1 Coríntios 4

Kenneth Wuest · Citado em PreceptAustin

1 Coríntios 4

Wuest - In this manner let a man measure and classify us, as servants of Christ and as those who have been entrusted with the mysteries of God and their disposition. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 4:1 One should think about us this way– as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. NLT 1 Corinthians 4:1 So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God's mysteries. ESV 1 Corinthians 4:1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. NIV 1 Corinthians 4:1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. GNT 1 Corinthians 4:1 Οὕτως ἡμᾶς λογιζέσθω ἄνθρωπος ὡς ὑπηρέτας Χριστοῦ καὶ οἰκονόμους μυστηρίων θεοῦ. KJV 1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. YLT 1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so reckon us as officers of Christ, and stewards of the secrets of God, ASV 1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. CSB 1 Corinthians 4:1 A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God's mysteries. NKJ 1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. NRS 1 Corinthians 4:1 Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. NAB 1 Corinthians 4:1 Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. NJB 1 Corinthians 4:1 People should think of us as Christ's servants, stewards entrusted with the mysteries of God. GWN 1 Corinthians 4:1 People should think of us as servants of Christ and managers who are entrusted with God's mysteries. BBE 1 Corinthians 4:1 Let us be judged as servants of Christ, and as those who are responsible for the secret things of God. Let a man regard us: 1Co 4:13 2Co 12:6 as servants: 1Co 3:5 9:16-18 Mt 24:45 2Co 4:5 6:4 11:23 Col 1:25 1Ti 3:6 and stewards: Lu 12:42 16:1-3 Tit 1:7 1Pe 4:10 mysteries of God.: 1Co 2:7 Mt 13:11 Mk 4:11 Lu 8:10 Ro 16:25 Eph 1:9 3:3-9 6:19 Col 1:26,27 2:2 4:3 1Ti 3:9,16 Related Passages: 1 Corinthians 2:7+ but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; HUPERETES - UNDER ROWERS ON ROMAN WARSHIP HUPERETES - UNDER ROWERS ON GALLEY SHIP PROPER PERSPECTIVE REGARDING SPIRITUAL LEADERS What is the context? Paul had just alluded to "Paul or Apollos or Cephas" in 1 Cor 3:22+. The saints at Corinth had placed their spiritual leaders on a pedestal and had broken into factions following their "favorite" leader (like little children [aka "fleshly men"] playing "Follow the Leader"). This begs the question beloved, where is your focus, on your wonderful pastor or on the Wonderful One, Jesus Christ? If it is the former, then the problem is that you are more concerned about their abilities than on the leadership of Christ. All of us can potentially fall into the trap of magnifying the messenger over the Master! One could subtitle 1 Cor 4:1-5 "How to Evaluate a Minister" which is a "popular game" played by many Christians who are continually evaluating pastors and other Christian leaders. It's not a new game. The members of the church of Corinth were experts at playing the comparison game. Paul Apple has a helpful introduction - We all are used to performance reviews at work. We are used to receiving them - might not like them all that much - if we supervise people, we are also used to giving them. We have a set of criteria that we use to measure performance. Some standards might be more objective and easy to evaluate . . . others are more subjective and take into account a variety of intangible attributes. The Corinthian believers had wrongly established themselves as judges over the effectiveness of the gifted preachers in their church. This had caused them to align with particular personalities in a manner that was divisive. Paul settles the issue decisively by pointing to the ultimate accountability of the Lord when He returns to evaluate the job done by His servants. Faithfulness will be the standard. And the scope of judgment will extend to “the things hidden in the darkness” and “the motives of men’s hearts.” There is the prospect of great reward and praise in that day; but let no one usurp the Lord’s prerogative of judging His own servants. Christians have an unhealthy bent towards being judgmental in critiquing those who are publicly ministering the Word of God by preaching and teaching. We are charged to be like the Bereans in making sure that the message is in line with the whole of Scripture. But we are not allowed to judge on the basis of motives or personality preferences. He is not saying that Christian ministers have no earthly accountability within the governance of the local church. He is not saying that we should not examine our own hearts before the Lord and correct any deficiencies brought to light by our conscience as informed by the Holy Spirit. He is addressing the issue of ultimate accountability. How will one minister stack up against another at the end of the day? Why is it wrong for Christians to take it upon themselves to try to judge the ministry work of others when they have no oversight over those ministers? How can Christian ministers become complacent and overconfident if they put too much stock in their own self-evaluation of their own ministries? The one who examines us is the Lord = the one who knows all about us - even to the motives and hidden thoughts of our hearts. When He returns, He will give out the rewards that are appropriate. (1 Corinthians Commentary) What the Bible Teaches - In this chapter Paul draws to a conclusion his teaching as to the unity of the assembly, and the destructive nature of divisions. He has ruthlessly exposed sectarianism and man's wisdom, and triumphantly set forth the centrality of the Cross, and the fulness of the revelation of the things of God by the Spirit of God. He has clearly declared the seriousness of building on the one foundation, and the ultimate day of account for every believer. He will now set forth the deep responsibility of the true servant to set forth the sacred mysteries (1 Cor 4:1-5), contrast the pretension of the Corinthians with the sufferings of the apostles (1 Cor 4:6-13), and assure them that, despite all his warnings, they were his children and he their father (1 Cor 4:14-21).

1 Coríntios 4

Wuest - Under these circumstances it is further sought in stewards that a man be found to be faithful. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 4:2 Now what is sought in stewards is that one be found faithful. NLT 1 Corinthians 4:2 Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. ESV 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. NIV 1 Corinthians 4:2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. GNT 1 Corinthians 4:2 ὧδε λοιπὸν ζητεῖται ἐν τοῖς οἰκονόμοις, ἵνα πιστός τις εὑρεθῇ. KJV 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. YLT 1 Corinthians 4:2 and as to the rest, it is required in the stewards that one may be found faithful, ASV 1 Corinthians 4:2 Here, moreover, it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. CSB 1 Corinthians 4:2 In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one of them be found faithful. NKJ 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. NRS 1 Corinthians 4:2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. NAB 1 Corinthians 4:2 Now it is of course required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. NJB 1 Corinthians 4:2 In such a matter, what is expected of stewards is that each one should be found trustworthy. GWN 1 Corinthians 4:2 Managers are required to be trustworthy. BBE 1 Corinthians 4:2 And it is right for such servants to be safe persons. that: 1Co 4:17 7:25 Nu 12:7 Pr 13:17 Mt 25:21,23 Lu 12:42 16:10-12 2Co 2:17 4:2 Col 1:7 4:7,17 REQUIREMENT FOR STEWARDS TRUSTWORTHINESS Trustworthy means warranting someone's trust, worthy of being trusted. In this case, moreover, it is required (zeteo - sought) of stewards that one be found trustworthy - NET = "Now what is sought in stewards is that one be found faithful." Note he does not say be found fruitful, but be found faithful. God will take care of the fruit if we are faithful for He alone causes the growth. One should be able to put their confidence in the steward. Be found means to discover by inquiry or by experience and speaks of observing the individual by being around them. The observation of the steward proves that the person is worthy of one's trust. In context he is to be consistently teaching the Word of God and the mysteries of God. This is the word Paul used to describe Timothy as his "beloved and faithful child in the Lord," (1 Cor 4:17+) who he would send the Corinthians, because he knew he could trust Timothy to preach the Word of God to them. In other words Paul could wholeheartedly trust Timothy to pick up with what Paul had been teaching them. Paul had "found" Timothy "trustworthy" by observing him. Trustworthy means being steadfast in one's affection or allegiance, being loyal to a cause or a person, being constant, persistent, and faithful. THOUGHT - This passage applies to all believers "As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (1 Peter 4:10+) The question is will I he found faithful when the Lord Jesus comes back? Only by God's grace and Word and Spirit. Let it be so Lord. Amen. Hodge - It is a small matter how people may estimate the faithfulness of ministers. The only competent judge is the Lord; and, therefore, the decision of that question should be referred to his judgment (1 Cor 4:3–6). Spurgeon on it is required of stewards - This text primarily refers to those who labor in word and doctrine, those to whom it is a life’s vocation. Yet in another sense all believers are “servants of Christ and managers of the mysteries of God” (v. 1). Consider the responsibilities of faithful managers, the dangers awaiting managers, and the reward for faithful managers. MacArthur quotes the words of Jesus - “Who then is the faithful and sensible slave whom his master put in charge of his household to give them their food at the proper time?” Jesus asked. “Blessed is that slave whom his master finds so doing when he comes” (Matt. 24:45–46). When the Lord returns, the only absolute requirement by which He will judge His servants is faithfulness: were they true to their Lord’s commands? God supplies His Word, His Spirit, His gifts, and His power. All that the minister can supply is his faithfulness in using those resources.The work is demanding but is basically simple: taking God’s Word and feeding it faithfully to His people—dispensing the mysteries of God, proclaiming the hidden truths He has made known. There is to be no glory here, ranking one above the other. The best that any minister can be is faithful, which is just fulfilling the basic requirement. Jack Arnold - The first responsibility of a steward (oikonomos) in the master’s household was to dispense the provisions. The second responsibility was that he should be faithful and trustworthy to do exactly what the master told him to do. The steward was left on his own and the master might wonder, “Can I trust him with my house?” God has entrusted the gospel and the whole Bible and His church to the minister of Christ, and he must be faithful in dispensing the secrets of God so people can understand them. If a minister is to be faithful to Christ, he will not take to himself any authority which Christ has not given him. For a minister to preach and command the congregation to do something God has not commanded would be unfaithfulness to the Master, Christ. To keep some part of God’s Word from the flock when they need it would be unfaithfulness to the Master. To be faithful to the Master means not to withhold in any sense what the Master has entrusted to him to give to others. God’s ministers are to be judged according to their faithfulness. The minister must be faithful in teaching God’s Word and not be a man pleaser, for the only one he must please is Jesus Christ. God will judge His stewards on faithfulness, not success, numbers, big churches, huge buildings, the number of books written, or whatever else man conceives as success. God’s stewards must be faithful, faithful, faithful! The steward of God cannot neglect to feed the flock the Word, nor may he adulterate the Word, nor may he take away or add anything to the Word. He must be faithful. The task of the steward is faithfulness to his Master atone, not kowtowing to every demand of other servants whether they be leaders or congregation. He must be faithful regardless of the external results or the consequences. A minister is to be faithful not a perfectionist who does everything right. The pastor does his ministry for Christ not other people. The pastor who wants to please people and be liked by people will always be performance oriented. Ministers perform for God not people. (1 Corinthians 3:18-4:5 Stewards Of The Gospel) Knofel Staton - A person who is more concerned about the quality of his service rather than being a faithful steward will become somewhat paranoid over his service to the Lord. In fact, he may easily begin to see service as more of a performance for an audience of people around him rather than a ministry, with God himself as his audience. There is a big difference in ministering to people with God as the audience and performing in front of people with them as the audience. A person who does the latter will easily think he did not do well if he makes a mistake or if he doesn’t get praised. And a person can easily then begin to practice flawless performances apart from faithful service” (1 Corinthians). Ryrie - Reliability was the one necessary virtue for stewards, who were managers or administrators of large estates. Stewards (manager) (3623) see oikonomos Trustworthy (faithful) (4103)(pistos) from peitho = to persuade - induce one by words to believe, have confidence) is something or someone who is worthy of faith or keeps promises and is applied to God, humans, His Word, etc Pistos means dependable (worthy of reliance or trust), trustworthy, steadfast, unswerving. Pistos describes being steadfast in your affection or allegiance, being loyal to a cause or a person, being constant, loyal and persistent, trustworthy. Webster says that "Faithful" means firm in adherence to whatever one owes allegiance and implies unswerving adherence to a person or thing or to the oath or promise by which a tie was contracted. All uses in Corinthians - 1 Co. 1:9; 1 Co. 4:2; 1 Co. 4:17; 1 Co. 7:25; 1 Co. 10:13; 2 Co. 1:18; 2 Co. 6:15 ILLUSTRATION Managers are appointed to look after other servants. Managers have not only their own work to complete, but it is part of their work to look after the work of other people. Also, a manager is under the master’s direct command. An ordinary servant may take orders from the manager, but the manager takes orders only from the master and must keep up daily fellowship with the master so he knows the master’s mind and is able to communicate it to fellow servants. The manager also is called on to give an account. Further, a manager is entrusted with the master’s goods. This is the main point of the manager’s stewardship—nothing is his own—all is the master’s. The manager is entrusted with the master’s property to protect it. And the manager is entrusted with the master’s property to dispense it. The manager keeps the master’s supplies and sees that they are not wasted, but he also takes care to magnify the master’s liberality by seeing that none of the household has any need. Besides this, the manager is to use the master’s property for the master’s benefit. Finally, a manager is charged with the general care of the family. The manager is not merely to look after the master’s material possessions; he has to take care of all the family. How are we, as managers, in danger of not being faithful? We can readily be unfaithful by acting as if we are masters. Next, a great deal of unfaithfulness is caused by endeavoring to please people. If the manager begins to try to please his fellow servants and to curry favor with them so they will speak well of him, he will soon be a traitor to his master. Also, we can injure our faithfulness by idling, or trifling, or growing careless, or leaving our hearts out of our work. Further, we can prove ourselves unfaithful managers by misusing our Master’s goods, employing what he entrusted to us for some other end than his glory, or by neglecting some of the household. We can also become unfaithful managers by complaining about whatever is wrong with our fellow servants. And we may prove unfaithful by forgetting that our Lord will come soon, and thus we neglect being about his business. Supposing we are good managers, what will the result be? A reward from our Master’s own lips. On the day of accounting he will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Mt 25:23). Related Resources: Torrey Topical Textbook Faithfulness of God, the Faithfulness American Tract Society Faithfulness Baker's Evangelical Dictionary Faithfulness Holman Bible Dictionary Faithful Hastings' Dictionary of the NT Faithfulness (2) King James Dictionary Faithfulness Hawker's Poor Man's Dictionary Faithful Vines' Expository Dictionary Faithfulness International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Faithful; Faithfulness Our Awesome Responsibility It is required in stewards that one be found faithful. — 1 Corinthians 4:2 Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:6-4:5 What activity, what confusion surrounds us day after day! And we ourselves are busily carrying out plans and projects. In the midst of all this, the Lord is also at work. He’s building His church, extending His kingdom of grace and love, moving history to its God-honoring goal. In all of His activity, the Lord is seeking to bring people into a love relationship with Himself. But love can’t be mechanically coerced. It must be freely offered from the heart. God doesn’t get people to love Him by proclaiming ear-splitting messages as if He were using a supernatural loudspeaker. He doesn’t dispatch angels to astound unbelievers all around the globe. He doesn’t fill the sky with spectacular signs. The Lord wants the free trust and grateful love of men and women, boys and girls. So He works through believers as we obey the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) and build our lives on a relationship with Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11-23). It’s through your life and mine, through our dedicated talents, through our personal witness and united ministry that God is winning the trust and obedience of lost people everywhere. What an honor to be God’s co-laborers—and what a big responsibility to be faithful stewards! (1 Corinthians 4:2). Vernon Grounds We know that millions haven't heard About God's only Son, So we must witness where we are And tell them one by one. —Sper We must go to sinners if we expect sinners to come to the Savior. Faithfulness Required It is required in stewards that one be found faithful. —1 Corinthians 4:2 Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5,14-20 Much of our attention and praise is directed toward highly visible and successful people. But occasionally we read about an ordinary, obscure person being honored for many years of faithful service. It may be a school custodian, a cafeteria worker, a handyman, or a clerk in a store who has served others in a dependable and unselfish way. That kind of reliability often goes unnoticed, but I believe it’s a powerful picture of how we are to live. Although consistency may not be flashy, days add up to a life of great significance to God. Paul wrote, “It is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2). If we live faithfully for Christ, God has promised to reward us at His appointed time. When the Lord comes, He “will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God” (v.5). When we long for success, God says, “I will reward you.” When we ache for recognition, God says, “I see you.” When we are ready to quit, God says, “I will help you.” In all the little things of life, Yourself, Lord, may I see; In little and in great alike, Help me to faithful be! —Anon. God doesn't ask us to be successful but to be faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:3 But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. Amplified - But [as for me personally] it matters very little to me that I should be put on trial by you [on this point], and that you or any other human tribunal should investigate and question and cross-question me. I do not even put myself on trial and judge myself. Wuest - But with me it is a very small thing that I am being put on trial by you by the [judicial] day of mankind. In fact, I do not even put myself on trial, (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 4:3 So for me, it is a minor matter that I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. NLT 1 Corinthians 4:3 As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. I don't even trust my own judgment on this point. ESV 1 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. NIV 1 Corinthians 4:3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. GNT 1 Corinthians 4:3 ἐμοὶ δὲ εἰς ἐλάχιστόν ἐστιν, ἵνα ὑφ᾽ ὑμῶν ἀνακριθῶ ἢ ὑπὸ ἀνθρωπίνης ἡμέρας· ἀλλ᾽ οὐδὲ ἐμαυτὸν ἀνακρίνω. KJV 1 Corinthians 4:3 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. YLT 1 Corinthians 4:3 and to me it is for a very little thing that by you I may be judged, or by man's day, but not even myself do I judge, ASV 1 Corinthians 4:3 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. CSB 1 Corinthians 4:3 It is of little importance to me that I should be evaluated by you or by any human court. In fact, I don't even evaluate myself. NKJ 1 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. NRS 1 Corinthians 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. NAB 1 Corinthians 4:3 It does not concern me in the least that I be judged by you or any human tribunal; I do not even pass judgment on myself; NJB 1 Corinthians 4:3 It is of no importance to me how you or any other human court may judge me: I will not even be the judge of my own self. GWN 1 Corinthians 4:3 It means very little to me that you or any human court should cross-examine me. I don't even ask myself questions. BBE 1 Corinthians 4:3 But it is a small thing to me that I am judged by you or by man's judging; I am not even a judge of myself. it is: 1 Co 2:15 1Sa 16:7 Joh 7:24 judgment: 1Co 3:13 But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you- NIV - " care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court;" Amplified "I should be put on trial by you [on this point]," The idea of examined is to give a very thorough examination. Paul is not concerned about what men say. As we might say it does not carry a lot of weight with him! Aren't we all thankful that men's judgment is not the final verdict! Jack Arnold - Paul now begins to deal with the problem of who ultimately evaluates a minister. Everyone wants to get in on this act of evaluating his faithfulness or unfaithfulness in the ministry. This puts a subtle and constant pressure on all men called to the ministry. The first pressure Paul mentions is congregational evaluation. He does not say it did not matter at how he was judged by the Corinthians, but it mattered very little how they judged him. Paul is not suggesting the pastor should never listen to others nor seek to know how others evaluate him. The minister should always listen to the honest evaluations from his leadership and sometimes from his congregation, but congregational evaluation has its shortcomings. What Paul is saying is that no pastor should lay himself open to the whims and petty wishes of people, for in so doing, he would go crazy. He would become totally paranoid. In essence Paul is saying to the Corinthians, "I know you are thinking about me and I know what you think (and its not good), but I want you to know I do not think it very significant.” He really did not care whether they thought him, faithful or unfaithful. His ultimate responsibility was not to them. They had not called him, or sent him, or told him what doctrines to preach, nor was he their steward; he was the steward of God. A minister answers ultimately to Christ not men. Stuart Briscoe says there are three kinds of congregational pressure. Adulation which swells the head, causing many ministers to believe all the nice things people say about them. Manipulation in which people try to manipulate the pastor by force. Every local congregation has its power structure. There are people who seek to influence the preaching and teaching by iron-fisted, authoritarian bullying, by stopping all giving to the church, by threatening to leave the church, by persistent hounding and complaining. There are many things a congregation can do to put pressure on a minister to stop him from being a servant and steward. Whenever a pastor begins to listen to the crowd, he is in trouble. Whenever he begins to pass over unpleasant doctrines or spiritual subjects he knows will cause controversy with the power structure, he destroys himself and the spiritual life of his congregation. Manipulation puts a harness on a pastor and ties his hands so that he cannot be effective. Many a man has left the ministry because he ran up against the power structure of the local church. Instead of quitting, the pastor should stay and be a faithful servant and steward, knowing God will take care of him. Antagonism is the last form of pressure applied by a congregation on the minister. This is outright, sharp, open-faced opposition which may take the form of open rebellion or a whispering campaign. Mr. Briscoe says, “Adulation swells the head; manipulation ties the hands, and antagonism breaks the preacher’s heart” (Stewards Of The Gospel) or by any human court - Amplified "and that you or any other human tribunal should investigate and question and cross-question me." Literally the idea is "human day" or as we might say Paul's "day in court." Judgment by the unsaved world was of no concern to him. Even the Supreme Court is not qualified to examine one of God's servants in spiritual matters. Paul was willing to leave his judgment in the hands of the true Supreme Court Judge, the one to Whom he must answer ultimately, Christ Jesus (2 Ti 4:1+). in fact, I do not even examine myself - Amplified "I do not even put myself on trial and judge myself." Paul has just described his stewardship and now implies that the Corinthians were examining his stewardship. Paul is speaking of self-evaluation, a snare probably most pastors get caught in at one time or another - "I wonder if they like that sermon?" "No one smiled when I gave my humorous illustration." Etc, etc. Arnold adds that "A minister's evaluation of himself is as irrelevant as any other man’s evaluation of him. This does not mean Paul never sat down by himself or with his elders or the congregations he taught to evaluate the effectiveness of his ministry. What he is saying is that his judgment was incomplete; his heart was still sinful; he did not have all the facts; he had blind spots about his ministry and he could not know all the motivations of his heart as he was performing his ministry. (Stewards Of The Gospel) Examined...examine (350)(anakrino) means to examine accurately or carefully (re-examine); make careful and exact research as in legal processes. To examine or question in order to pass a judicial sentence or to examine accurately or carefully. 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. Amplified - I am not conscious of anything against myself, and I feel blameless; but I am not vindicated and acquitted before God on that account. It is the Lord [Himself] Who examines and judges me. Wuest - for I am conscious of not even one thing against myself, but not by this means do I stand justified. Indeed, He who puts me on trial is the Lord. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not acquitted because of this. The one who judges me is the Lord. NLT 1 Corinthians 4:4 My conscience is clear, but that doesn't prove I'm right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide. ESV 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. NIV 1 Corinthians 4:4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. GNT 1 Corinthians 4:4 οὐδὲν γὰρ ἐμαυτῷ σύνοιδα, ἀλλ᾽ οὐκ ἐν τούτῳ δεδικαίωμαι, ὁ δὲ ἀνακρίνων με κύριός ἐστιν. KJV 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. YLT 1 Corinthians 4:4 for of nothing to myself have I been conscious, but not in this have I been declared right -- and he who is discerning me is the Lord: ASV 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing against myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. CSB 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. NKJ 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I know nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord. NRS 1 Corinthians 4:4 I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. NAB 1 Corinthians 4:4 I am not conscious of anything against me, but I do not thereby stand acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord. NJB 1 Corinthians 4:4 It is true that my conscience does not reproach me, but that is not enough to justify me: it is the Lord who is my judge. GWN 1 Corinthians 4:4 I have a clear conscience, but that doesn't mean I have God's approval. It is the Lord who cross-examines me. BBE 1 Corinthians 4:4 For I am not conscious of any wrong in myself; but this does not make me clear, for it is the Lord who is my judge. I am conscious Job 27:6 Ps 7:3-5 Joh 21:17 2Co 1:12 1Jn 3:20-21 yet I am not by this acquitted: Job 9:2,3,20 15:14 25:4 40:4 Ps 19:12 130:3 143:2 Pr 21:2 Ro 3:19,20 4:2 but: 1Co 4:5 Ps 26:12 50:6 2Co 5:10 Related Passage 2 Cor. 1:12 For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you. PAUL'S CONSCIENCE IS CLEAR BUT GOD IS THE FINAL JUDGE For (gar) - term of explanation. Always begs question "What is being explained?" This passage in context indicates some of the Corinthians were judging Paul. And one thought is that as the Corinthians boasted in men like Apollos or Cephas were at the same time examining or judging Paul. I am conscious of nothing against myself - NLT paraphrases it "My conscience is clear." Amplified - "and I feel blameless" I am conscious is sunoida (only here and Acts 5:2 root of Greek word for conscience = suneidesis) which means to share knowledge with and to know about oneself (what others know not). In this case Paul reflectively says I know within myself of nothing (ouden - absolutely nothing) against myself, indeed "of not even one thing against myself" (Wuest). And yet Paul knows that even saved men can still make faulty judgments which is why he makes the following statement. "An unaccusing conscience does not itself imply freedom from guilt." (Vine)

1 Coríntios 4

Wuest - Wherefore, stop exercising censorious judgment with reference to anything before the epochal, strategic season, until that time whenever the Lord may come, who will both turn the light on the hidden things of the darkness and bring out into the open the counsels of the hearts. And then to each one there shall come his praise from God. (Eerdmans Publishing - used by permission) NET 1 Corinthians 4:5 So then, do not judge anything before the time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the motives of hearts. Then each will receive recognition from God. NLT 1 Corinthians 4:5 So don't make judgments about anyone ahead of time-- before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due. ESV 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. NIV 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. GNT 1 Corinthians 4:5 ὥστε μὴ πρὸ καιροῦ τι κρίνετε ἕως ἂν ἔλθῃ ὁ κύριος, ὃς καὶ φωτίσει τὰ κρυπτὰ τοῦ σκότους καὶ φανερώσει τὰς βουλὰς τῶν καρδιῶν· καὶ τότε ὁ ἔπαινος γενήσεται ἑκάστῳ ἀπὸ τοῦ θεοῦ. KJV 1 Corinthians 4:5 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. YLT 1 Corinthians 4:5 so, then, nothing before the time judge ye, till the Lord may come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of the darkness, and will manifest the counsels of the hearts, and then the praise shall come to each from God. ASV 1 Corinthians 4:5 Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then shall each man have his praise from God. CSB 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God. NKJ 1 Corinthians 4:5 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 one's praise will come from God. NRS 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God. NAB 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore, do not make any judgment before the appointed time, until the Lord comes, for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will manifest the motives of our hearts, and then everyone will receive praise from God. NJB 1 Corinthians 4:5 For that reason, do not judge anything before the due time, until the Lord comes; he will bring to light everything that is hidden in darkness and reveal the designs of all hearts. Then everyone will receive from God the appropriate commendation. GWN 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore, don't judge anything before the appointed time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will also bring to light what is hidden in the dark and reveal people's motives. Then each person will receive praise from God. BBE 1 Corinthians 4:5 For this reason let there be no judging before the time, till the Lord comes, who will make clear the secret things of the dark, and the designs of the heart; and then will every man have his praise from God. do not go on passing judgment: Mt 7:1,2 Lu 6:37 Ro 2:1,16 14:4,10-13 Jas 4:11 wait until : 1Co 1:7 11:26 15:23 Mt 24:30,46 1Th 5:2 Jas 5:7 2Pe 3:4,12 Jude 1:14 Rev 1:7 who: 1Co 3:13 Ec 11:9 12:14 Mal 3:18 Lu 12:1-3 Ro 2:16 2Co 4:2 Heb 4:13 Rev 20:12 each man's praise: Mt 25:21,23 Joh 5:44 Ro 2:7,29 2Co 5:10 10:18 1Pe 1:7 5:4 Related Passages: 1 Corinthians 3:13+ each man’s (hekastos) work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. 2 Corinthians 5:10+ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one (hekastos) may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad ( phaulos = substandard, not kakos = wicked as in the Textus Receptus - KJV). AMAZING FUTURE GRACE... DIVINE PRAISE FOR EVERY SAINT! Therefore - Term of conclusion. Arnold writes that "As to whether Paul was faithful would not be settled by conscience, but by Christ at the Judgment Seat (bema). The Lord was continually examining Paul’s ministry as He is examining every pastor's ministry, and He will judge not only one’s works but the motives behind the works. Paul did not mean we should not examine our own works as ministers, or that an elder board or a deacon board, or a bishop, or a congregation should not evaluate the works of a man’s ministry. If any minister is in doctrinal error, moral error or is not being faithful to his calling, then he is to be judged. But Paul is talking about motives, and this is where no one should seek to judge a minister or any Christian. We must judge actions but not motives. We should not assume we know what has made somebody act the way he did. We must remember it is the Lord Jesus who calls the minister, commissions him, and entrusts him with the Word, and the minister is ultimately, finally, completely and primarily responsible to the Lord Himself, his Master. (Stewards Of The Gospel) Do not go on passing judgment before the time but wait until the Lord (kurios) comes- Amplified - "So do not make any hasty or premature judgments before the time when the Lord comes [again]." Paul commands (present imperative with a negative) the saints at Corinth to stop continually passing judgment. The time (kairos - "the epochal, strategic season" -Wuest) is defined as a fixed period of time marked by some special feature and/or suitableness, in this case the suitableness of judgment, occurring after the return of the Lord Jesus Christ at the Bema Seat of Christ (see 2 Cor 5:10+ = 1 Cor 3:13+). The word until (heos) is a time phrase which is used to link an event marking the end of a time period (Second Coming in this case which marks the end of this present age) to another element in the sentence, in this case the Bema Seat judgment of the Lord Jesus.

1 Coríntios 4

Wuest adds that "The verb parakaleo refers to the act of calling someone to one’s side in order to help one. The noun parakletos refers to the one who is called upon to render aid. It was used in the law courts of one who pleads another’s cause before a judge, a counsel for the defence, an advocate. In the widest sense it means “a helper, a succorer, one who aids another.”(Wuest Word Studies - Eerdman Publishing Company Volume 1, Volume 2, Volume 3 - used by permission) In the three passages in the Gospel noted above, the Holy Spirit is the Comforter to the saint, not that He comforts him in the sense of consoling him merely, but that He is sent to be the One to come to the aid of the Christian in the sense of ministering to him in his spiritual life. In the first epistle of John (1Jn 2:1), the Lord Jesus is the parakletos of the believer in the sense that He pleads our cause before our heavenly Father in relation to sin in the life of the Christian, praying us back into fellowship with God by the way of our confession and the cleansing blood." Imitators (3402)(mimetes) means one who follows. Mimetes basically means to copy or imitate someone's behavior and has many related words in English - "mime" (one who acts out an imitation of another person or animal), "pantomime" (a theater production which originally was without words), "mimeograph" (a machine which makes many copies from one stencil).Mimetes is always used positively in the NTof followers of Christ emulating a God-approved example. Mimetes used 6x in NT- 1 Co. 4:16; 1 Co. 11:1; Eph. 5:1; 1 Thess. 1:6; 1 Thess. 2:14; Heb. 6:12 Truth for Today - A HELPFUL MOUNTAIN GUIDE - Since all Christians are imperfect, we need the example of someone who also is imperfect but knows how to deal with imperfection. Perhaps this illustration will help. Suppose I decide to embark on a dangerous mountain–climbing expedition. A helicopter drops a leader on top of the mountain, and he looks down on me and says, “This is the top. Just climb up here—this is where you want to be.” He would not be as much help as someone climbing up the path ahead of me, saying, “Follow me. I know the way up.” Christ shows us the goal we need to achieve, but we also need someone to model the process of reaching the goal. Only by overcoming sin can we become more like Christ, so we need to find another Christian who is also battling to overcome sin. A godly human example can show you how to deal with all of the products of our fallen flesh. Begin to search for and follow a godly guide. (John MacArthur) Color Courage Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. —1 Corinthians 11:1 Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:10-17 A radio ad for watches suggests that listeners buy a watch with a bright color band and then wear it with clothes of other colors. When people notice your watch because of its contrasting color, the ad says, “They’ll see that you have ‘color courage.’ And they’ll want to be like you.” Something in us enjoys having others follow our example. If you do a quick reading of 1 Corinthians 4, you might think the apostle Paul sounds a bit boastful when he says to follow his example of self-sacrifice (v.16). But a closer look at Paul’s words shows why he wrote so confidently. He could ask people to imitate him because he imitated Christ (11:1), the greatest Servant of all. The persecution he endured and the position he held in the church (4:10-17) all happened because Paul followed Jesus. When he mentioned that even if the Corinthians had 10,000 teachers he would still be their father in the faith (v.15), he was acknowledging that Jesus is the only reason people could trust his teaching. Joyfully following Jesus the Lord And trusting His lead every day Makes us examples that others can see To follow when trials come their way. —Sper Others should imitate us only as far as we imitate Christ. Imitate Me Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. —1 Corinthians 11:1 Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:9-17 Andrew Marton recalls the first time he met his future brother-in-law Peter Jennings, who was a top foreign news correspondent in 1977. He said he was so nervous that he acted like “a jittery fan in the presence of a journalistic hero whose personal wattage could light up Manhattan.” Andrew looked up to Peter and tried to emulate him. He became a journalist too and approached his assignments the way Peter did—“he dove in and worked harder than everybody else.” Andrew tried to walk like Peter, to dress like him, and to have the same “aura.” We all tend to follow the patterns of others. The Corinthians did too. But they shifted their focus away from Christ and onto individual leaders. Rather than emulating the Christlike qualities of these leaders, they let their allegiances lead to various divisions and contentions in the church (1 Cor. 1:10-13). The apostle Paul recognized their error, so he sent Timothy to remind them of his teachings and the importance of walking in obedience to the Lord (4:16-17). To follow in the steps of those Whose eyes are on the Lord Will help to keep us strong and true, And faithful to His Word. —D. De Haan Imitate those who imitate Christ. Apprenticeship Program I urge you, imitate me. —1 Corinthians 4:16 Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:9-16 Life certainly was a lot simpler years ago. If a man was a carpenter, his son was likely to be the same. That’s because the shop was at home and the boy worked with his father. The son watched carefully as Dad cut the wood, planed and smoothed it, then fastened it together to build a table or a bench. It was apprenticeship by example. Most young people don’t learn their trades like that anymore. Vocations are far too complex and the training way too demanding. One aspect of life, however, is the same as it was years ago. Children not only learned how to do things from Dad and Mom, they also learned about life. They saw their parents’ values and ethics in action every day in their homes. Christian moms and dads still have “little apprentices” watching how they put their beliefs into practice. It goes on at mealtime, in the car, in the store, in conversation with or about neighbors—all the time. What a wonderful opportunity to teach our children how to live for Christ! And young people not only need it, they want it. Our children watch and imitate The things we say and do; So if we imitate the Lord, They'll imitate Him too. —Sper Children may close their ears to advice, but their eyes are always open to example. Just Watch Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. —1 Corinthians 11:1 Today's Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:14-17 The young boy looked up at his grandfather and wondered aloud, “Grandpa, how do you live for Jesus?” The respected grandfather stooped down and quietly told the boy, “Just watch.” As the years went by, the grand-father was an example to the boy of how to follow Jesus. He stayed rock-steady in living for Him. Yet the grandson often lived in a way that was not pleasing to God. One day the young man visited his grandfather for what both knew would be the last time. As the older man lay dying, his grandson leaned over the bed and heard his grandpa whisper, “Did you watch?” That was the turning point in the boy’s life. He understood that when his grandpa had said, “Just watch,” he meant, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). He vowed that from then on he would live as his grandfather did—striving to please Jesus. He had watched, and now he knew how to live. Be aware that someone's watching As you go along your way; Your example is remembered More than anything you say. —Hess There's no better sermon than a good example. 1 Corinthians 4:17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church. Amplified - For this very cause I sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and trustworthy child in the Lord, who will recall to your minds my methods of proceeding and course of conduct and way of life in Christ, such as I teach everywhere in each of the churches. NET 1 Corinthians 4:17 For this reason, I have sent Timothy to you, who is my dear and faithful son in the Lord. He will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. NLT 1 Corinthians 4:17 That's why I have sent Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of how I follow Christ Jesus, just as I teach in all the churches wherever I go. ESV 1 Corinthians 4:17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. NIV 1 Corinthians 4:17 For this reason I am sending to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church. GNT 1 Corinthians 4:17 διὰ τοῦτο ἔπεμψα ὑμῖν Τιμόθεον, ὅς ἐστίν μου τέκνον ἀγαπητὸν καὶ πιστὸν ἐν κυρίῳ, ὃς ὑμᾶς ἀναμνήσει τὰς ὁδούς μου τὰς ἐν Χριστῷ [Ἰησοῦ], καθὼς πανταχοῦ ἐν πάσῃ ἐκκλησίᾳ διδάσκω. KJV 1 Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. YLT 1 Corinthians 4:17 because of this I sent to you Timotheus, who is my child, beloved and faithful in the Lord, who shall remind you of my ways in Christ, according as everywhere in every assembly I teach. ASV 1 Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every church. CSB 1 Corinthians 4:17 This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful son in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church. NKJ 1 Corinthians 4:17 For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. NRS 1 Corinthians 4:17 For this reason I sent you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ Jesus, as I teach them everywhere in every church. NAB 1 Corinthians 4:17 For this reason I am sending you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord; he will remind you of my ways in Christ (Jesus), just as I teach them everywhere in every church. NJB 1 Corinthians 4:17 and why I have sent you Timothy, a dear and faithful son to me in the Lord, who will remind you of my principles of conduct in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church. GWN 1 Corinthians 4:17 That's why I've sent Timothy to you to help you remember my Christian way of life as I teach it everywhere in every church. Timothy is my dear child, and he faithfully does the Lord's work. BBE 1 Corinthians 4:17 For this cause I have sent Timothy to you, who is my dear and true child in the Lord; he will make clear to you my ways in Christ, even as I am teaching everywhere in every church. sent: 1Co 16:10 Ac 19:21,22 Php 2:19 1Th 3:2,3 who is: 1Co 4:15 1Ti 1:2 2Ti 1:2 faithful: 1Co 4:2 7:25 Nu 12:7 Pr 13:17 Mt 24:45 25:21,23 Eph 6:21 Col 1:7 4:9 2Ti 2:2 Rev 2:10,13 my ways: 1Co 7:17 11:2,16 16:1 2Ti 3:10 in: 1Co 14:33 Related Passages 2 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord 2 Ti 2:1-2 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful (pistos) men who will be able to teach others also. For this reason - Term of conclusion. Begs question "What reason?" Forces you to examine preceding context. I have sent to you Timothy (Timotheos), who is my beloved and faithful child (teknon) in the Lord (kurios) - Have sent is past tense (historical) indicating this did occur but we have no other biblical record of this visit .Timothy had so faithfully followed (imitated) Paul, that Paul could send him to the Corinthians as if he were coming himself. Note that while the Corinthians were beloved like Timothy, they could hardly be called faithful like Timothy, who had "followed (PAUL'S) teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings." (2 Ti 3:10-11a+) Beloved (27) see agapetos Trustworthy (faithful) (4103) see note above pistos And he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ (Christos) - Remind means that they had previously heard of and seen Paul's ways in Christ during the 18 months he was in Corinth (Acts 18:11+). Paul's walk had matched his talk and Timothy would remind them of that truth. Now several years later they were in need of some serious "cognitive therapy" (so to speak). So Timothy could remind them of their spiritual father's ways, because he had followed Paul's "teaching, conduct, purpose..." as noted above. In Christ - 13x in 12v in 1 Corinthians and 8x in 8v in 2 Corinthians - 1 Co. 1:2; 1 Co. 1:4; 1 Co. 1:30; 1 Co. 3:1; 1 Co. 4:10; 1 Co. 4:15; 1 Co. 4:17; 1 Co. 15:18; 1 Co. 15:19; 1 Co. 15:22; 1 Co. 15:31; 1 Co. 16:24; 2 Co. 1:21; 2 Co. 2:14; 2 Co. 2:17; 2 Co. 3:14; 2 Co. 5:17; 2 Co. 5:19; 2 Co. 12:2; 2 Co. 12:19; Just as I teach everywhere in every church (ekklesia) - Timothy would teach the same ways that Paul taught in every church. for Paul did not vacillate or deviate but fixed his eyes steadfastly on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of the faith (Heb 12:2+). The ways Paul taught and Timothy would teach were the ways of Jesus. The use of the word teach () means that Timothy was to teach doctrine, not pious platitudes. Like Paul his teaching was to be validated by his example.