1 Corinthians 4:1-21
About the Text
(1) What are the "secret things" that Paul mentions here? They are God's truths as found in the Scriptures. They are "secret" in the sense that people would not fully understand these truths, even though they could be found in the Old Testament, until Jesus Christ came, the apostles explained it, and the Holy Spirit was given.
(3) Why does Paul seem to be defending himself in these verses? Because the Corinthians were critical of him. He was their most despised apostle, and they rejected his authority. In 2 Cor. 10:10, he was "unimpressive" to them. They were offended by him, because he spoke out against their immorality, and because he was simple, plain, and ordinary. He was neither eloquent nor wealthy. In this verse, Paul meant that he is not concerned with what others think of him, but with what God thinks of him.
(6) What did Paul mean by "Do not go beyond what is written"? It was a popular saying that Paul used to make a point: Do not brag about one leader in order to bring down another (which is what they were doing). This was the purpose of Paul's saying. But the precise meaning of the saying itself is uncertain. I tend towards the meaning, "do not go beyond the Scriptures I've just cited," in chapters 1 and 2. However, it is possible that "what is written" refers to Old Testament Scripture in general, or that the entire saying was a proverb meaning "don't go beyond the rules."
(7) What did Paul mean by these questions? Perhaps a paraphrase would make it clearer: "Who do you think you are? Don't you realize that God, not your hard work, made you what you are today? Then why you act so snooty, as if you worked your way up yourselves?"
(8) How were the Corinthians "rich"? Not that they were all materially wealthy, but rather they were remarkably gifted in their God-given abilities. Chapter 12, 13, and 14 confirms the fact that they were spiritually gifted. They prided themselves in their ability to speak in "tongues," make prophecies, and work miracles.
(8) How were they "kings"? Paul was sarcastically saying that they had reached the state of "glory," which all Christians hope to become during Christ's second coming (cf. Romans 8:17). The Corinthians were so prideful, however, that they acted as if they had reached the finish line before everyone else. Thus the remark, "You have become kings-and that without us!"
(13) Why did Paul go on telling them about the apostles' troubles? To show them an example of the life of a humble servant of God. They, instead, were acting like pompous kings.
(15) Why did Paul say that he was their "father"? Because they became believers as a result of his preaching.
(16) Isn't Paul being a bit cocky by telling others to "imitate" him? No. He rightly recognized, as did others, that he lived a harsh and persecuted lifestyle. He is not at all claiming to be perfect. Rather, he was well aware of his authority as an apostle. In 1 Cor. 11:1, the point becomes even clearer -- he wanted others to imitate him insofar as he imitated Christ.
(21) Why does Paul ask them the question "What do you prefer?" It was Paul's way of referring to himself as a loving father (cf. v. 15) again. His harshness comes from his love for them, not his callousness.
Insights
The Bottom Line
Be humble. Jesus requires it of those who follow Him.
Humility is grown by God. It is not simply an act of your own will-power. For once you think you're humble, you're no longer humble! Humility, rather, comes when God opens our eyes to (1) the gravity of our sin and weakness, and (2) the enormous power and love of God. The first comes when the law and commandments of God (e.g. do not lust) exposes our natural wickedness. The second comes when we believe and appreciate the full power of Christ's death on the cross to take away our sins, give us eternal life, give us the Holy Spirit, etc. Having our eyes opened to these truths is the key.
Paul's Ticked!
a paraphase of 1 Cor. 4... Even though we're only Jesus Christ's servants (just like the rest of you), we have been specially chosen to teach the mysteries of God. This is why I don't care if you or any others criticize me. God doesn't even care whether I criticize myself or give myself a pat on the back. I'm here to please God, not you. You still think you're right? Let's see who's still standing after Judgment Day. I'm saying this for your good, so you'll stick to the Bible, instead of chasing after all these fancy-shmancy ideas of yours. You really got messed up. You think you're too cool to listen to me anymore. Who do you think you are, anyway? Some kind of self-made gurus? Why do you brag as if you done it all by yourself? Don't you know that you are what you are because of God? You guys act like religious superstars. And you say you did it all by yourselves. Okay, superstars, maybe you could share your secrets with the rest of us, so we little peons can be big like you! I guess we're only "little" apostles who get beat up and can't defend ourselves. Oh, wise ones; oh strong ones; oh honorable ones, let us learn from you! We're just homeless people who get pushed around, and have to work hard for a living. We're just scum of the earth. Seriously now, I'm not trying to make you feel bad. I just want you be more humble. I led you to Jesus Christ, and I've seen you grow up - I'm like your father and you're like my children. I've tried hard to be an example of living a humble, simple life for you. Now I'm going to send you another example of humility, Timothy. He's a dear brother in the Lord who will teach you. You've really become too big for your britches, and I'm going to visit you to find out who's responsible for this. Someone's been messing you up. They talk big, but I intend to find how tough they really are. I may not talk big, I'm going to confront them with the REAL supernatural power of God. I want to do this, not because I love to kick butt, but because I really care for you like a father.