This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
1 Corinthians 4
Given that Paul has written about how not to grasp for authority or prominence in the church back in chapter 1, one might conclude that there is no place for someone to exercise authority over others in the Christian community. That is not what we are to take from Paul’s teaching in the opening chapters of 1 Corinthians. In today’s verses, distinctions in authority do exist in the Christian church, with Apostolic authority reigning supreme. The Apostle Paul deals with Apostolic authority here because some of the Corinthian believers objected to or at least questioned Paul’s authority. It was quite clear in 2 Corinthians, where Paul directly responds to accusations that he was somehow inferior to “super-apostles.” The church today faces similar issues as Paul is addressing here. Paul’s response in 2 Corinthians reflects a problem that was current even when he wrote 1 Corinthians because some people thought the poor treatment that the Apostles received from the Roman government and citizens somehow called their authority into question. Paul has already stressed that grasping for authority by worldly means is at odds with the way of the cross, his defense of his authority must demonstrate that he exercises authority in keeping with the truth of Christ crucified. So, Paul starts his defense by explaining that his Apostolic office is the office of servant and steward. The Greek words translated “servant” and “steward” were used for individuals who were given authority by a master to tend to the affairs of a household and to care for the household. Paul, and all the Apostles, had no intrinsic authority in the church; rather, authority was delegated to them by Christ and they were called to manage and direct the church for the sake of Christ and according to the way of Christ. As a servant, Paul had to be faithful to the Master’s plan and desires for His church. Had Paul been faithful? Maybe some had accused him of being unfaithful. Regardless of accusations, the final judgment of faithfulness belongs to God. Even Paul would have his ministry evaluated by the Lord on the final day. We are not Apostles, but, God will evaluate our service to Him for the sake of the church, and especially the service of church leaders. Our great hope is that we will be found faithful. So, we must make commitments carefully, do what we have promised in the church, and seek to follow what the Lord has told us in His Word as we work for His kingdom.
Source: S C Ball October 25, 2023
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