1 Corinthians 4 - Introduction

FIRST CORINTHIANS CHAPTER FOUR

COMMENTARY AND OUTLINE-MARK DUNAGAN

I. OUTLINE OF CHAPTER FOUR:

I. The One Valid Judgement: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Preachers Are Answerable to God

II. Pride, The Source Of Faction, Reproved: 1 Corinthians 4:6-13

Prosperous Corinthians and Impoverished Apostles

Apostolic Humility and UnChristian Pride

III.. Father's Appeal: 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

II. INTRODUCTION OF CHAPTER FOUR:

'Given the concluding nature of the exhortations of 1 Corinthians 3:18-23..one might well wonder why Paul feels compelled to continue. But the present section makes it clear that not all has been said..' [Note:. Fee p. 156]

Fee is convinced that not only are many in Corinth simply "for" Apollos or Peter; they are decidedly "anti-Paul". They are rejecting both his teaching and his authority. This places Paul in the position to defending his authority (the right to correct their bad theology and behaviour), and at the same time asserting his servant role alongside of such men as Apollos. He reminds them that he is Christ's servant and ultimately the only view of him that will count is Christ's. But this "servant" carries. big stick. (1 Corinthians 4:21)

'Paul, Apollos, Cephas are but part of. universe of ministry that waits upon them (1 Corinthians 3:22-23). But..if the church is to understand its proper character, it must reverence theirs. They are its servants; it is not their master. They are it's property, because they are Christ's property; and His instruments first of all...Here lies another and the final ground of accusation against the Corinthian parties: those who maintained them, in applauding this chief and censuring than, were putting themselves into Christ's judgement-seat from which the Apostle thrusts them down.' [Note:. Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 796]

III. COMMENTARY ON CHAPTER FOUR: