Pentecost Season · Proper 3 · Year A
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
Apostles of Christ
May 24, 2026
Overview & Insights
“This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.” (1 Corinthians 4:1)
First Corinthians 4:6–13 ends Paul’s response to the deeper and broader issues in the report coming from Chloe’s household. Paul brings the tension between Corinthian ideals and true Christian ideals into their sharpest contrast yet by pointing to his own situation. Everything about Paul, both his appearance and his behavior, exposes the incongruity of worldly ideals with the Christian faith. Interpretive Insights 4:6 Now, brothers and sisters. Paul indicates he is ready to summarize his teaching by his use of the inclusive adelphoi (“brothers and sisters”). He is speaking not to anyone in particular, or to a specific group, but to the whole Christian family in Corinth. I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit. The Greek word translated “applied” means “change the arrangement of” or “transform” (cf. Phil. 3:21).
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Commentary
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Working Preacher
A Luther Seminary commentary on the apostles as stewards and on leaving judgment to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 4 Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse by verse evangelical commentary on faithful stewardship and the coming judgment.
1 Corinthians 4 verse by verse Precept Austin
A deep study page compiling Greek word studies, cross references, and many expositors on 1 Corinthians 4.
Classic commentaries on 1 Corinthians 4 BibleHub
A classic aggregator stacking historic verse by verse commentary on 1 Corinthians 4.
1 Corinthians 4, Expository Notes StudyLight
Thomas Constable's expository notes on Paul's defense of his ministry and stewardship.
Background & Word Study
1 Corinthians Enter the Bible
A Luther Seminary introduction to the setting and argument of Paul's first letter to Corinth.
Overview: 1 Corinthians BibleProject
An animated overview of 1 Corinthians that frames Paul's argument about apostolic ministry.
1 Corinthians 4 interlinear BibleHub
The Greek text of 1 Corinthians 4 word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
What does Paul say about stewards?
Ministers are servants and stewards of God's mysteries, and the one thing required of stewards is faithfulness; it is the Lord, not human opinion, who judges the heart when he comes.
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