Background Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-21
Lesson in Perspective: The apostle Paul planted the church in the city of Corinth while on his second missionary journey. Problems encountering the Corinthian church became known to him after he left town for Ephesus. Among the many problems encountering the Corinthian church were: factionalism, gross sexual immorality, lawsuits among believers, misunderstandings about marriage and singleness, selfish behavior in the worship assembly, improper understanding and exercise of spiritual gifts. Paul spoke directly, eloquently, and with authority on these issues.
Faithful Servants ( 1 Corinthians 4:1-6): Christian leaders are to take no personal credit for their message or their success, there is no place for factionalism in the church (3:21-23).
Divine Trust (vv. 1-2).
v. 1. “Let a man so account of us, as the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” The apostle Paul asks that he, and other apostles be regarded by the Corinthians as servants. Paul had a real problem with the Corinthians; they tended to look down on him and not respect his apostolic authority. In carefully chosen words, Paul will show the Corinthians how to have a proper regard-not too exalted and not too low-of himself and the other apostles.
v. 2. “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” Jesus told stories about masters leaving servants in charge while the master was away (Matthew 24:45-51). As Paul penned this letter more than two decades after Jesus’ resurrection, such teaching almost certainly undergirds Paul’s statement. His faithfulness to his stewardship role should have been a model for the Corinthians.
Clear Conscience (vv. 3-5).
Verses 3-4. “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. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.”
Paul insists that their low estimation of him really mattered little. It is what God judges that is important. “In fact, I do not even judge myself.” Even our estimation of ourself is usually wrong. We are almost always too hard or too easy on ourselves. Paul also recognizes that he does not stand in a perfect state of justification or innocence just because his conscience was clear. Paul knew his righteousness came from Jesus, not from his own personal life-even though he had a godly walk. “Therefore judge nothing before the time.” It is as if Paul were saying, “You Corinthians act like judges at athletic events, qualified to give some the trophy and to send others away as losers. But Jesus is the only judge, and you are judging before the events occur.
References: Standard Lesson Commentary KJV 2022-2023 International Sunday School Lesson, Enduring Word Bible Commentary