1 Corinthians 4:1

Translations

Modern

So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Traditional

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Literal

So let a man reckon us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Latin

Sic nos existimet homo ut ministros Christi, et dispensatores mysteriorum Dei.

Original

Greek

English

So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Notes

1 Corinthians 4:1

Do not see Paul and Apollos as leaders competing for followers. They are servants of Christ, explaining God's mysteries. They are stewards managing the master's business (as in Luke 12:42). Their lives focus on their master's concerns, not their own.
mysteries of God: See study note on 1 Corinthians 2:7.

1 Corinthians 4:1–5

Paul highlights his loyalty and sincere intentions as an apostle of Christ. However, only God can judge a person's heart.

1 Corinthians 3:1–4:7

After comparing human and spiritual wisdom, Paul addresses the divisions in the Corinthian church (see 1 Corinthians 1:10–12), especially their undue loyalty to him and Apollos.

Theme notes and profiles

Apollos Paul (Saul) Trusting in Human Strength

Related verses

1 Peter 4:10
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.
1 Timothy 3:9
They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
Titus 1:7
As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.
Ephesians 6:19
Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,
2 Corinthians 4:5
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
Colossians 1:25–27
I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God,
1 Corinthians 9:16–18
Yet when I preach the gospel, I have no reason to boast, because I am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
Romans 16:25
Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past
Colossians 2:2
…that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ,
Colossians 4:3
…as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
Luke 12:42
And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time?
Matthew 24:45
Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time?

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) First Letter to the Corinthians Mystery

Topics

Being a Servant Christian Minister: Duties of Christian Minister: Ministers of Christ Christian Minister: Serv Ants of the Mysteries of God Helping Missionaries Ministers: Ministers of Christ Ministers: Stewards of the Mysteries of God Ministers: Their People are Bound, to Regard Them As God's Messengers Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul Servant: Figurative Steward: Must be Faithful Titles and Names of Ministers: Ministers of Christ Titles and Names of Ministers: Stewards of the Mysteries of God

1 Corinthians 4:1

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