1 Corinthians 4
Chapter 4 of 2 Corinthians is where Paul explains his ministry, the essence of the gospel, and the spiritual realities and hope behind them. As one entrusted with the gospel, Paul emphasizes his identity and, within that ministry, his weakness and suffering—and yet, the hope that does not disappear. This chapter is mainly composed of the glory of the gospel, the weakness of the ministers, and suffering and hope—three parts.
1verseSo let a man think of us as Christ’s servants and stewards of God’s mysteries.
2verseHere, moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
3verseBut with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by a human court. Yes, I don’t even judge my own self.
4verseFor I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but he who judges me is the Lord.
5verseTherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.
6verseNow these things, brothers, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to think beyond the things which are written, that none of you be puffed up against one another.
7verseFor who makes you different? And what do you have that you didn’t receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
8verseYou are already filled. You have already become rich. You have come to reign without us. Yes, and I wish that you did reign, that we also might reign with you!
9verseFor I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men.
10verseWe are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor.
11verseEven to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten, and have no certain dwelling place.
12verseWe toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.
13verseBeing defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, the dirt wiped off by all, even until now.
14verseI don’t write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
15verseFor though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, you don’t have many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the Good News.
16verseI beg you therefore, be imitators of me.
17verseBecause of this I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every assembly.
18verseNow some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.
19verseBut I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing. And I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.
20verseFor God’s Kingdom is not in word, but in power.
21verseWhat do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
The Glory of the Gospel and Paul's Attitude (Verses 1-6)
In verses 1-6, Paul states that he does not lose heart in the ministry he received by God’s mercy. He stresses that he proclaims the gospel with sincerity and honesty, and he mentions that the reason some do not understand the gospel is because the heart of the hearer is covered. In particular, in verse 6, he uses an analogy of the light that comes to know the glory of God on the face of Jesus Christ to reveal the greatness of the gospel.
Treasure in Clay Jars (Verses 7-12)
In verses 7-12, Paul compares his own weakness to clay jars and emphasizes that within them there is the life of Jesus Christ as a treasure. God’s power is shown even amid the weakness of ministers and saints, and he demonstrates confidence that the Lord protects them even in tight circumstances, persecution, and times when they feel discouraged.
Eternal Hope and a Life of Faith (Verses 13-18)
In verses 13-18, Paul once again emphasizes that he does not lose heart because of the Spirit of faith. He states that though the outer person is wasting away, the inner person is being renewed day by day—and through that message he makes clear that our suffering is temporary and that we have hope in eternal glory. He also should not place hope in what is seen, but in what is unseen—and he encourages the reader accordingly.
Points to Ponder
- Even in the difficulties of life, can I look to God’s glory and hope?
- Just as Paul compared his own weakness to a clay jar, how am I accepting my limitations within me?
- Am I growing faith that looks at the unseen and eternal, rather than focusing on what is seen?
Put It into Practice
- Even in hardship and weakness, hold on to the promise that God is with you. Then try to take deeper faith and courage.
- Not only your own ability or experience, but entrust each day so that God’s power will be revealed in your life.
- Remember that brief suffering is not the end, and pray so you can have a perspective that looks at life within eternal hope.
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