success (4:11–13; 2 Timothy 3:12).

Spiritual Parenthood: Paul’s fatherly role calls for imitation of his Christ-like life, not factionalism (4:15–16; Hebrews 13:7).

Kingdom Power: God’s kingdom operates through divine power, not human rhetoric or pride (4:20; Romans 1:16).
Questions and Answers
What are apostles’ roles (4:1)?
Servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries, tasked with faithfulness (4:1–2; Colossians 1:25).

Why avoid judging (4:3–5)?
Only God knows hearts and will judge rightly; human judgments are premature (4:5; James 4:12).

Why rebuke their pride (4:6–7)?
Their boasting in leaders and gifts ignores God’s grace, which gives all they have (4:7; Romans 12:6).

What’s the sarcasm in 4:8?
Paul mocks their self-satisfaction, contrasting it with apostles’ suffering for Christ (4:8; Philippians 3:10).

Why call himself their father (4:15)?
As their gospel proclaimer, Paul has a unique, nurturing role, urging imitation (4:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8).

What is the kingdom’s power (4:20)?
God’s transformative work through the Spirit, not mere words (4:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:5).

How does this apply today?
Embrace humility, avoid judging motives, follow godly examples, and rely on God’s power (4:16; Ephesians 4:1–2).
Additional Notes for Readers
Historical Context: Written during Paul’s third missionary journey (Acts 19:10), this chapter addresses Corinth’s factionalism, with members aligning with Paul, Apollos, or others (1 Corinthians 1:12). Corinth’s culture prized eloquent wisdom and status (Acts 18:1), fueling their pride (4:6). Paul’s hardships (4:11–13) reflect his missionary trials (Acts 20:19). His fatherly role (4:15) underscores his founding of the church (Acts 18:8).

Cultural Questions: “Stewards of mysteries” (4:1) refers to revealing God’s plan in the gospel (Ephesians 3:4–5). Corinth’s boasting (4:6) mirrors Greco-Roman rivalries over teachers (1 Corinthians 3:4). “Scum of the earth” (4:13) uses marketplace imagery, emphasizing apostles’ low status (Lamentations 3:45). Sending Timothy (4:17) shows Paul’s pastoral care (Acts 19:22). The “rod” (4:21) evokes discipline, common in Jewish teaching (Proverbs 13:24).

Application: 1 Corinthians 4 calls believers to reject pride, embrace humble service, and follow faithful leaders. It challenges worldly values of status and self-promotion, urging reliance on God’s power and judgment in a divided world (Philippians 2:5–8; James 4:10).