1 Corinthians 4

The Ministry of Apostles

1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally.. References Christ: Romans 16:25, 2 Corinthians 4:5, Colossians 2:2, 4:3. References God: Titus 1:7, 1 Peter 4:10. Parallel theme: Matthew 24:45, Ephesians 1:9, 6:19, 1 Timothy 3:9 +5

2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. Faith: 1 Corinthians 7:25, Numbers 12:7, Proverbs 13:17, Matthew 25:21, 25:23, Luke 12:42, Colossians 1:7. Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 2:17, 4:2, Colossians 4:17 +5

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. Judgment: 1 Corinthians 2:15, John 7:24

4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint.. References Lord: Psalms 130:3, Proverbs 21:2. Judgment: 1 Corinthians 4:5. Righteousness: Job 25:4, 27:6, Psalms 143:2, Romans 2:13. Parallel theme: Job 40:4, Psalms 19:12, 2 Corinthians 1:12 +5

5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. Resurrection: Romans 2:29. References Lord: 2 Corinthians 10:18, James 5:7. Judgment: Ecclesiastes 12:14, Romans 2:1, 2:16, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20:12. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 3:13, Hebrews 4:13 +5

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 puffed up for one against another. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 3:19, 5:6, 8:1, Romans 12:3, 2 Corinthians 4:15, 11:4, 12:6, 12:19, Colossians 2:18, 1 Thessalonians 1:5 +5

7 For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 15:10, Proverbs 2:6, Luke 19:13, John 1:16, 3:27, Romans 1:5, 12:3, 12:6, James 1:17, 1 Peter 4:10 +5

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. Kingdom: Revelation 5:10. References God: Romans 12:3. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 1:5, 5:6, Proverbs 13:7, Luke 6:25, 2 Corinthians 13:9, Galatians 6:3 +3

9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. Creation: Hebrews 10:33. Parallel theme: Psalms 44:22, Acts 19:29, 19:31, Romans 8:36, 2 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Thessalonians 3:3, Hebrews 1:14, 11:36 +4

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. References Christ: 1 Peter 4:14. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 2:3, 3:18, Acts 17:18, 26:24, 2 Corinthians 13:9

11 Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 9:4, Job 22:6, Matthew 8:20, Acts 14:19, 16:23, 23:2, Romans 8:35, 2 Corinthians 4:8, Philippians 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:11 +5

12 And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Evil: Matthew 5:11, 1 Peter 2:23, 3:9. Blessing: Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:28, Romans 12:14. Parallel theme: Luke 23:34, Acts 18:3, Romans 12:20, 1 Peter 3:14 +5

13 Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day. Creation: Lamentations 3:45

Paul's Fatherly Admonition

14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. Love: 2 Corinthians 12:19. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 4:15, 9:15, Colossians 1:28, 1 Thessalonians 2:11, 5:14, 3 John 1:4 +2

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 gospelGospel: εὐαγγέλιον (Euangelion). The Greek euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) means good news or gospel—the message of salvation through Christ's death and resurrection. It's 'the power of God unto salvation' (Romans 1:16).. References Christ: Galatians 4:19. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 3:10, 9:14, 9:23

16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 11:1, Philippians 3:17, 4:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:9, Hebrews 13:7, 1 Peter 5:3 +2

17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint., who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. References Lord: 1 Corinthians 7:17, 16:10. Faith: 1 Corinthians 7:25, 1 Timothy 1:2, Revelation 2:10, 2:13. Love: 2 Timothy 1:2. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 11:2, 14:33, 16:1 +5

18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 5:2

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. References Lord: James 4:15. Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 2:6, 4:18, 11:34, Acts 18:21, 19:21, Romans 15:32, 2 Corinthians 1:23, Hebrews 6:3 +4

20 For the kingdomKingdom: βασιλεία (Basileia). The Greek basileia (βασιλεία) means kingdom—both the realm ruled and the exercise of royal authority. The 'kingdom of God' is central to Jesus' teaching, representing God's saving rule breaking into history. of God is not in word, but in power. Kingdom: Romans 14:17. References God: 1 Corinthians 1:24, Romans 1:16, 15:19. Word: 1 Corinthians 2:4, 1 Thessalonians 1:5

21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spiritSpirit: πνεῦμα (Pneuma). The Greek pneuma (πνεῦμα) means spirit, wind, or breath—the immaterial aspect of persons. The Holy Spirit (Pneuma Hagion) is the third person of the Trinity, dwelling in believers. of meekness? Parallel theme: 2 Corinthians 1:23, 2:1, 2:3, 10:6, 13:2, 13:10, 1 Thessalonians 2:7, James 3:17 +3