1 Corinthians 4
Lutheran reading notes
In 1 Corinthians chapter 4, the message of the gospel develops the theme of instruction for church life and unity in Christ. Lutheran interpretation frequently emphasizes the proclamation of Christ, the distinction between law and gospel, and the promise of justification through faith.
1
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
1 Corinthians 4:1 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:2 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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. {judgment: Gr. day}
1 Corinthians 4:3 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. {know: or, I am not conscious of any fault}
1 Corinthians 4:4 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
1 Corinthians 4:5 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and {to} Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think {of men} above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
1 Corinthians 4:6 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
For who maketh thee to differ {from another}? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive {it}, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received {it}? {maketh...: Gr. distinguisheth thee}
1 Corinthians 4:7 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
1 Corinthians 4:8 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. {us...: or, us the last apostles, as} {spectacle: Gr. theatre}
1 Corinthians 4:9 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
We {are} fools for Christ's sake, but ye {are} wise in Christ; we {are} weak, but ye {are} strong; ye {are} honourable, but we {are} despised.
1 Corinthians 4:10 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
1 Corinthians 4:11 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
1 Corinthians 4:12 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, {and are} the offscouring of all things unto this day.
1 Corinthians 4:13 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn {you}.
1 Corinthians 4:14 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet {have ye} not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
1 Corinthians 4:15 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
16
Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
1 Corinthians 4:16 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
1 Corinthians 4:17 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18
Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
1 Corinthians 4:18 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
19
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
1 Corinthians 4:19 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
20
For the kingdom of God {is} not in word, but in power.
1 Corinthians 4:20 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
21
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and {in} the spirit of meekness?
1 Corinthians 4:21 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.