Bible Chapter Summary
1 Corinthians 4 Summary
Apostolic Ministry and Christian Conduct
Paul instructs that apostles should be regarded as stewards of God's mysteries, required to be faithful. He addresses the Corinthians' judgments of him, explaining that the Lord alone will judge, bringing hidden things to light and revealing the counsels of hearts. Paul uses himself and Apollos as examples to teach them not to think beyond what is written, and not to be puffed up. He points out the contrast between the apostles—who suffer hunger, thirst, nakedness, and persecution—and the Corinthians, who are full and rich. Paul sends Timothy to remind them of his ways and threatens to visit with either a rod or in love.
Key themes
Key verses
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 4:5
“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 4:9
“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 4:20
“For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.”
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