(3) Appeal and warning to end the division (4:14–21). We shall not be puffed up for one against another, if we remember that all are instruments, employed by God, and endowed by him with various talents. All Christians are not alike exposed. The Apostolic Trials. And every one who would be faithful in Christ Jesus, must be prepared for poverty and contempt. The above summary details the Bible people and summary of important events which occur in the Douay Rheims version of the Catholic Bible scriptures of the Book of 1 Corinthians. The Apostle Paul reminds believers of their call to Christian holiness and unity as he exalts God rather than man as the focus for our boasting. Our own judgment is not to be depended upon as to our faithfulness, any more than our own works for our justification. They took sides with some saying they are of one teacher or another (1 Corinthians 1:12; 11:18-19). Chapter 4. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 – Immorality as a Threat to the Body Summary The report of a man living with his stepmother leads Paul to insist that the Corinthians exclude from their fellowship any who persist in such practices as sexual immorality and greed. Even though there have been some rumblings about his credentials, Paul assures everyone that's he's ironclad. In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. 1 Corinthians 4 Inductive Bible Study and Discussion Questions. Concerning marriage (7:1-40). 1 Corinthians: Chapter 4 Paul of Tarsus: Professional House Sitter The apostles are like house sitters taking care of God's place while he's temporarily out of town. Part of the reasons for the division were that members were aligning themselves along personalities (e.g. 4 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. II. In ordinary everyday life, that a man should be found faithful, is a quality required in stewards. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. Though cast off by the world as vile, yet we may be precious to God, gathered up with his own hand, and placed upon his throne. "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS" Chapter Twelve OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER 1) To be aware of the many different spiritual gifts enjoyed by the early church 2) To appreciate the interdependence of the members of the Body of Christ SUMMARY In this chapter Paul begins to address the issue of spiritual gifts. Unfortunately, the diversity among the Corinthians dissolved into discord (1 Corinthians 1:10) and rivalry (1 Corinthians 3:4, 21-23). 1. Pride commonly is at the bottom of quarrels. Therefore, we do not lose heart: Paul began the chapter (2 Corinthians 4:1) by declaring since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. St. Paul sets forth his own circumstances, ver. Above that which is written - Probably referring to what he had said in 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, 1 Corinthians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 4:1. That no one be disposed to look upon others … 9. 1 Corinthians 5 Chapter 4 In this chapter the apostle, I. 1 Corinthians Summary The church at Corinth was a church that was divided. Paul, Apollos, and Cephas) and not ascribing their salvation to Christ alone. Sexual immorality and other sins (6:9-20). 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. (1-6) Cautions against despising the apostle. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. SUMMARY OF I CORINTHIANS 4: The Apostles Stewards of the Mysteries of God. The Apostles Made a Spectacle to the World. The image of 1 Corinthians 4:9 is either from the coliseum or the parade of a conquering Roman general, where he displayed his armies first, the booty second, and at the end of the procession, the defeated captives who would be condemned to die in the arena. (1 Corinthians 4:1) Practice of Christians suing one another in pagan courts (6:1-8). The true character of gospel ministers. • Chapters 1-4, Paul received reports of problems in the church in Corinth and therefore addresses their problems and disorders, “there are quarrels among you” (1:11). The Apostle Paul spent 18 months there on his Second Missionary Journey and established a church there. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In … Whatever the disciples of Christ suffer from men, they must follow the example, and fulfil the will and precepts of their Lord. (7-13) He claims their regard as their spiritual father in Christ, and shows his concern for them. Yesterday I began my investigation of love in 1 Corinthians 13. 3. Failure of the church to discipline an incestuous member (5:1-13). They must be content, with him and for him, to be despised and abused. 1. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise), Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Paul, though, is not worried about the opinion of the Corinthians or anyone else. A sinner snatched from destruction by sovereign grace alone, must be very absurd and inconsistent, if proud of the free gifts of God. We have no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. The First Letter: 1 Corinthians Paul is psyched to be writing to his friends in Corinth again. Self-conceit contributes to produce undue esteem of our teachers, as well as of ourselves. Forming Judgments of Religious Teachers. In that role, it does matter that they are faithful, and the Lord will judge their works when the time comes. Christians may mistake and differ in their views, but Christ and Christian truth are the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. The apostle enters into particulars of their sufferings. Study 1 Corinthians 4 using John Darby’s Synopsis to better understand Scripture with full outline and verse meaning. Corinth was an important and wealthy city on the isthmus (narrow strip of land) separating Northern and Southern Greece. THE THREE JUDGMENTS (1 Corinthians 4:1-5) 4:1-5 Let a man then so think of us as the servants of Christ and stewards of the secrets which God reveals to his own people. All Rights Reserved. 1 Corinthians 1 – Jesus, the Wisdom of God A. Greeting and giving of thanks. Allusion is made to the cruel spectacles in the Roman games; where men were forced to cut one another to pieces, to divert the people; and where the victor did not escape with his life, though he should destroy his adversary, but was only kept for another combat, and must be killed at last. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother.. a. Paul: The apostle Paul follows the normal pattern for writing a letter in ancient times.We write a letter by saying who the letter is to first, and we … This was a community fragmented, rather than enriched, by difference. And how glorious the charity and devotion that carried them through all these hardships! The crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ remain the key to living out the gospel in the challenging environment of a world awash in idolatry and prid… Questions asked by the Corinthians in their letter to Paul (7:1-16:4). (1) Whom the letter is from: Paul, a called apostle. Therefore we do not lose heart. All Rights Reserved. And His Example Should Be Imitated. Verses 1-21. 4:1 The Apostles and the Church. Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Or it may refer to the general strain of Scripture requiring the children of God to be modest and humble. 1 Corinthians 4 (King James Version) 1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Directs them how to account of him and his fellow-ministers, and therein, tacitly at least, reproves them for their unworthy carriage towards him ( v. 1 … Then every slandered believer will be justified, and every faithful servant approved and rewarded. Paul begins 1 Corinthians 4 by agreeing that he and the other ministers are servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2. See, he founded the church there, so he's kind of like their main apostle. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. Apostles were no more than servants of Christ, but they were not to be undervalued. (14-21). Yet, Paul the Spiritual Father of the Corinthian Church. Your email address will not be published. 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. The Book of 1 Corinthians is brutally honest in exposing the same church problems and sin patterns that still require wise insight and counsel from pastoral hearts today. "THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS" Chapter Four OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER 1) To learn further how we should regard preachers and teachers 2) To learn a lesson in humility by observing the examples of the apostles SUMMARY With this chapter Paul brings to a conclusion his treatment of the problem of division as it existed in the church at Corinth. (1 Corinthians 4:9-10) Paul facetiously declares that the Corinthians are leading the procession into glory, they are at the “head of the parade.” Indeed, they have already passed through the gates of glory, while the … Paul asks believers to ''consider your calling'' (1:26-30). 1. (Read 1 Corinthians 4:7-13) We have no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. The word of God is the best rule by which to judge as to men. Corinth was a shipping harbor and one of the prominent cities of Greece being located very strategically in the region that joins the Peloponnesus to the mainland of Greece. Unlike Romans and Colossians, 1 Corinthians is a letter written to people Paul knew well.Paul’s familiarity is very obvious in this letter, especially in his fatherly language (1 Co 4:14, 21; 11:1–2). "We [are] fools for Christ's sake, but ye [are] wise in Christ; we [are] weak, but ye [are] strong; … (1Co 4:1-2) Servants and stewards. To me it matters very little that I should be judged by you or by any human day. 2 Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 3 As for me, it matters very little how I might be evaluated by you or by any human authority. And it is a happy temper, to have the spirit of love and meekness bear the rule, yet to maintain just authority. Two of Paul’s New Testament letters are written to the church in Corinth. It was sacked by Rome in 146 BC and not restored until 29 BC. A sinner snatched from destruction by sovereign grace alone, must be very absurd and inconsistent, if proud of the free gifts of God. a. You are honored, but we are dishonored. Summary of 1 Corinthians 4 Paul tells the believers in Corinth to think of himself and others "as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries." | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Sitemap. People of the Roman Catholic faith can this useful short summary of these Bible Scriptures for an online Catholic Bible study course or biblical studies. Paul had a just concern for his own reputation, but he knew that he who chiefly aimed to please men, would not prove himself a faithful servant of Christ. There is a day coming, that will bring men's secret sins into open day, and discover the secrets of their hearts. He then declares three times that God ''has chosen'' them and ''because of Him you are in Christ Jesus''. It was known for its pottery, brass, games, temples and immoral living. 4 So look at Apollos and me as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. Acts 18 gives us considerable detail about Paul’s work in Corinth during that time. CORINTHIANS-1 SUMMARY. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. St. Paul sets forth his own circumstances, ver. Whenever the gospel is effectual, it comes not in word only, but also in power, by the Holy Spirit, quickening dead sinners, delivering persons from the slavery of sin and Satan, renewing them both inwardly and outwardly, and comforting, strengthening, and establishing the saints, which cannot be done by the persuasive language of men, but by the power of God. It is a comfort that men are not to be our final judges. it is a very small thing--literally, "it amounts to a very small matter"; not that I despise your … Counted by the World as Offscouring. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light … Some suffer greater hardships than others. The thought that many eyes are upon believers, when struggling with difficulties or temptations, should encourage constancy and patience. "We are weak, but ye are strong." But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I … Members divided into contentious groups. It is much better to be rejected, despised, and ill used, as St. Paul was, than to have the good opinion and favour of the world. 1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. Outline: Paul and Apollos were stewards for God (1-2) The final exam (3-5) Paul didn’t consider human opinions of himself important (3) Paul was innocent as far as he knew, but would finally be examined by God (4) The final judgment will come from God, so we should refrain from passing judgments now. © 2021 Christianity.com. 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 – On Eating Meat Offered to Idols Summary Paul counsels the Corinthians that their behavior should be guided not only by what they know to be true, namely that "no idol in the world really exists" (1 Corinthians 8:4), but also on the effect their behavior will have on brothers and sisters in Christ. 4. Why we do not lose heart. 9. Today I continue by focusing especially on verses 4-7: Love is patient and kind. 1. They are not his judges. They suffered in their persons and characters as the worst and vilest of men; as the very dirt of the world, that was to be swept away: nay, as the offscouring of all things, the dross of all things. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. That no one of you be puffed up - That no one be proud or exalted in self-estimation above his neighbor. They had a great trust, and for that reason, had an honourable office. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. And it is not judging well of ourselves, or justifying ourselves, that will prove us safe and happy.