1 Corinthians 4:8

Now—ye have reigned, &c.— This is a proverbial expression, used to signifythe most splendid and affluent circumstances; and some think, that when the Apostle adds I would to God ye did reign, he means, "I wish you had the authority of princes, that you might shelter and accommodate us, amidst all our distresses and afflictions." But we can hardly conceive that he did wish each of them a prince, or that the civil power were in their hands. It seems much more probable, that as spiritual objects were familiar to his mind, he changes the idea, and alludes to the terms in the Jewish oeconomy; in reference to which Christians are called priests and kings, and a royal priesthood. See 1 Peter 2:9. Revelation 1:6 and Doddridge.