1 Corinthians 4:1 "This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed."

Exegesis:

• "This, then, is how": Paul is providing a conclusion or summary statement based on his previous arguments.
• "you ought to regard us": The Greek word "logizesthō" means to consider, reckon, or account. Paul is instructing the Corinthians on how to view him and other apostles.
• "servants of Christ": The Greek word used here is "hypēretas," which originally referred to the under-rowers on a ship, emphasizing subordinate service.
• "entrusted": The Greek word "oikonomous" means stewards or managers, implying responsibility and accountability.
• "mysteries God has revealed": "Mysteries" (mystēriōn) in this context refers to divine truths previously hidden but now revealed through the gospel.

Commentary: In this verse, Paul is addressing the issue of how the Corinthian believers should view him and other apostles. This comes in the context of divisions within the Corinthian church, where different factions were aligning themselves with different leaders (1 Corinthians 1:12).

Paul uses two key terms to describe his role and that of other apostles:

1. "Servants of Christ": By using the term "hypēretas" (under-rowers), Paul emphasizes the subordinate nature of their service. They are not leaders to be exalted, but servants working under the authority of Christ. This imagery contrasts sharply with any notion of apostles as celebrity figures or objects of factional loyalty.
2. "Entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed": The term "oikonomous" (stewards) implies that Paul and other apostles have been given a sacred trust. They are managers, not owners, of the divine truths. The "mysteries" refer to the gospel message and other spiritual truths that God has made known through revelation.

By framing his role in these terms, Paul is simultaneously:

a) Elevating the importance of his ministry (as a steward of divine mysteries) b) Emphasizing his subordinate status (as a servant of Christ) c) Stressing his accountability (as one entrusted with a responsibility)

This balanced view serves to correct both those who might overly exalt the apostles and those who might disregard their authority. It presents a model of Christian leadership that is characterized by humble service and faithful stewardship.

Reflection Questions

1. How does Paul's description of apostles as "servants of Christ" challenge our modern concepts of Christian leadership?
2. In what ways might we be tempted to exalt Christian leaders beyond their role as servants and stewards?
3. What does it mean to be "entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed" in our current context?
4. How does the image of a steward or manager inform our understanding of our responsibilities as Christians?
5. In what ways might we be prone to create divisions in the church based on loyalty to particular leaders or teachers?

Practical Applications

1. Cultivate humility: Regardless of our role in the church, we should adopt an attitude of servanthood, recognizing that all our gifts and responsibilities come from Christ.
2. Handle truth responsibly: If we're in positions of teaching or leadership, we should recognize the weight of being entrusted with God's truth and handle it with care and faithfulness.
3. Avoid celebrity culture in the church: Be cautious about elevating Christian leaders to celebrity status, remembering that they are servants of Christ, not objects of devotion.
4. Steward your gifts: Recognize that whatever abilities or knowledge you have are a trust from God, to be used for His glory and the benefit of others.
5. Promote unity: Work against divisive attitudes in the church that might arise from excessive loyalty to particular leaders or teachers.
6. Study diligently: As stewards of God's mysteries, commit to deepening your understanding of Scripture and Christian doctrine.
7. Accountability: If you're in a leadership position, cultivate accountability, remembering that you're a steward, not an owner, of your ministry.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, recognizing the profound truths You have revealed to us through Your Word. We thank You for the example of the apostle Paul and the wisdom he imparts about the nature of Christian service and leadership.

Lord, help us to embrace the mindset of servants, always remembering that our primary allegiance is to Christ. Guard us against the temptation to exalt ourselves or others beyond what is proper, and remind us constantly that any gifts or responsibilities we have are a sacred trust from You.

Grant us wisdom and discernment as we steward the mysteries You have revealed. May we handle Your truth with reverence, integrity, and faithfulness. Help us to be diligent in studying Your Word and applying its truths to our lives.

Father, we pray for unity in Your church. Protect us from divisive attitudes and help us to see all Your servants as working together under Your authority. May we value each person's contribution without creating factions or rivalries.

For those in positions of leadership, we ask for an extra measure of humility and wisdom. Help them to lead as servants, always pointing to You rather than themselves.

Finally, Lord, we pray that You would use each one of us as faithful stewards of Your grace. May our lives and ministries bring glory to Your name and draw others into a deeper relationship with You.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our ultimate Servant and Lord, we pray.

Amen.