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The Apostles’ Ministry

One[a] should think about us this way—as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Now what is sought in stewards is that one be found faithful. So for me, it is a minor matter that I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not acquitted because of this. The one who judges me is the Lord. So then, do not judge anything before the time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will[b] bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the motives of hearts. Then each will receive recognition[c] from God.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 4:1 tn Here ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos) is both indefinite and general, “one”; “a person” (BDAG 81 s.v. 4.a.γ).
  2. 1 Corinthians 4:5 tn Grk “time, until the Lord comes, who will bring to light.”
  3. 1 Corinthians 4:5 tn Or “praise.”

Servants of Christ

Let a man consider us in this manner, as (A)servants of Christ and (B)stewards of (C)the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required [a]of stewards that one be found faithful. But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human [b]court. In fact, I do not even examine myself. For I (D)am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this (E)acquitted. But the one who examines me is the Lord. Therefore (F)do not go on [c]passing judgment before [d]the time, but wait (G)until the Lord comes who will both (H)bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and make manifest the motives of hearts. And then each one’s (I)praise will come to him from God.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 4:2 Lit in
  2. 1 Corinthians 4:3 Lit day
  3. 1 Corinthians 4:5 Lit judging anything
  4. 1 Corinthians 4:5 The appointed time of judgment

The Nature of True Apostleship

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants(A) of Christ and as those entrusted(B) with the mysteries(C) God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience(D) is clear, but that does not make me innocent.(E) It is the Lord who judges me.(F) Therefore judge nothing(G) before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes.(H) He will bring to light(I) what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.(J)

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