1 Corinthians 4:2 kjv
Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:2 nkjv
Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:2 niv
Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:2 esv
Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:2 nlt
Now, a person who is put in charge as a manager must be faithful.
1 Corinthians 4 2 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 4:1 | So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the… | Stewardship of God's mysteries |
| Matt 25:21 | His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful… | Master's commendation of a faithful servant |
| Matt 25:23 | His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful… | Parallel to the faithful servant |
| Luke 12:42 | And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise manager, whom his master… | Jesus' parable of the faithful servant |
| Luke 16:10 | “Whoever is faithful in what is small will also be faithful in what is big, and… | Principle of faithfulness in stewardship |
| Rom 12:3 | For by the grace given me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more… | Self-assessment in relation to God's gift |
| 1 Cor 11:1 | Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. | Paul's call to imitate him as he imitates Christ |
| Gal 1:10 | Am I now seeking human approval, or God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people?… | Paul's primary motive: pleasing God |
| 1 Thess 2:4 | On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel… | Approved by God for the gospel |
| 1 Thess 5:24 | He who calls you is faithful, and he will also do it. | God's faithfulness in completing His work in us |
| Heb 3:2 | He was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s… | Christ's faithfulness in God's house |
| Heb 12:2 | fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before… | Jesus' faithfulness through suffering |
| Rev 2:10 | Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. | Command and promise for faithfulness unto death |
| Titus 1:7 | For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach—not arrogant, not quick-… | Requirement for overseers as God's stewards |
| 1 Peter 4:10 | Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful… | Stewards of God’s grace in diverse gifts |
| Col 1:7 | Just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is for you… | Faithful servant in Christ |
| Acts 20:24 | But I do not account my life of any value nor as dear to myself, so that I may… | Paul's dedication to finishing his course |
| 2 Tim 2:2 | And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit these to… | Entrusting the gospel to faithful men |
| John 15:16 | You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit… | Jesus choosing and appointing His disciples to bear fruit |
| Jer 23:28 | Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let him who has my word speak… | Distinction between God's word and human dreams |
| Ps 18:25 | With the loyal you show yourself loyal, with the blameless you show yourself blameless, | God's faithfulness to the faithful |
| Rom 4:20 | no distrust made him waver through unbelief, but he grew strong in his faith as he… | Abraham's faith and strength |
1 Corinthians 4 verses
1 Corinthians 4 2 Meaning
This verse is a core statement about the fundamental qualification and responsibility of a church leader: faithfulness. It emphasizes that true worth and commendation in ministry stem from being trustworthy and reliable in carrying out the tasks assigned by God, not from the esteem of others. The ultimate judgment of a minister's stewardship belongs to the Lord.
1 Corinthians 4 2 Context
This verse is found in the midst of Paul's discussion with the Corinthian church, addressing their divisions and factiousness, particularly their tendency to boast and align themselves with different human leaders (Apollos, Cephas, Paul). In chapter 3, Paul contrasts the perishable wisdom of the world with the divine wisdom of the gospel and highlights his role as a spiritual father and builder of the church. He stresses that all ministries are from God and that ultimately, God gives the growth. This sets the stage for chapter 4, where Paul asserts his own position as a minister of Christ and an administrator of God’s mysteries. Chapter 4 continues to address issues of pride and judgmentalism within the Corinthian community.
1 Corinthians 4 2 Word Analysis
Out of (ὥστε - hōste): So; therefore. It indicates a result or consequence of the preceding statements.
Therefore (οὕτως - houtōs): Thus; in this manner; so. It points to how people should regard them.
a Man (ἄνθρωπον - anthrōpon): Man; person. Refers to any individual, here meaning any human being.
as (ὡς - hōs): As; like; in the capacity of. Used to compare or denote a role.
Ministers (ὑπηρέτας - hypēretas): Under-rowers; subordinate officials; servants. In this context, it signifies those who serve under and assist a higher authority, particularly Christ. It implies diligence and a supportive role.
of Christ (Χριστοῦ - Christou): Of Christ. Possessive case, indicating they belong to Christ or are in His service.
and (καὶ - kai): And. Connects the two roles mentioned.
as (ὡς - hōs): As; like; in the capacity of. Denotes the second role they occupy.
Stewards (οἰκονόμους - oikonomous): House-managers; administrators. Those entrusted with managing the affairs or possessions of another, especially in a household context. This highlights responsibility and accountability.
of the (τῶν - tōn): The (genitive plural article). Denotes possession or relationship.
Mysteries (μυστηρίων - mystēriōn): Mysteries. Refers to divine truths or plans previously hidden but now revealed through Christ. This includes the gospel message and God's redemptive work. It emphasizes sacred knowledge entrusted to them.
Word Group Analysis:
- "Ministers of Christ" (ὑπηρέτας Χριστοῦ - hypēretas Christou) emphasizes their subordination to Christ and service in His name and according to His will.
- "Stewards of the mysteries of God" (οἰκονόμους τῶν μυστηρίων τῶν θεοῦ - oikonomous tōn mystēriōn tōn theou) highlights their role as managers entrusted with the profound, revealed truths of God, particularly the gospel.
1 Corinthians 4 2 Bonus Section
The term "mysteries of God" (μυστηρίων τῶν θεοῦ) refers to truths of salvation that were hidden in previous ages but are now revealed in Christ and through the Gospel. This includes the inclusion of Gentiles, the nature of Christ's person and work, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the future resurrection and reign. Paul views himself and others as being entrusted with the administration of these profound revelations, not to manipulate them, but to faithfully proclaim and teach them. This carries a heavy weight of responsibility, as found in 1 Corinthians 9:17, where Paul speaks of a "stewardship entrusted to me." The expectation is that this stewardship will be judged by its faithfulness to the Lord who entrusted it.
1 Corinthians 4 2 Commentary
Paul asserts that believers should view him and other apostles not with the divisive loyalties of the Corinthians, but as subordinate servants and trustworthy administrators. Their primary qualification is not popularity or human wisdom, but faithfulness to Christ in their entrusted task—managing and proclaiming the profound mysteries of God, which is the gospel. This divine appointment and entrusted responsibility are the basis for their identity and authority, which should not be undermined by partisan spirit. The essence of true ministry is diligent and loyal stewardship of what God has revealed.
- Practical Application: Church leaders and members alike should focus on faithful service and proclamation of God's truth, rather than seeking personal glory or human approval. True ministry is about managing the divine trust, not self-advancement.