New Testament Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4

by Don R. Hender


Scriptural Text [& Editorial]
Commentary & Explanation
Footnotes ~ References ~ JST
              CHAPTER 4

Christ's ministers must be faithful—The apostles suffer, minister, keep the faith—The kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

  1 LET a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the amysteries of God.
  2 Moreover it is required in astewards, that a man be found bfaithful.
  3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
 1a D&C 128:20;
 2a Mark 9:2 (2-13);
     Luke 9:29 (28-36); John 1:14;
     2 Pet. 1:16 (16-19);
     TG Jesus Christ, Glory of;
  4 For I know nothing aby myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that bjudgeth me is the Lord.
  5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the ahidden things of darkness, and will make bmanifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
 1a D&C 128:20;
 2a Mark 9:2 (2-13);
     Luke 9:29 (28-36); John 1:14;
     2 Pet. 1:16 (16-19);
     TG Jesus Christ, Glory of;
  6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be apuffed up for one against another.
  7 For who maketh thee ato differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not breceive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?
 1a D&C 128:20;
 2a Mark 9:2 (2-13);
     Luke 9:29 (28-36); John 1:14;
     2 Pet. 1:16 (16-19);
     TG Jesus Christ, Glory of;
  8 Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
  9 For I think that God hath set forth us the aapostles last, as it were bappointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
 1a D&C 128:20;
 2a Mark 9:2 (2-13);
     Luke 9:29 (28-36); John 1:14;
     2 Pet. 1:16 (16-19);
     TG Jesus Christ, Glory of;
  10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
  11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are abuffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
  12 And alabour, working with our bown chands: being dreviled, we bless; being epersecuted, we fsuffer it:
  13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
 1a D&C 128:20;
 2a Mark 9:2 (2-13);
     Luke 9:29 (28-36); John 1:14;
     2 Pet. 1:16 (16-19);
     TG Jesus Christ, Glory of;
  14 I write not these things to ashame you, but as my beloved bsons I cwarn you.
  15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the agospel.
  16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye afollowers of mea.
  17 For this cause have I sent unto you aTimotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
 16a be ye followers of me How often have we been rightfully counseled to 'Follow the Brethren', meaning the Prophet and the Apostle of the Chruch. It is their called position to lead the saints over and above all others according to the proper order of the Kingdom of God. This is but what Paul is exhorting the saints of Corith to do. Rather than to seek after this teacher or that teacher, as was the habit of the Jews in seeking after Rabbis, it was for the saints of the Church of Jesus Christ to seek after and follow the brethren whom Christ had appointed unto that particular calling. And they were those who were the special witness of the Lord and the leaders of the Church. Thus it has not and will not change in the proper order of the Kingdom. Follow the brethren, the Prophet foremost and the Apostles as they do minister particular to the various regions and according to their assignments. This order in the kingdom further proceeds on down to more local regional, state and ward authorities as well. "Follow the Brethren."
  18 Now some are apuffed up, as though I would not come to you.
  19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
  20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in apower.
  21 aWhat will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of bmeekness?