TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Complete Jewish Bible
So, you should regard us as the Messiah’s servants, as trustees of God’s secret truths.
Berean Standard Bible
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
American Standard Version
Let a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
World English Bible Messianic
So let a man think of us as Messiah’s servants, and stewards of God’s mysteries.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Let a man so thinke of vs, as of the ministers of Christ, and disposers of the secrets of God:
Young's Literal Translation
Let a man so reckon us as officers of Christ, and stewards of the secrets of God,
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In the KJVVerse 28,435 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4 verses 1–6
1 ¶ Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
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.
4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
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.
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.
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 (Co1 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. Apostles themselves were, 1. Not to be overvalued, for they were ministers, not masters; stewards, not lords. They were servants of Christ, and no more, though they were servants of the highest rank, that had the care of his household, that were to provide food for the rest, and appoint and direct their work. Note, It is a very great abuse of their power, and highly criminal in common ministers, to lord it over their fellow-servants, and challenge authority over their faith or practice. For even apostles were but servants of Christ, employed in his work, and sent on his errand, and dispensers of the mysteries of God, or those truths which had been hidden from the world in ages and generations past. They had no authority to propagate their own fancies, but to spread Christian faith. 2. Apostles were not to be undervalued; for, though they were ministers, they were ministers of Christ. The character and dignity of their master put an honour on them. Though they are but stewards, they are not stewards of the common things of the world, but of divine mysteries. They had a great trust, and for that reason had an honourable office. They were stewards of God's household, high-stewards in his kingdom of grace. They did not set up for masters, but they deserved respect and esteem in this honourable service. Especially,
II. When they did their duty in it, and approved themselves faithful: It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful (Co1 4:2), trustworthy. The stewards in Christ's family must appoint what he hath appointed. They must not set their fellow-servants to work for themselves. They must not require any thing from them without their Master's warrant. They must not feed them with the chaff of their own inventions, instead of the wholesome food of Christian doctrine and truth. They must teach what he hath commanded, and not the doctrines and commandments of men. They must be true to the interest of their Lord, and consult his honour. Note, The ministers of Christ should make it their hearty and continual endeavour to approve themselves trustworthy; and when they have the testimony of a good conscience, and the approbation of their Master, they must slight the opinions and censures of their fellow-servants: But with me, saith the apostle, it is a small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment, Co1 4:3. Indeed, reputation and esteem among men are a good step towards usefulness in the ministry; and Paul's whole argument upon this head shows he had a just concern for his own reputation. But he that would make it his chief endeavour to please men would hardly approve himself a faithful servant of Christ, Gal 1:10. He that would be faithful to Christ must despise the censures of men for his sake. He must look upon it as a very little thing (if his Lord approves him) what judgment men form of him. They may think very meanly or very hardly of him, while he is doing his duty; but it is not by their judgment that he must stand or fall. And happy is it for faithful ministers that they have a more just and candid judge than their fellow-servants; one who knows and pities their imperfections, though he has none of his own. It is better to fall into the hands of God than into the hands of men, Sa2 24:14. The best of men are too apt to judge rashly, and harshly, and unjustly; but his judgment is always according to truth. It is a comfort that men are not to be our final judges. Nay, we are not thus to judge ourselves: "Yea, I judge not myself. For though I know nothing by myself, cannot charge myself with unfaithfulness, yet I am not thereby justified, this will not clear me of the charge; but he that judgeth me is the Lord. It is his judgment that must determine me. By his sentence I must abide. Such I am as he shall find and judge me to be." Note, It is not judging well of ourselves, justifying ourselves, that will prove us safe and happy. Nothing will do this but the acceptance and approbation of our sovereign Judge. Not he that commendeth himself is approved, but he whom the Lord commendeth, Co2 10:18.
III. The apostle takes occasion hence to caution the Corinthians against censoriousness - the forward and severe judging of others: Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, Co1 4:5. It is judging out of season, and judging at an adventure. He is not to be understood of judging by persons in authority, within the verge of their office, nor of private judging concerning facts that are notorious; but of judging persons' future state, or the secret springs and principles of their actions, or about facts doubtful in themselves. To judge in these cases, and give decisive sentence, is to assume the seat of God and challenge his prerogative. Note, How bold a sinner is the forward and severe censurer! How ill-timed and arrogant are his censures! But there is one who will judge the censurer, and those he censures, without prejudice, passion, or partiality. And there is a time coming when men cannot fail judging aright concerning themselves and others, by following his judgment. This should make them now cautious of judging others, and careful in judging themselves. There is a time coming when the Lord will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts - deeds of darkness that are now done in secret, and all the secret inclinations, purposes, and intentions, of the hidden man of the heart. Note, There is a day coming that will dispel the darkness and lay open the face of the deep, will fetch men's secret sins into open day and discover the secrets of their hearts: The day shall declare it. The judge will bring these things to light. The Lord Jesus Christ will manifest the counsels of the heart, of all hearts. Note, The Lord Jesus Christ must have the knowledge of the counsels of the heart, else he could not make them manifest. This is a divine prerogative (Jer 17:10), and yet it is what our Saviour challenges to himself in a very peculiar manner (Rev 2:23): All the churches shall know that I am HE who searcheth the reins and hearts, and I will give to every one of you according to your works. Note, We should be very careful how we censure others, when we have to do with a Judge from whom we cannot conceal ourselves. Others do not lie open to our notice, but we lie all open to his: and, when he shall come to judge, every man shall have praise of God. Every man, that is, every one qualified for it, every one who has done well. Though none of God's servants can deserve any thing from him, though there be much that is blamable even in their best services, yet shall their fidelity be commended and crowned by him; and should they be condemned, reproached, or vilified, by their fellow-servants, he will roll away all such unjust censures and reproaches, and show them in their own amiable light. Note, Christians may well be patient under unjust censures, when they know such a day as this is coming, especially when they have their consciences testifying to their integrity. But how fearful should they be of loading any with reproaches now whom their common Judge shall hereafter commend.
IV. The apostle here lets us into the reason why he had used his own name and that of Apollos in this discourse of his. He had done it in a figure, and he had done it for their sakes. He chose rather to mention his own name, and the name of a faithful fellow-labourer, than the names of any heads of factions among them, that hereby he might avoid what would provoke, and so procure for his advice the greater regard. Note, Ministers should use prudence in their advices and admonitions, but especially in their reproofs, lest they lose their end. The advice the apostle would by this means inculcate was that they might learn not to think of men above what is written (above what he had been writing), nor be puffed up for one against another (Co1 4:6). Apostles were not to be esteemed other than planters or waterers in God's husbandry, master-builders in his building, stewards of his mysteries, and servants of Christ. And common ministers cannot bear these characters in the same sense that apostles did. Note, We must be very careful not to transfer the honour and authority of the Master to his servant. We must call no man Master on earth; one is our Master, even Christ, Mat 23:8, Mat 23:10. We must not think of them above what is written. Note, The word of God is the best rule by which to judge concerning men. And again, judging rightly concerning men, and not judging more highly of them than is fit, is one way to prevent quarrels and contentions in the churches. Pride commonly lies at the bottom of these quarrels. Self-conceit contributes very much to our immoderate esteem of our teachers, as well as ourselves. Our commendation of our own taste and judgment commonly goes along with our unreasonable applause, and always with a factious adherence to one teacher, in opposition to others that may be equally faithful and well qualified. But to think modestly of ourselves, and not above what is written of our teachers, is the most effectual means to prevent quarrels and contests, sidings and parties, in the church. We shall not be puffed up for one against another if we remember that they are all instruments employed by God in his husbandry and building, and endowed by him with their various talents and qualifications.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–6. Public domain.
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Origen of AlexandriaAD 253
COMMENTARY ON 1 CORINTHIANS 2.18.10-16
There is a big difference between being a servant of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God. Anyone who has read the Bible can be a servant of Christ, but to be a steward of the mysteries one must plumb their depths. Paul was acting as a steward of the mysteries when he commissioned Luke, for example, to write his Gospel, and when he sent Timothy to sort out the Ephesian church. I would even dare to say that in Corinth Paul acted like a servant of Christ, whereas in Ephesus he became a steward of the mysteries of God.
AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
Paul says this because some of the Corinthians were denigrating him. He did not preach anything different from the apostles. By calling himself a servant of Christ and a steward of the mysteries of God, Paul implicitly points out who the false apostles are. He denies that what they preach is of Christ, because it is not in accord with apostolic tradition.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 1 Corinthians 10
"Let a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God." After he had cast down their spirit, mark how again he refreshes it, saying, "as ministers of Christ." Do not thou then, letting go the Master, receive a name from the servants and ministers. "Stewards;" saith he, indicating that we ought not to give these things unto all, but unto whom it is due, and to whom it is fitting we should minister.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 4:1, the Apostle Paul establishes a foundational paradigm for how believers should perceive him and other spiritual leaders, shifting the focus from human charisma or wisdom to their divinely appointed roles as humble servants of Christ and trustworthy administrators of God's revealed truths, emphasizing faithfulness as the ultimate criterion for evaluation.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse serves as a pivotal transition within Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church. Chapters 1-3 have meticulously addressed the pervasive issue of factionalism and division within the Corinthian assembly, where believers were aligning themselves with various leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas) based on human wisdom, eloquence, or perceived spiritual superiority. Paul has systematically dismantled this worldly perspective, asserting that all leaders are merely "servants through whom you believed" (1 Corinthians 3:5), "God's fellow workers" (1 Corinthians 3:9), and builders on the one true foundation, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11). 1 Corinthians 4:1 directly follows this argument, introducing the proper "account" or estimation of these leaders, thereby setting the stage for a discussion on apostolic authority, humility, and the ultimate divine judgment of all ministry.
Historical & Cultural Context: The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub known for its wealth, trade, and diverse philosophical schools. Greek culture highly valued rhetoric, public speaking, and philosophical debate, often leading to a cult of personality around eloquent speakers. The Corinthian Christians, influenced by this cultural milieu, were likely evaluating their spiritual leaders through a similar lens, favoring those with impressive oratorical skills or intellectual prowess. This led to pride, boasting in men, and the formation of divisive cliques within the church. Paul's emphasis on "ministers" (humble subordinates) and "stewards" (accountable managers) directly counters this worldly admiration, reorienting their understanding of leadership away from human standards and towards divine appointment and faithfulness. The concept of a "steward" was well-understood in the Greco-Roman world, referring to a trusted slave or freedman entrusted with managing a household or estate, highlighting responsibility and accountability.
Key Themes: 1 Corinthians 4:1 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in 1 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Christian Unity and the Rejection of Factionalism, directly addressing the divisions Paul has condemned since 1 Corinthians 1:10. By defining leaders as mere servants, Paul removes any basis for boasting in human figures. Secondly, it develops the theme of True Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom, a central contrast throughout 1 Corinthians 1-2. The Corinthians valued human wisdom, but Paul asserts that true spiritual leadership is about faithfully dispensing God's "mysteries," which are foolishness to the world but God's power and wisdom to those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). Thirdly, it introduces the theme of Divine Accountability and Judgment, particularly for those in leadership. The steward's primary requirement is faithfulness (1 Corinthians 4:2), and ultimately, it is the Lord who will judge (1 Corinthians 4:4-5). Finally, it illuminates the Nature of Apostolic Ministry as one of humble servanthood and faithful stewardship of divine revelation, rather than one of power or prestige.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey his profound message. The primary device is Metaphor, as he uses the earthly roles of "ministers" (under-oarsmen) and "stewards" (household managers) to describe the spiritual office of an apostle. These metaphors are carefully chosen to emphasize Humility and Accountability, directly contrasting with the Corinthian tendency to elevate human leaders. There is also a subtle use of Parallelism in the two descriptive phrases ("ministers of Christ" and "stewards of the mysteries of God"), which are syntactically similar and work together to provide a comprehensive definition of apostolic ministry. Furthermore, the verse carries an implicit Correction or Rebuke to the Corinthians' prior misguided evaluations, functioning as a rhetorical move to reframe their understanding of leadership.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is profoundly theological, articulating the true nature of spiritual leadership as a sacred trust from God, not a platform for human ambition or a source of division. It underscores that all ministry is ultimately Christ-centered, performed under His authority and for His glory. The "mysteries of God" point to the Gospel as the core content of this stewardship, emphasizing that divine revelation is not a secret to be hoarded but a treasure to be faithfully dispensed. The primary requirement for such stewardship, as implied here and explicitly stated in the subsequent verse, is faithfulness, which contrasts sharply with worldly measures of success or charisma. This theological understanding guards against both the idolatry of leaders and the misuse of spiritual authority, reminding all that every minister is merely a servant accountable to the ultimate Master.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 4:1 offers timeless wisdom for both those who lead and those who are led within the church. For leaders, it serves as a powerful call to humility and integrity, reminding us that our identity is found in being "ministers of Christ," not self-made authorities or celebrities. Our primary task is not to impress or entertain, but to faithfully steward the "mysteries of God"—the Gospel and all revealed truth—with diligence and purity. This means prioritizing the clear and accurate proclamation of God's Word over personal agendas or worldly accolades, recognizing that our ultimate accountability is to Christ alone. For believers, this verse provides a crucial framework for evaluating spiritual leadership. We are called to "account" or regard our leaders not by their charisma, popularity, or intellectual prowess, but by their faithfulness to Christ and their diligent handling of God's truth. This perspective protects the church from falling prey to personality cults and ensures that our focus remains on the divine message rather than the human messenger. Ultimately, it fosters a healthy church culture where Christ is supreme and His Word is honored.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does Paul mean by "ministers of Christ"?
Answer: When Paul refers to himself and his fellow apostles as "ministers of Christ," he uses the Greek word hypērétēs, which literally means "under-oarsman" or "under-servant." This term was used for the lowest rank of servants, often those who rowed in the lower decks of a ship. By choosing this word, Paul emphasizes the humble, subordinate, and diligent nature of their service. They are not independent authorities but rather servants who carry out the will of Christ. Their identity and purpose are entirely bound up in serving Him, highlighting their complete dependence and obedience to His command, as seen in Christ's own example of servanthood in Mark 10:45.
What are the "mysteries of God" that stewards are to manage?
Answer: In biblical theology, a "mystery" (mystḗrion) is not something unknowable or esoteric, but rather a truth that was previously hidden by God but has now been divinely revealed. In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's writings, the "mysteries of God" primarily refer to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and God's overarching plan of salvation, which includes the inclusion of Gentiles into the church alongside Jews, forming one body in Christ. This profound truth was "hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to his saints" (Colossians 1:26). As "stewards of the mysteries of God," ministers are entrusted with the sacred responsibility of faithfully proclaiming, preserving, and applying these revealed truths for the benefit of God's people and the world.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 4:1 directly addresses the role of human ministers, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning are found in Christ Himself. Jesus is the quintessential "minister" and "steward" of God's plan. He perfectly embodied the role of the humble servant, not coming "to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). He faithfully executed the will of His Father, stating, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work" (John 4:34). Furthermore, Jesus is the very embodiment and revelation of the "mysteries of God." The Gospel, God's plan of salvation, is not merely a message about Him but is centered in His person and work. He is the "mystery of God, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:2-3). Through His life, death, and resurrection, the previously hidden truths of God's redemptive purpose were fully unveiled. Thus, human ministers are called to reflect Christ's servanthood and to faithfully steward the very truths that emanate from and culminate in Him, pointing all people to the ultimate Minister and Revealer of God's mysteries.