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1 Corinthians 4

ScriptureDepth's study of 1 Corinthians 4

“But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by man’s judgment. Yes, I don’t judge my own self.”

1 Corinthians 4:3

Paul writes to the Corinthian church, stating that he does not consider their judgment important, as only the Lord truly judges him.

What 1 Corinthians 4 is about

Paul describes the role of apostles as servants and stewards of God’s mysteries, requiring faithfulness (vv. 1-2). He emphasizes that human judgment is insignificant compared to God’s judgment (vv. 3-5). Paul warns the Corinthians against pride, urging them to recognize their dependence on God for all they have received (vv. 6-8). He contrasts the suffering of the apostles, who endure hardships and persecution, with the Corinthians' sense of superiority (vv. 9-13). Paul uses a fatherly tone, admonishing the Corinthians as his beloved children and urging them to imitate him (vv. 14-17). He addresses the arrogance of some in the church, promising to come and assess their power, not just their words (vv. 18-20). He concludes by questioning whether he should come to them with a rod or in love and gentleness (v. 21).

Paul leaves the reader considering whether they prefer correction or a loving approach in their faith.

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1 Corinthians 4 at a glance

  1. 1 Corinthians 4:1–5Role of Apostles as Stewards
  2. 1 Corinthians 4:6–8Warnings Against Pride
  3. 1 Corinthians 4:9–13Suffering of Apostles
  4. 1 Corinthians 4:14–17Fatherly Admonition
  5. 1 Corinthians 4:18–21Challenge to Arrogance

Key verse: 1 Corinthians 4:3

One thing to notice

The chapter concludes with a challenge to the Corinthians regarding their attitude and behavior. In verses 18-21, Paul addresses their pride and the need for humility, asking how he should come to them. The closing lines present a choice between 'a rod' or 'in love and a spirit of gentleness'.

Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.

Chapter text

Read 1 Corinthians 4 (WEB)

Role of Apostles as Stewards 1 Corinthians 4:1–5

Verse 1. So let a man think of us as Christ’s servants, and stewards of God’s mysteries. Verse 2. Here, moreover, it is required of stewards, that they be found faithful. Verse 3. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by man’s judgment. Yes, I don’t judge my own self. Verse 4. For I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but he who judges me is the Lord. Verse 5. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.

Warnings Against Pride 1 Corinthians 4:6–8

Verse 6. Now these things, brothers, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to think beyond the things which are written, that none of you be puffed up against one another. Verse 7. For who makes you different? And what do you have that you didn’t receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? Verse 8. You are already filled. You have already become rich. You have come to reign without us. Yes, and I wish that you did reign, that we also might reign with you.

Suffering of Apostles 1 Corinthians 4:9–13

Verse 9. For, I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men. Verse 10. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor. Verse 11. Even to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten, and have no certain dwelling place. Verse 12. We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure. Verse 13. Being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, the dirt wiped off by all, even until now.

Fatherly Admonition 1 Corinthians 4:14–17

Verse 14. I don’t write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. Verse 15. For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, you don’t have many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the Good News. Verse 16. I beg you therefore, be imitators of me. Verse 17. Because of this I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every assembly.

Challenge to Arrogance 1 Corinthians 4:18–21

Verse 18. Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. Verse 19. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing. And I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. Verse 20. For God’s Kingdom is not in word, but in power. Verse 21. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

World English Bible (public domain)

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Main themes in 1 Corinthians 4

Apostolic Humility

In this chapter, Paul presents the apostles as 'Christ’s servants' and 'stewards of God’s mysteries' (v. 1). He challenges the Corinthians' arrogance, stating that they should not 'think beyond the things which are written' (v. 6). Paul contrasts the honor the Corinthians claim to possess with the dishonor and suffering that the apostles endure (vv. 10-13), revealing the humility required of true servants of Christ.

Judgment and Accountability

Paul instructs the Corinthians not to judge before the Lord's return, who 'will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness' (v. 5). He points out that while he judges himself, it is ultimately the Lord who holds him accountable (v. 4). The emphasis on divine judgment conveys the seriousness of how God will assess the actions and attitudes of believers.

Spiritual Fatherhood

Throughout this chapter, Paul identifies himself as a spiritual father, stating, 'for in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the Good News' (v. 15). He addresses the Corinthians as 'my beloved children' (v. 14), showing a deep relational investment. Paul sends Timothy to remind them of 'my ways which are in Christ' (v. 17), reinforcing his role in guiding their spiritual growth.

Divine Power

In this chapter, Paul contrasts human wisdom with divine power, stating 'God’s Kingdom is not in word, but in power' (v. 20). He expresses a desire to know 'the power' of those who are 'puffed up' (v. 19), redirecting focus away from mere words towards the transformative effectiveness of God's work. This contrast challenges the Corinthians' reliance on their own understanding and invites them to recognize true spiritual strength.

Chapter outline

How 1 Corinthians 4 unfolds

  1. 1 Corinthians 4:1–5 Role of Apostles as Stewards

    Paul describes apostles as 'Christ’s servants' and 'stewards of God’s mysteries' (v. 1), emphasizing that faithfulness is required of stewards (v. 2) and that ultimate judgment belongs to the Lord (v. 4).

  2. 1 Corinthians 4:6–8 Warnings Against Pride

    Paul transfers a lesson to himself and Apollos to teach the Corinthians not to think beyond what is written, asking them, 'For who makes you different?' and warning against their boasting (vv. 6-7). He states they are already 'filled' and have 'become rich' (vv. 8).

  3. 1 Corinthians 4:9–13 Suffering of Apostles

    Paul describes the apostles' suffering, stating, 'we are made a spectacle to the world' (v. 9) and contrasting it with the Corinthians' honor, as he mentions their hunger and persecution (vv. 10-13). He notes their toil and endurance amid hardship.

  4. 1 Corinthians 4:14–17 Fatherly Admonition

    Paul expresses his fatherly concern by stating he writes not to shame them but to admonish them as beloved children (v. 14), and he emphasizes his unique role as their spiritual father (v. 15).

  5. 1 Corinthians 4:18–21 Challenge to Arrogance

    Paul challenges the arrogance of some in the church who are 'puffed up' (v. 18), assuring them he will come and assess not just words but the true power of God (v. 20).

Key verses

  • 1 Corinthians 4:3Paul writes to the Corinthian church, stating that he does not consider their judgment important, as only the Lord truly judges him.

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Study questions

Questions for studying 1 Corinthians 4

SummarizeObserveInterpretApply

Uses your daily Ask questions.

  1. observeIn v1, what does Paul say is required of stewards?
  2. observeWhy does Paul mention 'the filth of the world' in v13?
  3. interpretIn v6, what does Paul mean by 'not to think beyond the things which are written'?
  4. interpretIn v20, how does Paul differentiate between 'word' and 'power' in God’s Kingdom?
  5. applyWhen have you felt 'puffed up' as described in v18?

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1 Corinthians 4: frequently asked questions

What is 1 Corinthians 4 about?+
Paul describes the role of apostles as servants and stewards of God’s mysteries, requiring faithfulness (vv. 1-2).
What is the key verse in 1 Corinthians 4?+
1 Corinthians 4:3: “But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by man’s judgment. Yes, I don’t judge my own self.”
What are the main themes of 1 Corinthians 4?+
The main themes of 1 Corinthians 4 are Apostolic Humility, Judgment and Accountability, Spiritual Fatherhood, Divine Power.

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