1 Corinthians 4 -- Three Pictures Of A Minister

A steward, a Spectacle participant, and a spiritual father…

The steward manages everything for his master, but himself owns nothing and displays faithfulness, my commentary said.  Ministers are managing the households of faith we call churches – managing them for the Master.  As a steward, a minister has the responsibility to be faithful to his master, and if he pleases his master, he’s a good servant.  So it doesn’t matter what men say, or even what the servant’s own judgment is about how he’s doing.  It’s God’s judgment of him that matters most, as the Master.

The picture of a Spectacle participant comes from the entertainment Rome found useful in keeping the masses on their side.  At the end of these grand shows, the poorest prisoners were brought into the arena to fight against wild animals.  Paul wanted them to see that ministers should exhibit the humbleness of these unfortunate prisoners.  My commentary told of a young preacher who told an older preacher friend, “Please pray that I will stay humble.”  His friend replied, “Tell me, what do you have to be proud about?”  The hanging end of that conversation kind of says it all, and was what Paul was trying to help them to see.

Lastly he mentioned the tenderness of a spiritual father, particularly in administering discipline.  The Corinthians were quite puffed up with their worldly wisdom.  Their religion was only in words, though.  “Paul gave the Corinthian church opportunity to set their household in order…  Unfortunately, they church did not immediately obey.”  So in the upcoming chapters he’ll be addressing that, my commentary said.

Father, help each of us – myself most of all – to take to heart Paul’s words about faithfulness, humbleness, and tenderness.  Help us to not break Your heart and need Your discipline.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford