1 Corinthians 4:2

KJV

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G3739}{G1161} Moreover {G3063} it is required {G2212} in {G1722} stewards {G3623}, that {G2443} a man {G5100} be found {G2147} faithful {G4103}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now the one thing that is asked of a trustee is that he be found trustworthy.

Berean Standard Bible

Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

American Standard Version

Here, moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, having identified himself and other apostles as "stewards of the mysteries of God," establishes a foundational principle for all who are entrusted with responsibilities, whether spiritual or temporal: the paramount requirement for a steward is to be found faithful. This verse redirects the Corinthian church's focus from human judgment and superficial qualities to the singular, indispensable virtue of trustworthiness and diligent loyalty in fulfilling one's divine commission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal statement within Paul's broader defense of his apostolic ministry and a corrective to the divisive factions prevalent in the Corinthian church. In [1 Corinthians 4:1](/1_corinthians/4-1 "1 Corinthians 4:1 - Ministers and Stewards"), Paul defines himself and Apollos as "ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God." This immediately sets the stage for [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - The Requirement of Faithfulness") by establishing the identity of those under consideration—stewards—and then articulating the supreme expectation for them. The subsequent verses in [1 Corinthians 4](/1_corinthians/4 "1 Corinthians 4 - Apostles as Servants of Christ") elaborate on the nature of true judgment, emphasizing that human opinions are secondary to God's ultimate assessment, reinforcing the idea that faithfulness is a matter of divine accountability, not human approval.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, a "steward" (Greek: _oikonomos_) was a common and crucial figure in large households or estates. This individual was typically a trusted slave or freedman entrusted with significant authority over the master's property, finances, and even other servants. They managed daily operations, allocated resources, and were expected to act entirely in the master's best interest. Their position was one of delegated authority and immense responsibility, demanding absolute loyalty and trustworthiness. The concept of accountability was inherent; a steward would eventually be required to give an account of their management to their master. This cultural understanding illuminates Paul's spiritual application, highlighting the profound trust God places in His servants and the ultimate reckoning they face.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "The Book of 1 Corinthians"). Foremost is **Stewardship**, where believers, particularly leaders, are depicted not as owners but as managers of God's resources, gifts, and the Gospel itself. This theme underscores a profound responsibility to administer what belongs to God for His purposes, as seen in the broader discussions of spiritual gifts in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts"). Closely linked is **Accountability**, as the requirement to "be found faithful" implies a future evaluation by the Master, echoing the parables of stewardship and talents found in the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14-30 "Matthew 25:14-30 - The Parable of the Talents") and [Luke 16:1-13](/luke/16-1-13 "Luke 16:1-13 - The Parable of the Dishonest Manager")). Finally, **Divine Judgment vs. Human Judgment** is a critical undercurrent in [1 Corinthians 4](/1_corinthians/4 "1 Corinthians 4 - Apostles as Servants of Christ"), with Paul asserting that human opinions of his ministry are irrelevant compared to God's ultimate assessment of his faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Required (Greek, _zētéō'_):** From G2212, meaning "to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life):--be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (X will) seek (after, for, means)." In this context, it signifies an active seeking or a fundamental prerequisite that must be met. It's not a mere suggestion but a necessary condition that is sought out and deemed essential for the role.
* **Stewards (Greek, _oikonómos'_):** From G3623, meaning "a house-distributor (i.e., manager), or overseer, i.e., an employee in that capacity; by extension, a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively, a preacher (of the Gospel):--chamberlain, governor, steward." This term vividly paints the picture of someone entrusted with managing another's property or affairs, underscoring delegated authority and a position of trust and accountability.
* **Faithful (Greek, _pistós'_):** From G4103, meaning "objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful:--believe(-ing, -r), faithful(-ly), sure, true." It encompasses reliability, loyalty, and integrity in fulfilling one's duties. To be found faithful means consistently demonstrating trustworthiness and unwavering dedication to the entrusted task, regardless of external pressures or human opinions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover it is required in stewards":** The opening adverb "Moreover" (G3063 _loipón_) signals a continuation or an additional, crucial point following Paul's identification as a steward. The phrase "it is required" (G2212 _zētéō_) indicates that this is not a casual preference but a fundamental, actively sought-after, and indispensable quality for anyone in the position of a "steward" (G3623 _oikonómos_). It implies that this characteristic is the primary criterion by which such individuals are to be evaluated.
* **"that a man be found faithful":** This clause specifies the singular, paramount expectation for the steward. The passive construction "be found" (G2147 _heurískō_) suggests that this quality should be discoverable or evident upon examination, whether by the master who appointed them or by those observing their conduct. The core of the requirement is "faithful" (G4103 _pistós_), which denotes trustworthiness, reliability, loyalty, and integrity. It means consistently acting in accordance with the master's will and for the master's benefit, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the entrusted task, even when unseen or unappreciated by others.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a powerful **Metaphor** in this verse, extending the secular concept of a household steward to the spiritual realm. By referring to apostles (and by extension, all believers) as "stewards of the mysteries of God," he establishes a framework of delegated authority and ultimate accountability to God. The emphasis on "faithfulness" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a single, crucial quality (faithfulness) represents the entire character and conduct expected of a steward, encapsulating diligence, integrity, and loyalty. Furthermore, the verse's succinct and direct declaration creates a sense of **Emphasis**, highlighting faithfulness as the singular, non-negotiable requirement, contrasting it with the Corinthians' preoccupation with eloquence, charisma, or human approval.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian service and discipleship. It asserts that God's primary expectation for those He entrusts with His resources, gifts, and the Gospel is not outward success, popularity, or even extraordinary talent, but unwavering faithfulness. This faithfulness encompasses diligent obedience, integrity in handling divine truths, and consistent loyalty to the Master's will, regardless of human praise or criticism. It shifts the focus from what we achieve to how we manage what has been given to us, emphasizing character and trustworthiness as the bedrock of all genuine service to God.

* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things"): "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant"): "His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
* [Revelation 2:10](/revelation/2-10 "Revelation 2:10 - Be Faithful Unto Death"): "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The call to be "found faithful" resonates deeply with every believer, extending beyond formal leadership roles to encompass all aspects of life. We are all stewards of God's grace, our time, talents, resources, relationships, and the very message of salvation. This verse challenges us to examine our motivations and methods, asking whether our service is driven by a desire for human recognition or by a steadfast commitment to honor the One who has entrusted us with so much. True faithfulness means consistently acting in accordance with God's will, even when it is difficult, unpopular, or goes unnoticed by others. It means stewarding our lives in such a way that, when the Master returns, we will be found reliable, trustworthy, and loyal in every area He has committed to our care, ultimately seeking His "Well done."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you recognize yourself as a steward of God's gifts or resources?**
* **What does "faithfulness" look like in your daily responsibilities, both within and outside the church?**
* **How might a focus on being "found faithful" reorient your priorities or change your approach to service?**
* **What temptations or pressures might hinder you from being truly faithful, and how can you overcome them?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between being "successful" and being "faithful" in Christian service?**

Answer: While success often implies visible results, growth, or recognition by human standards, faithfulness primarily concerns obedience, integrity, and diligent effort in fulfilling one's God-given responsibilities, regardless of the outcome. A steward might be faithful in managing resources but still experience what appears to be "failure" from a worldly perspective (e.g., a missionary who sees few converts). However, from God's perspective, the ultimate measure is not the size of the harvest but the integrity and loyalty of the laborer. [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - The Requirement of Faithfulness") emphasizes that God values the character and trustworthiness of the steward above all else, making faithfulness the true mark of divine approval.

**Does this verse apply only to church leaders or to all believers?**

Answer: While Paul is specifically addressing the role of apostles and church leaders in the immediate context, the principle of stewardship and the requirement of faithfulness are universally applicable to all believers. Every Christian is a steward of God's grace, gifts, time, resources, and the Gospel itself. The New Testament consistently portrays all believers as having been entrusted with something by God, whether it be spiritual gifts ([1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Stewards of God's Grace")), the message of reconciliation ([2 Corinthians 5:18-20](/2_corinthians/5-18-20 "2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - Ambassadors for Christ")), or their very lives. Therefore, the call to be found faithful is a foundational expectation for every follower of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 4:2](/1_corinthians/4-2 "1 Corinthians 4:2 - The Requirement of Faithfulness") speaks to the requirement for human stewards, its deepest fulfillment is found in Christ Himself, the ultimate and perfectly faithful Steward. Jesus, as the Son, was perfectly faithful in all His Father's house ([Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1-6 "Hebrews 3:1-6 - Christ Greater Than Moses")), diligently carrying out every aspect of His divine commission. He faithfully revealed the Father ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")), perfectly obeyed His will ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does What Pleases the Father")), and faithfully accomplished the work of redemption entrusted to Him, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death")). His faithfulness is the bedrock of our salvation, for He is the "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Faithful and True Witness")) who perfectly fulfilled all that was required of Him. Because of His perfect faithfulness, we, who are often unfaithful, can be declared righteous and are empowered by His Spirit to pursue faithfulness in our own stewardship, resting not on our own imperfect efforts but on His completed work.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 25:21

His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Luke 12:42

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom [his] lord shall make ruler over his household, to give [them their] portion of meat in due season?

Luke 16:10

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

Luke 16:12

And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

Matthew 25:23

His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

Proverbs 13:17

¶ A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador [is] health.

Numbers 12:7

My servant Moses [is] not so, who [is] faithful in all mine house.