Bible Commentaries
1 Corinthians 4

Introduction

Overview

1 Corinthians 4:1, In what account the ministers ought to be had; 1 Corinthians 4:7, We have nothing which we have not received; 1 Corinthians 4:9, The apostles spectacles to the world, angels, and men; 1 Corinthians 4:13, the filth and offscouring of the world; 1 Corinthians 4:15, yet our fathers in Christ; 1 Corinthians 4:16, whom we ought to follow.

Verse 1

account: 1 Corinthians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 12:6

the ministers: 1 Corinthians 3:5, 1 Corinthians 9:16-18, Matthew 24:45, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 6:4, 2 Corinthians 11:23, Colossians 1:25, 1 Timothy 3:6

and stewards: Luke 12:42, Luke 16:1-3, Titus 1:7, 1 Peter 4:10

mysteries: 1 Corinthians 2:7, Matthew 13:11, Mark 4:11, Luke 8:10, Romans 16:25, Ephesians 1:9, Ephesians 3:3-9, Ephesians 6:19, Colossians 1:26, Colossians 1:27, Colossians 2:2, Colossians 4:3, 1 Timothy 3:9, 1 Timothy 3:16

Reciprocal: Numbers 4:16 - the oversight Isaiah 61:6 - named Joel 1:13 - ye ministers Matthew 20:8 - unto Matthew 25:14 - and delivered Luke 19:15 - that he Romans 15:16 - I should 1 Corinthians 9:17 - dispensation 1 Corinthians 13:2 - understand 1 Corinthians 15:3 - I delivered 1 Corinthians 15:51 - I show Ephesians 3:2 - the dispensation Ephesians 3:4 - the mystery Ephesians 4:12 - the work Colossians 1:23 - whereof Colossians 4:7 - a faithful Colossians 4:17 - the ministry 1 Thessalonians 2:4 - to be 1 Thessalonians 5:13 - esteem 1 Timothy 1:11 - which 1 Timothy 4:6 - a good Hebrews 13:17 - watch

Verse 2

that: 1 Corinthians 4:17, 1 Corinthians 7:25, Numbers 12:7, Proverbs 13:17, Matthew 25:21, Matthew 25:23, Luke 12:42, Luke 16:10-12, 2 Corinthians 2:17, 2 Corinthians 4:2, Colossians 1:7, Colossians 4:7, Colossians 4:17

Reciprocal: Genesis 39:9 - none Genesis 47:14 - Joseph brought Exodus 40:16 - according Numbers 31:30 - keep the 2 Kings 12:15 - for they dealt 2 Kings 22:7 - they dealt faithfully 2 Chronicles 34:12 - faithfully Nehemiah 7:2 - a faithful man Nehemiah 13:13 - counted Proverbs 28:20 - faithful Jeremiah 23:28 - speak Daniel 6:2 - and the Matthew 20:8 - unto Matthew 24:45 - is Matthew 25:14 - and delivered Luke 16:2 - give 1 Corinthians 3:5 - ministers 1 Corinthians 15:3 - I delivered Ephesians 4:12 - the work 1 Thessalonians 2:4 - to be 1 Thessalonians 5:13 - esteem 1 Timothy 1:11 - which 1 Timothy 4:6 - a good 2 Timothy 2:2 - faithful Titus 1:7 - as Titus 2:10 - showing Hebrews 3:5 - faithful Hebrews 13:17 - watch James 3:1 - knowing 1 Peter 4:10 - good

Verse 3

it is: 1 Corinthians 2:15, 1 Samuel 16:7, John 7:24

judgment: Gr. day, 1 Corinthians 3:13

Reciprocal: Genesis 30:15 - General Numbers 16:9 - Seemeth it but 2 Kings 12:15 - for they dealt Job 23:5 - know Psalms 26:1 - Judge Isaiah 11:3 - and he shall not Matthew 7:1 - General Luke 6:37 - Judge John 8:15 - judge Galatians 6:4 - rejoicing

Verse 4

For: ץהום [Strong's G3762], דבס [Strong's G1063], ולבץפש [Strong's G1683], ףץםןיהב. "For I am not conscious to myself of any guilt" or neglect of duty. Wetstien has shown, from the classics, that this is the proper signification of ףץםויהוים.

I know: Job 27:6, Psalms 7:3-5, John 21:17, 2 Corinthians 1:12, 1 John 3:20, 1 John 3:21

yet: Job 9:2, Job 9:3, Job 9:20, Job 15:14, Job 25:4, Job 40:4, Psalms 19:12, Psalms 130:3, Psalms 143:2, Proverbs 21:2, Romans 3:19, Romans 3:20, Romans 4:2

but: 1 Corinthians 4:5, Psalms 26:12, Psalms 50:6, 2 Corinthians 5:10

Reciprocal: Numbers 9:8 - I will Deuteronomy 9:4 - Speak not 1 Samuel 12:5 - ye have Job 9:15 - though Job 9:21 - yet would Job 23:5 - know Psalms 7:8 - The Lord Psalms 17:3 - proved Psalms 43:1 - Judge Proverbs 20:9 - General Acts 23:1 - I have Acts 24:16 - General Romans 14:4 - Who 2 Corinthians 5:11 - but 2 Corinthians 5:20 - in Galatians 6:4 - rejoicing 2 Timothy 4:1 - who

Verse 5

judge: Matthew 7:1, Matthew 7:2, Luke 6:37, Romans 2:1, Romans 2:16, Romans 14:4, Romans 14:10-13, James 4:11

until: 1 Corinthians 1:7, 1 Corinthians 11:26, 1 Corinthians 15:23, Matthew 24:30, Matthew 24:46, 1 Thessalonians 5:2, James 5:7, 2 Peter 3:4, 2 Peter 3:12, Jude 1:14, Revelation 1:7

who: 1 Corinthians 3:13, Ecclesiastes 11:9, Ecclesiastes 12:14, Malachi 3:18, Luke 12:1-3, Romans 2:16, 2 Corinthians 4:2, Hebrews 4:13, Revelation 20:12

praise: Matthew 25:21, Matthew 25:23, John 5:44, Romans 2:7, Romans 2:29, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 2 Corinthians 10:18, 1 Peter 1:7, 1 Peter 5:4

Reciprocal: Genesis 38:25 - Discern Leviticus 13:4 - shut up Numbers 32:23 - be sure your sin Deuteronomy 32:34 - General 1 Samuel 2:30 - I will honour 1 Samuel 15:14 - What meaneth 2 Samuel 12:12 - secretly Job 1:5 - in their hearts Job 10:6 - General Job 12:22 - discovereth Job 20:27 - heaven Job 28:11 - and the thing Job 34:22 - no Psalms 7:8 - The Lord Psalms 33:15 - considereth Psalms 37:6 - he shall Psalms 44:21 - knoweth Psalms 50:21 - set Psalms 64:6 - they accomplish Psalms 90:8 - our Psalms 111:10 - his praise Psalms 139:2 - understandest Proverbs 10:9 - but Proverbs 12:5 - counsels Proverbs 12:8 - commended Proverbs 24:12 - doth not he that Proverbs 31:30 - she Ecclesiastes 3:17 - God Isaiah 26:7 - most Isaiah 29:15 - and their works Jeremiah 16:17 - General Jeremiah 23:25 - heard Ezekiel 16:57 - thy wickedness Ezekiel 24:8 - I have set Ezekiel 38:10 - that at Daniel 2:22 - he knoweth Hosea 2:10 - now Hosea 7:2 - I remember Jonah 1:7 - and the Micah 7:3 - wrap Micah 7:9 - he will Zephaniah 3:5 - bring Matthew 6:4 - reward Matthew 10:26 - for Matthew 13:30 - both Matthew 18:23 - which Matthew 22:11 - when Matthew 22:12 - how Matthew 25:32 - he shall separate Mark 4:22 - General Luke 8:17 - nothing Luke 12:2 - General Luke 16:2 - give Luke 16:15 - God Luke 19:17 - Well John 1:48 - when John 12:43 - the praise of God John 16:11 - judgment John 21:22 - If Acts 17:31 - he hath appointed Acts 24:25 - judgment Romans 2:6 - General 1 Corinthians 2:15 - yet 1 Corinthians 3:8 - and every 1 Corinthians 3:14 - General 1 Corinthians 4:4 - but 2 Corinthians 5:11 - but 2 Corinthians 5:20 - in 2 Corinthians 10:9 - terrify Galatians 6:5 - General Ephesians 5:13 - for Philippians 4:8 - praise 1 Thessalonians 2:19 - in 2 Timothy 1:10 - and hath 2 Timothy 4:1 - who Hebrews 9:27 - but James 5:9 - the Judge Revelation 2:25 - till

Verse 6

these: 1 Corinthians 1:12, 1 Corinthians 3:4-7, 2 Corinthians 10:7, 2 Corinthians 10:12, 2 Corinthians 10:15, 2 Corinthians 11:4, 2 Corinthians 11:12-15

for: 1 Corinthians 9:23, 2 Corinthians 4:15, 2 Corinthians 12:19, 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 2 Timothy 2:10

that ye: Job 11:11, Job 11:12, Psalms 8:4, Psalms 146:3, Isaiah 2:22, Jeremiah 17:5, Jeremiah 17:6, Matthew 23:8-10, Romans 12:3, 2 Corinthians 12:6

be puffed: 1 Corinthians 4:18, 1 Corinthians 4:19, 1 Corinthians 3:21, 1 Corinthians 5:2, 1 Corinthians 5:6, 1 Corinthians 8:1, 1 Corinthians 13:4, Numbers 11:28, Numbers 11:29, John 3:26, John 3:27, Colossians 2:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 16:4 - her mistress Acts 18:24 - Apollos Romans 12:6 - then 1 Corinthians 3:8 - he that planteth 1 Corinthians 10:12 - General 2 Corinthians 12:20 - debates Galatians 6:4 - and not 1 Timothy 3:6 - lest 1 Peter 3:21 - like

Verse 7

who: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Romans 9:16-18, Ephesians 3:3-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:12-14, 1 Timothy 1:12-15, Titus 3:3-7

maketh thee to differ: Gr. distinguisheth thee

and what: 1 Corinthians 3:5, 1 Corinthians 7:7, 1 Chronicles 29:11-16, 2 Chronicles 1:7-12, Proverbs 2:6, Matthew 25:14, Matthew 25:15, Luke 19:13, John 1:16, John 3:27, Romans 1:5, Romans 12:6, James 1:17, 1 Peter 4:10

why: 1 Corinthians 5:6, 2 Chronicles 32:23-29, Ezekiel 28:2-5, Ezekiel 29:3, Daniel 4:30-32, Daniel 5:18, Daniel 5:23, Acts 12:22, Acts 12:23

Reciprocal: Exodus 11:7 - a difference Deuteronomy 8:14 - thine heart Deuteronomy 8:17 - My power Deuteronomy 9:4 - Speak not 1 Samuel 12:22 - it hath Isaiah 26:13 - by thee Ezekiel 16:14 - through Ezekiel 16:63 - when Amos 4:7 - and I Matthew 13:11 - Because Matthew 19:27 - what Matthew 20:15 - it Matthew 24:40 - the one Matthew 26:75 - And he Mark 4:11 - Unto you Luke 18:11 - God Acts 9:4 - he fell Romans 3:9 - are we Romans 3:22 - for there Romans 3:27 - Where Romans 4:2 - but Romans 11:35 - General Romans 12:3 - not to 1 Corinthians 1:5 - in every 1 Corinthians 1:29 - General 1 Corinthians 14:18 - General 1 Corinthians 14:36 - or 2 Corinthians 8:7 - as Galatians 6:4 - and not Ephesians 2:3 - even James 3:14 - glory James 4:16 - General

Verse 8

ye are full: 1 Corinthians 1:5, 1 Corinthians 3:1, 1 Corinthians 3:2, 1 Corinthians 5:6, Proverbs 13:7, Proverbs 25:14, Isaiah 5:21, Luke 1:51-53, Luke 6:25, Romans 12:3, Romans 12:16, Galatians 6:3, Revelation 3:17

without: 1 Corinthians 4:18, Acts 20:29, Acts 20:30, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 2:12

and I: Numbers 11:29, Acts 26:29, 2 Corinthians 11:1

ye did: Psalms 122:5-9, Jeremiah 28:6, Romans 12:15, 2 Corinthians 13:9, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 1 Thessalonians 2:20, 1 Thessalonians 3:6-9, 2 Timothy 2:11, 2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 5:10

Reciprocal: Exodus 16:3 - Would Deuteronomy 8:14 - thine heart 2 Kings 5:3 - Would God Jeremiah 2:31 - We are lords Luke 1:53 - and Luke 18:11 - God Romans 5:17 - shall reign 1 Corinthians 4:10 - are wise 2 Corinthians 1:8 - insomuch 2 Corinthians 12:15 - though Galatians 4:17 - exclude you James 3:14 - glory James 4:16 - General

Verse 9

I: 1 Corinthians 15:30-32, 2 Corinthians 1:8-10, 2 Corinthians 4:8-12, 2 Corinthians 6:9, Philippians 1:29, Philippians 1:30, 1 Thessalonians 3:3

us the apostles last, as: or, us the last apostles

as: Psalms 44:22, Romans 8:36, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:10, Revelation 6:9-11

we are: Hebrews 10:33, Hebrews 11:36

spectacle: Gr. theatre, Acts 19:29, Acts 19:31

and to men: Hebrews 1:14, Revelation 7:11-14, Revelation 17:6, Revelation 17:7

Reciprocal: Exodus 25:20 - toward Psalms 71:7 - as a wonder Isaiah 8:18 - for signs Jeremiah 15:10 - a man Jeremiah 20:7 - I am Jeremiah 20:18 - with Lamentations 3:14 - General Daniel 11:33 - yet Nahum 3:6 - will set Zechariah 3:8 - for Matthew 5:10 - are Matthew 27:14 - marvelled Mark 8:34 - take Mark 13:9 - take Mark 15:5 - Pilate Acts 9:16 - I will Acts 20:19 - temptations 1 Corinthians 15:19 - of all 1 Corinthians 15:31 - die 2 Corinthians 4:7 - in 2 Corinthians 13:7 - as reprobates Philippians 3:8 - for whom Philippians 4:12 - how to be 1 Thessalonians 1:5 - what 1 Thessalonians 3:7 - in all 1 Timothy 4:10 - therefore 2 Timothy 1:8 - be thou 2 Timothy 3:11 - Persecutions Hebrews 11:37 - being destitute 1 Peter 1:6 - manifold Revelation 1:9 - companion

Verse 10

are fools: 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, 1 Corinthians 1:18-20, 1 Corinthians 1:26-28, 1 Corinthians 2:3, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 1 Corinthians 3:18, 2 Kings 9:11, Hosea 9:7, Acts 17:18, Acts 17:32, Acts 26:24

for: Matthew 5:11, Matthew 10:22-25, Matthew 24:9, Luke 6:22, Acts 9:16, 1 Peter 4:14

are wise: 1 Corinthians 4:8, 1 Corinthians 10:14, 1 Corinthians 10:15, Jeremiah 8:8, Jeremiah 8:9

we are weak: 1 Corinthians 2:3, 2 Corinthians 10:10, 2 Corinthians 11:29, 2 Corinthians 12:9, 2 Corinthians 12:10, 2 Corinthians 13:3, 2 Corinthians 13:4, 2 Corinthians 13:9

but ye: 1 Corinthians 3:2, 1 Corinthians 10:12

but we: Proverbs 11:12, Isaiah 53:3, Luke 10:16, Luke 18:9, 1 Thessalonians 4:8

Reciprocal: 2 Samuel 6:20 - glorious Job 12:2 - ye are the people Proverbs 13:7 - that maketh himself poor Proverbs 23:9 - he Song of Solomon 1:5 - black Song of Solomon 5:7 - took Romans 2:19 - art confident Romans 12:16 - Be not Romans 15:1 - strong 1 Corinthians 6:5 - Is it 1 Corinthians 8:1 - touching 2 Corinthians 1:5 - as 2 Corinthians 4:12 - death 2 Corinthians 5:13 - we be beside 2 Corinthians 6:8 - honour 2 Corinthians 11:1 - in 2 Corinthians 11:7 - in 2 Corinthians 11:18 - many 2 Corinthians 11:19 - seeing Galatians 4:14 - ye Hebrews 13:13 - General

Verse 11

unto: 1 Corinthians 9:4, 2 Corinthians 4:8, 2 Corinthians 6:4, 2 Corinthians 6:5, 2 Corinthians 11:26, 2 Corinthians 11:27, Philippians 4:12

and are naked: Job 22:6, Romans 8:35

and are buffeted: Acts 14:19, Acts 16:23, Acts 23:2, 2 Corinthians 11:23-25, 2 Timothy 3:11

and have: Matthew 8:20

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 13:14 - sitting Psalms 25:17 - General Proverbs 13:7 - that maketh himself poor Matthew 11:8 - A man Matthew 20:12 - borne Matthew 26:52 - Put Luke 6:21 - ye that hunger Luke 6:22 - for Luke 6:29 - smiteth Luke 16:21 - desiring Acts 3:6 - Silver 1 Corinthians 9:6 - have 1 Corinthians 9:12 - but 1 Corinthians 9:27 - I keep 2 Corinthians 12:7 - to buffet Philippians 4:11 - in respect 2 Timothy 4:13 - cloak 1 Peter 2:20 - buffeted

Verse 12

labour: 1 Corinthians 9:6, Acts 18:3, Acts 20:34, 1 Thessalonians 2:9, 2 Thessalonians 3:8, 1 Timothy 4:10

being reviled: Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:28, Luke 23:34, Acts 7:60, Romans 12:14, Romans 12:20, 1 Peter 2:23, 1 Peter 3:9, Jude 1:9

being persecuted: Matthew 5:11, 1 Peter 3:14, 1 Peter 4:12-14, 1 Peter 4:19

Reciprocal: 1 Kings 13:14 - sitting Psalms 89:51 - they have Matthew 26:52 - Put John 9:28 - they 1 Corinthians 9:12 - but 1 Corinthians 9:15 - I have 1 Corinthians 9:27 - I keep 2 Corinthians 6:4 - necessities 2 Corinthians 11:27 - in hunger Ephesians 1:1 - which Philippians 4:11 - in respect 1 Thessalonians 4:11 - to work

Verse 13

Lamentations 3:45, Acts 22:22

Reciprocal: Psalms 89:51 - they have Psalms 123:4 - with the scorning Ezekiel 36:3 - and are Nahum 3:6 - I will cast Malachi 2:3 - spread Matthew 5:44 - General Matthew 26:67 - did John 16:2 - shall Acts 21:36 - General Acts 21:38 - that Acts 24:5 - we have Romans 12:14 - General 1 Corinthians 4:1 - account 1 Peter 3:9 - rendering

Verse 14

write: 1 Corinthians 9:15, 2 Corinthians 7:3, 2 Corinthians 12:19

my: 1 Corinthians 4:15, 2 Corinthians 6:11-13, 2 Corinthians 11:11, 2 Corinthians 12:14, 2 Corinthians 12:15, 1 Thessalonians 2:11

I: Ezekiel 3:21, Acts 20:31, Colossians 1:28, 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Reciprocal: Psalms 19:11 - Moreover Proverbs 7:24 - O Ezekiel 3:17 - hear 1 Corinthians 3:6 - I 1 Corinthians 6:5 - to your 1 Corinthians 9:12 - are not 1 Corinthians 16:24 - love 2 Corinthians 6:13 - I speak Galatians 4:19 - little Philippians 2:12 - my beloved 2 Thessalonians 3:15 - admonish 1 Timothy 1:2 - my 1 John 2:1 - little

Verse 15

ye have: 2 Timothy 4:3

for: 1 Corinthians 3:6, 1 Corinthians 3:10, 1 Corinthians 9:1, 1 Corinthians 9:2, Acts 18:4-11, Romans 15:20, 2 Corinthians 3:1-3, Galatians 4:19, Titus 1:4, Philemon 1:10-12, Philemon 1:19, James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23

Reciprocal: 2 Kings 5:13 - My father Proverbs 7:24 - O Matthew 23:9 - call 1 Corinthians 4:14 - my 1 Corinthians 4:17 - who is 1 Corinthians 9:12 - are not 1 Corinthians 16:24 - love 2 Corinthians 6:13 - I speak 2 Corinthians 7:3 - to condemn 2 Corinthians 10:14 - we stretch not 2 Corinthians 11:2 - I have 2 Corinthians 12:14 - for the Galatians 1:6 - that called 1 Thessalonians 2:11 - as Hebrews 2:13 - which 1 John 2:1 - little 3 John 1:4 - that

Verse 16

1 Corinthians 11:1, John 10:4, John 10:5, Philippians 3:17, 1 Thessalonians 1:6, 2 Thessalonians 3:9, Hebrews 13:7, 1 Peter 5:3

Reciprocal: 1 Corinthians 1:10 - I beseech Ephesians 4:1 - beseech 2 Thessalonians 3:7 - how 3 John 1:11 - follow

Verse 17

I sent: 1 Corinthians 16:10, Acts 19:21, Acts 19:22, Philippians 2:19, 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 1 Thessalonians 3:3

who is: 1 Corinthians 4:15, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2

faithful: 1 Corinthians 4:2, 1 Corinthians 7:25, Numbers 12:7, Proverbs 13:17, Matthew 24:45, Matthew 25:21, Matthew 25:23, Ephesians 6:21, Colossians 1:7, Colossians 4:9, 2 Timothy 2:2, Revelation 2:10, Revelation 2:13

my ways: 1 Corinthians 7:17, 1 Corinthians 11:2, 1 Corinthians 11:16, 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2 Timothy 3:10

in: 1 Corinthians 14:33

Reciprocal: Acts 11:26 - with the church Acts 16:1 - named 2 Corinthians 12:17 - General Ephesians 1:1 - which Philippians 1:19 - I know Philippians 2:22 - as Colossians 1:2 - faithful Colossians 4:8 - I have 1 Timothy 4:6 - thou put

Verse 18

1 Corinthians 4:6-8, 1 Corinthians 5:2

Reciprocal: 1 Corinthians 4:8 - without 1 Corinthians 4:19 - not 1 Corinthians 5:6 - glorying 1 Corinthians 8:1 - Knowledge 1 Corinthians 13:4 - is not 2 Corinthians 12:20 - and that Galatians 4:17 - exclude you Colossians 2:18 - vainly

Verse 19

I: 1 Corinthians 14:5, Acts 19:21, 2 Corinthians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 1:17, 2 Corinthians 1:23, 2 Corinthians 2:1, 2 Corinthians 2:2

if: Acts 18:21, Romans 15:32, Hebrews 6:3, James 4:15

not: 1 Corinthians 4:18, 2 Corinthians 13:1-4

but: 1 Corinthians 2:6

Reciprocal: Romans 1:10 - by the will 1 Corinthians 4:6 - be puffed 1 Corinthians 5:6 - glorying 1 Corinthians 11:34 - when 1 Corinthians 16:3 - when 1 Corinthians 16:7 - if 2 Corinthians 10:2 - that I 2 Corinthians 10:9 - terrify 2 Corinthians 10:11 - such 2 Corinthians 12:14 - the third 2 Corinthians 13:2 - told Galatians 4:20 - to be

Verse 20

1 Corinthians 1:24, 1 Corinthians 2:4, Romans 1:16, Romans 14:17, Romans 15:19, 2 Corinthians 10:4, 2 Corinthians 10:5, 1 Thessalonians 1:5

Reciprocal: 2 Corinthians 10:11 - such

Verse 21

shall: 1 Corinthians 5:5, 2 Corinthians 10:2, 2 Corinthians 10:6, 2 Corinthians 10:8, 2 Corinthians 12:20, 2 Corinthians 12:21, 2 Corinthians 13:2, 2 Corinthians 3:10

and: 2 Corinthians 10:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:7, James 3:17

Reciprocal: Proverbs 26:3 - General Acts 5:5 - hearing 2 Corinthians 1:23 - that 2 Corinthians 2:1 - that 2 Corinthians 2:3 - I wrote 2 Corinthians 13:10 - I write Galatians 6:1 - in the