1 Corinthians 4:1 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:1-6

Here, I. The apostle challenges the respect due to him on account of his character and office, in which many among them had at least very much failed: Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Cor. 4:1), though possibly others might have valued them too highly, by setting him up as the head of a party, and professing to be his disciples. In our opinion of ministers, as well as all other things, we should be careful to avoid extremes.... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

4:1-5 Let a man then so think of us as the servants of Christ and stewards of the secrets which God reveals to his own people. In ordinary everyday life, that a man should be found faithful, is a quality required in stewards. To me it matters very little that I should be judged by you or by any human day. No--I do not even judge myself. For, supposing that I am conscious of no fault, yet I am not acquitted because of that. He who judges me is the Lord. So then, make a practice of passing no... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:1

Let a man so account of us ,.... Though the apostle had before said that he, and other ministers of the Gospel, were not any thing with respect to God, and, with regard to the churches, were theirs, for their use and advantage; yet they were not to be trampled upon, and treated with contempt, but to be known, esteemed, and honoured for their works' sake, and in their respective places, stations, and characters; and though they were but men, yet were not to be considered as private men, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 4:1

Let a man so account of us - This is a continuation of the subject in the preceding chapter; and should not have been divided from it. The fourth chapter would have begun better at 1 Corinthians 4:6 , and the third should have ended with the fifth verse ( 1 Corinthians 4:5 ;). As of the ministers of Christ - Ως ὑπηρετας Χριστου . The word ὑπηρετης means an under-rower, or one, who, in the trireme, quadrireme, or quinquereme galleys, rowed in one of the undermost benches; but... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 4:1

Verse 1 1.Let a man so account of us As it was a matter of no little importance to see the Church in this manner torn by corrupt factions, from the likings or dislikings that were entertained towards individuals, he enters into a still more lengthened discussion as to the ministry of the word. Here there are three things to be considered in their order. In the first place, Paul describes the office of a pastor of the Church. Secondly, he shows, that it is not enough for any one to produce a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:1

Let a man so account of us. Since it is inevitable that Christians should form some estimate of the position of their ministers, he proceeds to tell them what that estimate should be. Ministers are not to be unduly magnified, for their position is subordinate; they are not to be unduly depreciated, for if they are faithful they may appeal from frivolous human prejudices and careless depreciations to that only Judge and Master before whom they stand or fall. Ministers ; here huperetas; in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

Spiritual stewardship. In the Corinthian Church two errors were prevalent with regard to the apostolic and other ministries—there was a tendency to exaggerate the importance of the agents by whom the truth was communicated, and there was a disposition to set one of these agents up as against another; so that partisanship and sectarianism violated the Christian unity. I. THE SUBORDINATE POSITION OF CHRISTIAN TEACHERS . None need deem it a denudation or an undue humiliation... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

"Ministers of Christ." I. WHAT THEY ARE . 1. Ministers. Not masters; servants, not lords. The word means literally "under rower," or common sailor, and is generally used of the lower class of servants. Ministers are the mere servants of Christ; they have no authority save that which they may receive from him. "Be not ye called Rabbi" ( Matthew 23:1-39 . 8). A domineering despotic spirit is altogether out of place. If any will be chief, he must be servant of all. Many... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

The Christian teacher a steward. The apostle here intimates what are right thoughts for Christian people to cherish concerning their teachers, tie uses two words, "ministers," "stewards," the former of which is familiar, the latter needs some explanation. A minister is "one who serves," and no more honourable thought can be attached to the Christian teacher than that he serves Christ among his people, and serves the people for Christ's sake. Our Lord himself said, "I am among you as he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Judgments, human and Divine, respecting ministers. read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:1-6

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 4:1

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 4:1

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:1

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

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