1 Corinthians 4:1-6

A challenge concerning preachers 1 Corinthians 4:1-6: First Corinthians four is a contrast between the "faithful" and the "faithless" stewards of God. Paul said that he, his fellow apostles and other gospel preachers were "ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God." They were not great men that the church should divide over. They were merely inferior servants under Christ doing His appointed work. They were "stewards of the mysteries of God." The "Mysteries of God" refers to the doctrine of salvation for the world by the precious blood of Jesus.

As the church divided over preachers they would pass their judgment on the various men involved. Some of their judgment would likely be unfavorable because these brethren did not seek their own glory; instead they sought the glory of God and the salvation of lost souls. Paul did not choose to be involved with man's self appointed judgment; rather he was willing to leave himself in the hands of God for judgment. Paul was not conscience of any evil in his life yet he was well aware that final judgment must be left to God.

Paul said that although he knew nothing that he was guilty of he could not pronounce him innocent before God. He knew that he had to leave that matter with the Almighty. The faithful apostles would have praise from God at judgment because they stood as faithful stewards. Paul did not directly use the names of those causing the division at Corinth. Instead he used the name of Apollos and his own name in order that the brethren could get an understanding of the harm done by division.