1 Corinthians — Chapter 4

Stewards of the Mysteries of God

"Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, until the Lord comes."

— 1 Cor 4:5

1 Corinthians 4 defines the proper role of the apostles: stewards of the mysteries of God, not celebrities. Paul confronts Corinthian pride with the reality of the suffering apostleship.

🔑 Faithful Stewards (4:1-7)

1 Cor 4:1-4

"This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful."

Hyperetas Christou — servants of Christ (literally 'under-deck rowers'). Oikonomous mysterion theou — stewards of the mysteries of God. Faithfulness (pistos) is the only criterion for the steward — not success, not popularity.

⚡ The Suffering Apostleship (4:8-21)

1 Cor 4:10-13

"We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored... We have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world, up to this moment."

Paul’s sarcastic irony contrasts the Corinthians’ self-perception (rich, strong, honored) with the apostolic reality (fools, weak, dishonored). Peripsema — scum, refuse: what is swept away after cleaning. Apostleship is not human glory — it is participation in the suffering of Christ.