So Apollos and I should be looked upon as Christ’s servants who distribute God’s blessings by explaining God’s secrets. Now the most important thing about a servant is that he does just what his master tells him to. What about me? Have I been a good servant? Well, I don’t worry over what you think about this or what anyone else thinks. I don’t even trust my own judgment on this point. My conscience is clear, but even that isn’t final proof. It is the Lord himself who must examine me and decide.
'So be careful not to jump to conclusions before the Lord returns as to whether someone is a good servant or not. When the Lord comes, he will turn on the light so that everyone can see exactly what each one of us is really like, deep down in our hearts. Then everyone will know why we have been doing the Lord’s work. At that time God will give to each one whatever praise is coming to him.
'I have used Apollos and myself as examples to illustrate what I have been saying: that you must not have favorites. You must not be proud of one of God’s teachers more than another. What are you so puffed up about? What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if all you have is from God, why act as though you are so great, and as though you have accomplished something on your own? (1 Corinthians 4.1-7, TLB.)
In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul addresses the issues of pride, division, and spiritual arrogance within the Corinthian church. He reminds believers that church leaders are not celebrities to be ranked or compared, but servants of Christ and stewards of God’s truth. The primary requirement for a steward is not popularity or human approval, but faithfulness.
Paul urges the Corinthians to think of him, Peter and Apollos as mere servants of Christ entrusted with the secret things of God. A servant does what his master tells him to do. We must do what God tells us to do. We must do what God tells us to do in the Bible and through His Holy Spirit. Each day God presents us with needs and opportunities that challenge us to do what we know is right.
Paul explains that human judgement is limited and incomplete. Ultimately, God is the final Judge, and He alone sees motives and hidden intentions. Therefore, believers should avoid pride and stop boasting in human leaders or personal achievements. Everything we have – gifts, knowledge, status – comes from God. Our loyalty are to be with Christ, and not with His servants.
The Corinthians had begun acting spiritually superior, as though they had already “arrived.” Paul contrasts their self-confidence with the reality of apostolic ministry, which involved suffering, humility, rejection, and endurance. True spiritual leadership is marked by sacrifice, not status.
Paul speaks to them as a spiritual father, correcting them out of love. His goal is restoration, not punishment. He reminds them that the Kingdom of God is not just talk, but power – genuine faith produces transformed lives, not just impressive words.