1 Corinthians 4 Footnotes

4:1-7 Continuing to address the nature of true Christian ministry, Paul directed attention to himself. This he did to save face for the local preachers in Corinth, who were clearly at fault in cultivating partisan support. Let them be like Paul—a “servant of Christ” and a “manager of the mysteries of God” (that is, the gospel).

4:8-13 The Corinthians arrogantly believed their wisdom of speech was of such an order that (somehow) the kingdom of God had come already. They assumed no further need for Paul, whose gifts and strength seemed to pale beside theirs. Paul had to return to the theme of Christ crucified, and he applied that theme to himself as one who was suffering for the word of God. God’s servant represented his God in faithfulness and humility, not with showy bravado. Let them—his children—be like him, their only father in the gospel. When he came, their big talk would melt away.