Paul speaks of himself and fellow-workmen as servants of Christ and as stewards of the mysteries of God. They were serving the household of faith by giving meat in due season. The “mysteries” are those hidden things of God that had not been revealed before. As a steward of Christ, it was required of him to minister these things faithfully. The Apostle sought to have a good conscience in all that he did, but sometimes we may think we are doing good when we are not. Was Paul doing good in persecuting believers (Acts 26:1010Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. (Acts 26:10))? The Lord knows the hearts of all men and will soon manifest everything in the light of His presence. The Corinthians were not following the apostles’ example. They were a spectacle to the world, angels and men, considered to be fools, weak and despised. But the Corinthians were rich, reigning as kings, wise, strong and honorable. What a contrast between these believers and the apostles! The list goes on, showing that hunger, thirst, nakedness, homelessness and persecution beset the apostles on every hand. What an example has been left us as to what to expect from a world which hates Christ and His followers. But none of these things changed the heart of Paul towards the Corinthians — he still loved them and did not want to visit with a rod of reproof.
1. What is required of a steward? __________ 1 Corinthians 4:___
2. Who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and manifest the counsel of every heart? __________ 1 Corinthians 4:___
3. In order to give the Corinthians the place of being wise, strong and honorable, what were Paul and those with him willing to be considered in contrast? __________ 1 Corinthians 4:___
4. How did Paul and those with him react when reviled and persecuted? __________ 1 Corinthians 4:___
5. Instead of with a rod, how did Paul want to come to Corinth? __________ 1 Corinthians 4:___