BSB 1 COR Chapter 4

Servants of Christ

4 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

3 I care very little however if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear but that does not vindicate me. It is [the] Lord who judges me.

5 Therefore judge nothing before [the] appointed time; [wait] until the Lord comes. [He] will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of [ men’s ] hearts. At that time each will receive [his] praise from God.

6 Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit so that you may learn from us not [to go] beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one [man] over another. 7 For who makes you so superior What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive [it], why do you boast as though [you did not]?

8 Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you! 9 For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end [ of the procession ], like [ prisoners ] appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men.

10 We [are] fools for Christ, but you [are] wise in Christ. We [are] weak, but you [are] strong. You [are] honored, but we [are] dishonored. 11 To [this] very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. 12 We work hard with [our] own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure [it]; 13 when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become [the] scum of the earth, [the] refuse of [the world].

Paul’s Fatherly Warning

14 I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. 15 Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, [you do] not [have] many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 17 That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in [the] Lord. [He] will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus,[fn] which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.

18 Some [of you] have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and [then] I will find out not [only] what these arrogant [people] are saying, but what power [they have]. 20 For the kingdom of God [is] not a matter of talk but of power. 21 Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and [with] a gentle spirit?