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width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-23.htm" title="1 Corinthians 3:23">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 4:1 <a href="/1_corinthians/4-2.htm" title="1 Corinthians 4:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/4.htm">New International Version</a> This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> So let a man regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> This is the way any person is to regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Let a man consider us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> So then, let us [who minister] be regarded as servants of Christ and stewards (trustees, administrators) of the mysteries of God [that He chooses to reveal]. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> A person should think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of the mysteries of God. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God&#8217s mysteries. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Let a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Think of us as servants of Christ who have been given the work of explaining God's mysterious ways. <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Let a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> People should think of us as servants of Christ and managers who are entrusted with God's mysteries. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> You should think of us as Christ's servants, who have been put in charge of God's secret truths. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Think of us as servants of the Messiah and as servant managers entrusted with God's secrets. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> One should think about us this way--as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So a person should consider us as Christ's servants, and stewards of God's mysteries. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> As for us Apostles, let any one take this view of us--we are Christ's officers, and stewards of God's secret truths.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> So let a man think of us as Christ’s servants and stewards of God’s mysteries. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Let a man so reckon us as officers of Christ, and stewards of the secrets of God, <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> So let a man regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Let a man so reckon us as officers of Christ, and stewards of the secrets of God, <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> So let a man reckon us, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> LET a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ, and the dispensers of the mysteries of God. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Accordingly, let man consider us to be ministers of Christ and attendants of the mysteries of God. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Thus should one regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> THIS is the way you should consider us: as the servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> In this way, let us be esteemed by you as Ministers of The Messiah and the stewards of the mysteries of God.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Let each one so think of us as ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> So let a man consider us, as ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> LET a man so account of us, as the under servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Let men consider us, as the ministers of Christ, who dispense the divine mysteries. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> As for us Apostles, let any one take this view of us--we are Christ's officers, and stewards of God's secret truths. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Let a man so account of us, as the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=618" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Servants of Christ</a> 1<a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: Houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">So then,</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpos (N-NMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">men</a> <a href="/greek/3049.htm" title="3049: logizesthō (V-PMM/P-3S) -- To reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose. ">ought to regard</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmas (PPro-A1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/5257.htm" title="5257: hypēretas (N-AMP) -- From hupo and a derivative of eresso; an under-oarsman, i.e. subordinate.">servants</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christou (N-GMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">of Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3623.htm" title="3623: oikonomous (N-AMP) -- A household manager, a steward, guardian. ">stewards</a> <a href="/greek/3466.htm" title="3466: mystēriōn (N-GNP) -- From a derivative of muo; a secret or mystery.">of the mysteries</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God.</a> 2Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/24-45.htm">Matthew 24:45-47</a> Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household, to give the others their food at the proper time? / Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. / Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. <a href="/luke/12-42.htm">Luke 12:42-44</a> And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time? / Blessed is that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. / Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. <a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10</a> As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. <a href="/1_peter/4-11.htm">1 Peter 4:11</a> If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God. If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen. <a href="/2_corinthians/6-4.htm">2 Corinthians 6:4</a> Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; <a href="/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">2 Corinthians 11:23</a> Are they servants of Christ? (I am speaking as if I were out of my mind.) I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. <a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Colossians 1:25</a> I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God, <a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm">1 Timothy 1:12</a> I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, that He considered me faithful and appointed me to service. <a href="/1_timothy/3-15.htm">1 Timothy 3:15</a> in case I am delayed, so that you will know how each one must conduct himself in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Titus 1:7</a> As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money. <a href="/hebrews/3-5.htm">Hebrews 3:5</a> Now Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, testifying to what would be spoken later. <a href="/hebrews/5-4.htm">Hebrews 5:4</a> No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was. <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a> Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you. <a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Romans 16:25-26</a> Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith— <a href="/ephesians/3-2.htm">Ephesians 3:2</a> Surely you have heard about the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.account.<a href="/1_corinthians/4-13.htm">1 Corinthians 4:13</a> Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.<a href="/2_corinthians/12-6.htm">2 Corinthians 12:6</a> For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.the ministers.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">1 Corinthians 3:5</a> Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?<a href="/1_corinthians/9-16.htm">1 Corinthians 9:16-18</a> For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel! … <a href="/matthew/24-45.htm">Matthew 24:45</a> Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?and stewards.<a href="/luke/12-42.htm">Luke 12:42</a> 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?<a href="/luke/16-1.htm">Luke 16:1-3</a> And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods… <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Titus 1:7</a> For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;mysteries.<a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">1 Corinthians 2:7</a> But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:<a href="/matthew/13-11.htm">Matthew 13:11</a> He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.<a href="/mark/4-11.htm">Mark 4:11</a> And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/14-20.htm">Account</a> <a href="/romans/16-7.htm">Apostles</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-23.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-23.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-23.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-15.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">Ministers</a> <a href="/luke/8-10.htm">Mysteries</a> <a href="/romans/13-6.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/romans/15-27.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/romans/14-14.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/romans/14-4.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-19.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/romans/2-16.htm">Secrets</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/esther/1-8.htm">Stewards</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">Think</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-13.htm">Truths</a> <a href="/romans/15-2.htm">View</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/4-6.htm">Account</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-9.htm">Apostles</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">Christ's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-13.htm">God's</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-3.htm">Judged</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-17.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-6.htm">Ministers</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-2.htm">Mysteries</a> <a href="/revelation/6-15.htm">Officers</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-2.htm">Ought</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/8-12.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-24.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/13-2.htm">Secret</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-5.htm">Secrets</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-2.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-2.htm">Stewards</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-6.htm">Think</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-2.htm">Truths</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-26.htm">View</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 4</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">In what account the apostles ought to be regarded.</a> 7. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">We have nothing which we have not received.</a> 9. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-9.htm">The apostles spectacles to the world, angels, and men;</a> 13. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-13.htm">the filth and offscouring of the world;</a> 15. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">yet our fathers in Christ;</a> 16. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-16.htm">whom we ought to follow.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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The term "servants" (Greek: "hyperetas") suggests a subordinate position, akin to an under-rower on a ship, highlighting humility and dedication. This reflects Jesus' teaching in <a href="/mark/10-43.htm">Mark 10:43-45</a>, where greatness in the kingdom of God is equated with servanthood. The apostles are not to be seen as masters or lords over the church but as those who serve under the authority of Christ, the true head of the church (<a href="/ephesians/5-23.htm">Ephesians 5:23</a>). This perspective counters the Corinthian tendency to elevate human leaders, as seen in earlier chapters where factions formed around different apostles (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-12.htm">1 Corinthians 1:12</a>).and stewards of the mysteries of God The term "stewards" (Greek: "oikonomos") refers to a manager or overseer of a household, entrusted with the care and distribution of resources. In the biblical context, this implies a responsibility to faithfully manage and dispense the truths of the gospel. The "mysteries of God" are divine truths previously hidden but now revealed through Christ and the apostles (<a href="/ephesians/3-3.htm">Ephesians 3:3-5</a>). These mysteries include the plan of salvation, the inclusion of Gentiles in the covenant, and the unfolding of God's kingdom. The role of a steward is crucial, as it requires faithfulness and accountability, echoing Jesus' parable of the faithful and wise servant in <a href="/luke/12-42.htm">Luke 12:42-48</a>. This stewardship underscores the gravity of teaching and leading within the church, as leaders are accountable to God for their handling of His word.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of 1 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth. He emphasizes his role as a servant and steward. 2. <a href="/topical/c/corinth.htm">Corinth</a> A major city in ancient Greece, known for its diverse population and moral challenges. The church in Corinth faced various issues, including divisions and misunderstandings about leadership. 3. <a href="/topical/s/servants_of_christ.htm">Servants of Christ</a> Refers to Paul and other apostles or leaders who are dedicated to serving Jesus Christ. 4. <a href="/topical/s/stewards_of_the_mysteries_of_god.htm">Stewards of the Mysteries of God</a> Those entrusted with the teachings and truths of the Christian faith, responsible for managing and disseminating these truths. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_corinth.htm">The Church in Corinth</a> The recipients of Paul's letter, struggling with issues of leadership, unity, and spiritual maturity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_role_as_servants.htm">Understanding Our Role as Servants</a> As believers, we are called to view ourselves as servants of Christ, prioritizing His will and purpose above our own. <a href="/topical/f/faithful_stewardship.htm">Faithful Stewardship</a> We are entrusted with the mysteries of God, which include the gospel and spiritual truths. Our responsibility is to faithfully manage and share these with others. <a href="/topical/a/accountability_to_god.htm">Accountability to God</a> Just as stewards are accountable to their masters, we are accountable to God for how we handle His truths and serve His people. <a href="/topical/u/unity_in_leadership.htm">Unity in Leadership</a> Paul’s message to the Corinthians encourages unity and respect for those in leadership, recognizing their role as servants and stewards. <a href="/topical/l/living_with_integrity.htm">Living with Integrity</a> Our lives should reflect the integrity and faithfulness expected of a steward, ensuring that our actions align with the teachings of Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 4</a> <a href="/q/are_you_a_good_and_faithful_servant.htm">Have you been a good and faithful servant?</a> <a href="/q/what_duties_come_with_greater_gifts.htm">What responsibilities come with greater gifts or privileges?</a> <a href="/q/what_constitutes_the_mystery_of_faith.htm">What constitutes the mystery of faith?</a> <a href="/q/why_are_teachers_judged_more_strictly.htm">In James 3:1, why single out teachers for stricter judgment, seemingly contradicting passages like Romans 2:11 that imply all are judged equally? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>IV.(1-5) The first five verses of this chapter contain a further argument against party-spirit as it existed in the Corinthian Church--viz., that God alone can judge of any man's work whether it be worthy, and that God, unlike man, who selects only some one for praise, will give to every worker his own proper share of approval.(1) Man.--In a generic sense means "every one" (as in <a href="/1_corinthians/11-28.htm" title="But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.">1Corinthians 11:28</a>, and <a href="/galatians/6-1.htm" title="Brothers, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.">Galatians 6:1</a>).Us--i.e., Paul himself and Apollos.As of the ministers of Christ.--Better, as ministers of Christ. The word used for "ministers" here expresses more strongly the idea of subordination than the word which occurs in <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm" title="Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?">1Corinthians 3:5</a>. It implies not only those who are under one superior, but those who are in a still inferior position--the officer who has to obey orders, as in <a href="/matthew/5-25.htm" title="Agree with your adversary quickly, whiles you are in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison.">Matthew 5:25</a>--a "servant" (<a href="/matthew/26-58.htm" title="But Peter followed him afar off to the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.">Matthew 26:58</a>). Though servants, their office is one of great trust; they are "stewards" to whom the owner of the house has entrusted the care of those sacred things--"mysteries"--which heretofore have been hidden, but are now made known to them, his faithful subordinates. It is to be remembered that even the steward in a Greek household was generally a slave. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 1-5. - Judgments, human and Divine, respecting ministers. Verse 1. - Let a man so account of us. Since it is inevitable that Christians should form some estimate of the position of their ministers, he proceeds to tell them what that estimate should be. Ministers are not to be unduly magnified, for their position is subordinate; they are not to be unduly depreciated, for if they are faithful they may appeal from frivolous human prejudices and careless depreciations to that only Judge and Master before whom they stand or fall. Ministers; here huperetas; in <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">1 Corinthians 3:5</a> diakonous. They are huperetai (in its derivation "under rowers") in their relation to Christ; diakonoi in their relation to men. Of Christ; and therefore responsible to Him. Stewards; dispensers, subordinate distributors. These "agents" were higher slaves (<a href="/luke/16-1.htm">Luke 16:1-8</a>). Of the mysteries of God. The word "mysteries" means truths once hidden but now revealed; as in <a href="/luke/8-10.htm">Luke 8:10</a>, "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God." In later patristic usage the word means "sacraments;" but St. Paul has expressly said (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">1 Corinthians 1:17</a>) that his mission was to preach the gospel, not primarily to administer the sacraments. (For descriptions of the work of a minister according to St. Paul's lofty ideal, see the pastoral Epistles, and <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-7.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:7-11</a>; <a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Colossians 1:25-29</a>; <a href="/acts/20-18.htm">Acts 20:18-21, 24-28</a>. St. Peter's is given in <a href="/1_peter/4-10.htm">1 Peter 4:10, 11</a>; <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">1 Peter 5:2-4</a>.) A minister is not to be estimated as a supernatural teacher, or a civil autocrat, or an infallible critic, but as an ambassador from Christ, who reveals to the "initiated" that which they could not otherwise know. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>So then, Οὕτως (Houtōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows). men ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. ought to regard λογιζέσθω (logizesthō) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3049.htm">Strong's 3049: </a> To reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose. us ἡμᾶς (hēmas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. as ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. servants ὑπηρέτας (hypēretas) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5257.htm">Strong's 5257: </a> From hupo and a derivative of eresso; an under-oarsman, i.e. subordinate. of Christ Χριστοῦ (Christou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. stewards οἰκονόμους (oikonomous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3623.htm">Strong's 3623: </a> A household manager, a steward, guardian. of the mysteries μυστηρίων (mystēriōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3466.htm">Strong's 3466: </a> From a derivative of muo; a secret or 'mystery'. of God. Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">1 Corinthians 4:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 4:1 So let a man think of us (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-23.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 3:23"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 3:23" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 4:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 4:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>