Paul's Ministry and the Lord's Authority
1 Corinthians 4:1-21
1Cor.4.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ουτως: ADV
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- λογιζεσθω: VERB,pres,mp,imp,3,sg
- ανθρωπος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ως: ADV
- υπηρετας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- οικονομους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- μυστηριων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 (verbal): Paul again calls apostles 'servants' (diakonoi) and describes their role in God's work—parallel wording and function to 1 Cor 4:1's 'servants of Christ.'
- Luke 12:42 (thematic): The parable of the 'faithful and wise steward' (oikonomos) provides the same steward/servant imagery used in 1 Cor 4:1 about managing God's household/mysteries.
- 1 Peter 4:10 (verbal): Peter exhorts believers to be 'good stewards' (oikonomoi) of God's grace, echoing the responsibility of stewardship expressed in 1 Cor 4:1.
- Ephesians 3:2 (verbal): Paul speaks of 'the stewardship (oikonomia) of God's grace' entrusted to him—a close verbal and conceptual parallel to being 'stewards of the mysteries of God.'
- Colossians 1:25 (thematic): Paul describes his ministry as a stewardship (oikonomia) entrusted to him for the church, thematically paralleling the idea of being stewards of God's mysteries in 1 Cor 4:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- Consider us servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.
- Let such a one regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
1Cor.4.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ωδε: ADV
- λοιπον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- ζητειται: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- οικονομοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- ινα: CONJ
- πιστος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- ευρεθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 4:1 (structural): Immediate context: v.1 presents apostles as 'servants' and 'stewards' of God's mysteries; v.2 follows by stating the essential requirement for such stewards (faithfulness).
- Luke 16:10-12 (verbal): Uses the same stewardship vocabulary and ethic—'faithful in little' and the question who will be found faithful as a steward—making the same moral point about reliability.
- Matthew 25:14-30 (thematic): Parable of the talents: servants entrusted with their master's property are held accountable and expected to be faithful—shares the theme of stewardship and required faithfulness.
- 1 Peter 4:10 (verbal): Describes Christians as 'good stewards' of God's varied grace (οἰκονόμοι), linking the steward metaphor to responsible, faithful service in the community.
- Titus 1:7 (allusion): Applies the steward metaphor to church office (the overseer/bishop as God's steward), implying that leadership entails the duty of being blameless and faithful.
Alternative generated candidates
- Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.
- Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
1Cor.4.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- δε: CONJ
- εις: PREP
- ελαχιστον: ADJ,acc,sg,nt
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ινα: CONJ
- υφ᾽υμων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,2
- ανακριθω: VERB,aor,pass,subj,1,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- υπο: PREP
- ανθρωπινης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- ημερας·αλλ᾽ουδε: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εμαυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- ανακρινω·: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- John 8:15-16 (verbal): Jesus says ‘you judge according to the flesh; I judge no one,’ paralleling Paul’s claim that he does not even judge himself (similar refusal to assume final human judgment).
- Matthew 7:1-5 (thematic): The warning against judging others and the call to beware human condemnation echoes Paul’s dismissive stance toward being judged by fellow humans.
- Romans 14:4 (thematic): ‘Who are you to pass judgment on another?’ addresses the same issue of human judgment’s limits and God’s role as ultimate judge, a theme Paul reiterates here.
- Acts 24:16 (verbal): Paul’s statement about maintaining a clear conscience before God and people resonates with his concern in 1 Cor 4:3–4 about human judgment and his own self-examination.
- 1 Corinthians 4:4 (structural): The immediate continuation of the thought—‘I am not aware of anything against myself’—is a direct internal parallel clarifying Paul’s position on self-judgment and divine judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- As for me, it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court; indeed I do not even judge myself.
- As for me, it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human tribunal; indeed, I do not even judge myself.
1Cor.4.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ουδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- γαρ: PART
- εμαυτω: PRON,dat,sg,1,reflex
- συνοιδα: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- αλλ᾽ουκ: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- τουτω: DEM,dat,sg,m
- δεδικαιωμαι: VERB,perf,mid/pass,ind,1,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- ανακρινων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 4:3 (structural): Immediate context: Paul contrasts human judgment with his conscience and insists that ultimate assessment belongs to the Lord (continues the same argument).
- 1 Corinthians 11:31 (thematic): Both verses appeal to self-examination and divine judgment—if believers truly judged themselves they would avoid coming under God’s judgment.
- Psalm 139:23-24 (verbal): Uses similar language of God’s searching/testing of the person; emphasizes the Lord as the one who probes and judges the heart.
- Romans 14:4 (thematic): Affirms that ultimate judgment belongs to the Lord (or master), not to other humans who would pass sentence on fellow believers.
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 (thematic): Stresses that all must appear before Christ’s judgment seat—echoes the claim that final examination and verdict belong to the Lord.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not thereby acquitted; the one who judges me is the Lord.
- For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not thereby acquitted; the Lord is the one who examines me.
1Cor.4.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ωστε: CONJ
- μη: PART
- προ: PREP
- καιρου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- κρινετε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- εως: CONJ
- αν: PART
- ελθη: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- φωτισει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- κρυπτα: NOUN,acc,pl,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- σκοτους: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- φανερωσει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- βουλας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- καρδιων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- και: CONJ
- τοτε: ADV
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- επαινος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- γενησεται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,sg
- εκαστω: ADJ,dat,sg,m
- απο: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Luke 12:2-3 (verbal): Explicitly states that 'there is nothing covered that will not be revealed' and 'what you have said in the dark will be heard in the light,' closely paralleling 1 Cor 4:5's language about bringing hidden things to light and disclosing motives.
- Romans 2:16 (verbal): Speaks of God 'judging the secrets of men' through Jesus Christ on the day of judgment, echoing the idea in 1 Cor 4:5 that the Lord will disclose the hidden thoughts of hearts.
- 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 (thematic): Describes works being revealed on the day and tested by fire, with resulting reward or loss—parallel to 1 Cor 4:5's judgment at the Lord's coming and receiving praise from God.
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 (thematic): Declares that all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ to receive what is due for deeds done, reinforcing 1 Cor 4:5's theme of final divine evaluation and recompense.
- Matthew 7:1-2 (thematic): Jesus' admonition 'Do not judge, that you be not judged' connects to 1 Cor 4:5's command not to judge prematurely, since ultimate judgment belongs to the Lord.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, until the Lord comes, who will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will disclose the motives of the heart; and then each will receive his praise from God.
- Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, until the Lord comes, who will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of hearts; and then each will receive praise from God.
1Cor.4.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ταυτα: PRON,nom,pl,n
- δε: CONJ
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- μετεσχηματισα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- εις: PREP
- εμαυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Απολλων: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- δι᾽υμας: PREP+PRON,acc,pl,2
- ινα: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- ημιν: PRON,dat,pl,1
- μαθητε: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,pl
- το·Μη: ART,acc,sg,neut
- υπερ: PREP
- α: PRON,nom,sg,n
- γεγραπται: VERB,perf,pass,ind,3,sg
- ινα: CONJ
- μη: PART
- εις: PREP
- υπερ: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ενος: NUM,gen,sg,m
- φυσιουσθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,2,pl
- κατα: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ετερου: ADJ,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 1:12 (thematic): Same context of factionalism around Christian leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas); sets up Paul’s corrective aimed at stopping party spirit.
- 1 Corinthians 3:3-4 (thematic): Paul rebukes jealousy and strife among the Corinthians—‘you are of the flesh’—the same problem of boasting for one leader against another addressed in 4:6.
- Romans 12:3 (verbal): Exhorts believers not to think of themselves more highly than they ought—a parallel ethical injunction against pride and conceit underlying the Corinthian divisions.
- Galatians 5:26 (verbal): ‘Let us not become conceited, provoking one another’ echoes Paul’s warning here about pride and rivaling one another over human leaders.
- 1 Corinthians 1:31 (structural): ‘Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord’ offers the corrective to boasting in human leaders that Paul advances by saying ‘do not go beyond what is written.’
Alternative generated candidates
- Now these things, brothers, I have applied to myself and Apollos for your instruction, that in us you might learn not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you may boast against another.
- Now these things, brothers, I have applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against another.
1Cor.4.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- γαρ: PART
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- διακρινει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- δε: CONJ
- εχεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- ελαβες: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,sg
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- δε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ελαβες: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,sg
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- καυχασαι: VERB,pres,mid,ind,2,sg
- ως: ADV
- μη: PART
- λαβων: PART,aor,act,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 1:29-31 (structural): Same epistolary context and argument: Paul insists that God’s gifts prevent human boasting — 'so that no one may boast before God' and 'of him you are in Christ Jesus'.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 (verbal): Explicitly links salvation/gifts to divine grace rather than human achievement — 'not of works, lest anyone should boast,' echoing the challenge to boastlessness in 1 Cor 4:7.
- Romans 3:27 (verbal): Directly confronts the idea of boasting: 'Where then is boasting? It is excluded,' paralleling Paul’s point that what one has was received, so boasting is inappropriate.
- Luke 17:10 (thematic): Jesus’ teaching about the unworthy servant — after doing his duty the servant must say he is unworthy — resonates with the theme that believers should not boast as if gifts or service were their own achievement.
Alternative generated candidates
- For who makes you different? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
- For who makes you different? And what do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
1Cor.4.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ηδη: ADV
- κεκορεσμενοι: VERB,perf,pass,part,nom,pl,m
- εστε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- ηδη: ADV
- επλουτησατε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- χωρις: PREP,gen
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- εβασιλευσατε·και: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- οφελον: PART
- γε: PART
- εβασιλευσατε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- ινα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- συμβασιλευσωμεν: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,pl
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 4:7 (verbal): Directly connected within the same argument: Paul’s question “What do you have that you did not receive?” undercuts the boastful tone found in 4:8, emphasizing that their ‘riches’ and status are not self‑earned.
- Luke 6:24-25 (thematic): Jesus pronounces ‘woe’ to the rich and to those who are satisfied—echoing Paul’s ironic rebuke of the Corinthians’ self‑satisfaction and presumed security in wealth/status.
- Luke 12:16-21 (thematic): The parable of the rich fool condemns confidence in accumulated wealth and self‑sufficiency, paralleling Paul’s critique of the Corinthians’ boastful claim to having ‘become rich’ and ‘reigned’.
- James 5:1-6 (thematic): James lashes out at wealthy oppressors who live in luxury while harming others; similar moral judgment against the arrogance and complacency of the prosperous surfaces in Paul’s irony.
- Revelation 3:21 (thematic): The promise that the faithful will ‘sit with me on my throne’ resonates with Paul’s phrase ‘that we also might reign with you,’ contrasting genuine eschatological reigning with the Corinthians’ premature boast.
Alternative generated candidates
- Already you are filled, already you are rich, you have become kings without us—how I wish that you truly were reigning, that we might also reign with you!
- Already you have all you want! Already you are rich! You have begun to reign without us—and would that you did reign, that we also might reign with you!
1Cor.4.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δοκω: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- γαρ: PART
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αποστολους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- εσχατους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- απεδειξεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ως: ADV
- επιθανατιους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- θεατρον: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- εγενηθημεν: VERB,aor,pass,ind,1,pl
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- κοσμω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- αγγελοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ανθρωποις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 4:8-11 (verbal): Paul describes the apostles as persecuted, struck down but not destroyed and 'always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus'—language and themes of suffering and public exposure closely echoing 1 Cor 4:9's depiction of apostles as a spectacle.
- 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 (structural): A Pauline catalogue of hardships (reviled, persecuted, defamed, sorrowful yet rejoicing) that parallels 1 Cor 4:9's picture of apostolic humiliation and public display before the world.
- Acts 5:40-41 (thematic): After the apostles are flogged, they rejoice at being counted worthy to suffer shame for Jesus' name—an explicit early‑apostolic instance of suffering and public humiliation like the 'spectacle' language in 1 Cor 4:9.
- Hebrews 11:35-38 (thematic): The heroes of faith are described as persecuted, mocked, imprisoned and exposed to public disgrace—a wider scriptural motif of righteous persons being humiliated and made a spectacle that paralleled Paul's claim about the apostles.
- Luke 23:35 (cf. Matthew 27:39-44) (thematic): The mocking and public exposure of Jesus at his crucifixion—open derision before 'men'—provides a narrative analogue for the idea of being made a spectacle to the world, reinforcing the motif of public shame associated with faithful witness.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I think that God has exhibited us apostles last, like men sentenced to death; we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.
- For I think God has displayed us apostles as last, like men appointed to death; we have been made a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.
1Cor.4.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- μωροι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- δια: PREP
- Χριστον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- δε: CONJ
- φρονιμοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω·ημεις: NOUN,dat,sg,m+PRON,nom,pl,1
- ασθενεις: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- δε: CONJ
- ισχυροι·υμεις: ADJ,nom,pl,m+PRON,nom,pl,2
- ενδοξοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- δε: CONJ
- ατιμοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- 1 Cor 1:27-29 (thematic): God's reversal theme: God chooses the 'foolish, weak, lowly, despised' to shame the wise and strong—parallels the paradox of apostles as fools/weak/despised vs. Corinthians as wise/strong/honored.
- 1 Cor 3:18-19 (verbal): Paul's admonition that whoever thinks himself wise should 'become a fool' echoes the language and injunctional logic behind calling the apostles 'fools for Christ'.
- 2 Cor 12:9-10 (verbal): The famous Pauline paradox 'when I am weak, then I am strong' directly parallels 4:10's contrast between apostolic weakness and paradoxical strength in Christ.
- 2 Cor 4:7-12 (thematic): Apostolic paradox of weakness and suffering carrying the treasure of Christ's life—being afflicted, regarded as dying or of no account—parallels 4:10's depiction of apostles as weak and despised while the Corinthians are honored and strong.
Alternative generated candidates
- We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you have honor, we have dishonor.
- We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are honored, we are dishonored.
1Cor.4.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αχρι: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- αρτι: ADV
- ωρας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- πεινωμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- και: CONJ
- διψωμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- και: CONJ
- γυμνιτευομεν: VERB,pres,mp,ind,1,pl
- και: CONJ
- κολαφιζομεθα: VERB,pres,mp,ind,1,pl
- και: CONJ
- αστατουμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 11:27 (verbal): Paul's catalogue of sufferings uses nearly identical terms—hunger, thirst, nakedness, beatings—echoing the same experiences described here.
- 2 Corinthians 6:4-5 (verbal): Lists hardships including hunger and other afflictions in the context of apostles' endurance, paralleling the language of suffering and hardship.
- 1 Corinthians 4:10-13 (structural): Immediate context: the surrounding verses use the same ironic, self-abasing imagery (filth of the world, persecuted, reviled) and form a coherent cluster with 4:11.
- Philippians 4:12 (thematic): Paul's statement about knowing how to be both full and hungry / abound and suffer need echoes the theme of enduring hunger, want, and humility.
Alternative generated candidates
- To this hour we hunger and thirst, are poorly clothed, beaten, and homeless.
- To this very hour we both hunger and thirst, are poorly clothed, beaten, and homeless.
1Cor.4.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- κοπιωμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- εργαζομενοι: VERB,pres,mid,part,nom,m,pl
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- ιδιαις: ADJ,dat,pl,f
- χερσιν·λοιδορουμενοι: NOUN,dat,pl,f+VERB,pres,pass,part,nom,m,pl
- ευλογουμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- διωκομενοι: VERB,pres,pass,part,nom,m,pl
- ανεχομεθα: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,pl
Parallels
- Romans 12:14 (verbal): “Bless those who persecute you” closely parallels Paul’s practice of blessing when reviled — a direct ethical command echoed in Paul’s behavior.
- Matthew 5:44 (quotation): Jesus’ command to bless and pray for persecutors underlies Paul’s response to reviling and persecution (Sermon on the Mount mandate).
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9 (verbal): Paul’s language about laboring with his own hands and toiling for the gospel echoes the same motif of working to support ministry.
- 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 (thematic): Paul’s catalogue of beatings, imprisonments, and persecutions parallels 1 Cor 4:12’s focus on enduring insults and persecution for the sake of the ministry.
- Acts 18:3 (structural): Luke’s note that Paul was a tentmaker and worked with his hands provides the biographical/structural background for Paul’s claim to labor with his own hands in 1 Cor 4:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- We toil, working with our own hands. When reviled we bless; when persecuted we endure; when slandered we entreat.
- We toil, working with our own hands; when reviled we bless, when persecuted we endure,
1Cor.4.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δυσφημουμενοι: PART,pres,pass,nom,pl,m
- παρακαλουμεν·ως: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- περικαθαρματα: NOUN,nom,pl,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κοσμου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εγενηθημεν: VERB,aor,pass,ind,1,pl
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- περιψημα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- εως: CONJ
- αρτι: ADV
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 6:8-10 (verbal): Paul lists paired opposites of honor and dishonor (e.g., ‘evil report and good report’, ‘as unknown, and yet well known’) and describes being regarded as impostors/scum while enduring suffering—language and theme closely parallel 1 Cor 4:13’s ‘slandered’ and ‘offscouring of the world.’
- 2 Corinthians 4:8-12 (thematic): Describes apostles’ afflictions (afflicted, perplexed, persecuted, struck) yet bearing Christ’s death in the body; thematically parallels 1 Cor 4:13’s emphasis on suffering, dishonor, and endurance as part of apostolic witness.
- 1 Peter 4:14-16 (thematic): Encourages believers who are reviled for Christ’s name, affirming blessing when one suffers as a Christian and distinguishing honorable suffering from disgrace—echoes 1 Cor 4:13’s portrayal of being slandered and counted as the world’s refuse for Christ’s sake.
- Matthew 5:11-12 (thematic): Jesus’ beatitude for those who are reviled, persecuted, and falsely accused for his sake corresponds to Paul’s claim to be slandered and regarded as scum—both frame reproach as a mark of faithful discipleship.
- Isaiah 53:3 (allusion): The Suffering Servant is described as ‘despised and rejected by men,’ a figure of scorn; 1 Cor 4:13’s language about being the world’s offscouring resonates with this prophetic motif of the righteous one treated with contempt.
Alternative generated candidates
- We have become the scum of the world, the refuse of all things to this day.
- when slandered we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of all to this day.
1Cor.4.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ουκ: PART,neg
- εντρεπων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- γραφω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- ταυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- αλλ᾽ως: CONJ+ADV
- τεκνα: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- αγαπητα: ADJ,nom,pl,n
- νουθετων·: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- 1Cor.4.15 (structural): Immediate συνέχεια: Paul develops the same paternal motif — he does not write to shame but to instruct, then claims fatherhood in Christ through the gospel (contextual continuation of the admonition).
- 1Thess.2.11-12 (verbal): Paul uses similar paternal language and exhortation ('as you know, like a father with his children') to encourage and instruct the Thessalonians, paralleling the 'as my beloved children' admonition here.
- Gal.4.19 (thematic): Paul addresses the recipients as 'my little children' and expresses urgent pastoral concern and corrective intent — the same affectionate, corrective paternal stance as in 1 Cor 4:14.
- 2Cor.7.8-9 (thematic): Paul reflects on writing a letter that caused grief but had corrective and constructive aim; parallels the idea of correction/admonition without intent to shame found in 1 Cor 4:14.
- Col.1.28 (verbal): Paulic ministry described with the verb 'admonish/encourage' (parakaleō) and teaching to present everyone mature in Christ — echoes the corrective/educational purpose of writing in 1 Cor 4:14.
Alternative generated candidates
- I do not write this to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
- I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.
1Cor.4.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εαν: CONJ
- γαρ: PART
- μυριους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- παιδαγωγους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- εχητε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- αλλ᾽ου: CONJ
- πολλους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- πατερας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- γαρ: PART
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- δια: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ευαγγελιου: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εγεννησα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- Matthew 23:9 (allusion): Jesus' warning 'Call no man your father on earth' provides a background contrast for Paul's claim to be a 'father in Christ' — distinguishing spiritual fatherhood from worldly titles.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 (verbal): Paul elsewhere uses parental language ('as a father with his own children') to describe his pastoral care, paralleling his 'father in Christ' motif here.
- Galatians 4:19 (verbal): Paul addresses the Galatians as 'my children,' expressing parental concern for their formation in Christ — a similar paternal imagery grounded in gospel ministry.
- 1 Timothy 1:2 (verbal): Paul calls Timothy 'my true child in the faith,' reflecting the same father/son relationship language that underlies his claim to be a spiritual father through the gospel.
- Philippians 2:22 (thematic): Paul describes Timothy's conduct 'as a son with a father,' using familial analogy to depict mentor-disciple relations akin to Paul’s statement about fathering believers in Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
- For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
1Cor.4.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- παρακαλω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- ουν: CONJ
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- μιμηται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- γινεσθε: VERB,pres,mid/pass,imp,2,pl
Parallels
- 1 Cor 11:1 (verbal): Uses the same imperative formula 'Γίνεσθε μιμηταί μου' and expands it: 'as I am of Christ,' linking imitation of Paul to imitation of Christ.
- Philippians 3:17 (verbal): Paul again addresses followers as 'μιμηταί μου' (be imitators of me), urging them to follow his example and watch those who live according to that pattern.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:6 (verbal): Describes the Thessalonians as having 'become imitators of us and of the Lord'—the same imitation-theme applied to Paul's ministry and Christ's example.
- Ephesians 5:1 (thematic): Commands believers to 'be imitators of God,' developing the broader New Testament theme of ethical and spiritual imitation of a paradigmatic model.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore I urge you—be imitators of me.
- Therefore I exhort you—be imitators of me.
1Cor.4.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δια: PREP
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- επεμψα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- Τιμοθεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- τεκνον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- αγαπητον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- πιστον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- εν: PREP
- κυριω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- αναμνησει: VERB,fut,act,ind,3,sg
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- οδους: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- καθως: CONJ
- πανταχου: ADV
- εν: PREP
- παση: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- εκκλησια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- διδασκω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- 1 Timothy 1:2 (verbal): Paul addresses Timothy as his 'true son in the faith,' echoing the language of 'my beloved and faithful child in the Lord.'
- Philippians 2:19-22 (thematic): Paul plans to send Timothy and commends his proven faithfulness and service with Paul in the gospel, paralleling the motive for sending him to remind the Corinthians of Paul's ways.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2 (thematic): Timothy is sent as 'our brother and minister of God…to establish and exhort you,' a similar mission to reminding and strengthening a church in Paul's teaching.
- 1 Corinthians 16:10 (structural): In the same correspondence Paul instructs the Corinthians about Timothy's coming and his work for the Lord, a direct internal parallel to 4:17’s reference to Timothy’s role.
Alternative generated candidates
- For this reason I sent to you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.
- For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord; he will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.
1Cor.4.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ως: ADV
- μη: PART
- ερχομενου: VERB,pres,mid,part,gen,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εφυσιωθησαν: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,pl
- τινες·: PRON,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- Luke 12:45 (quotation): The same parable of the wicked servant who says his master delays — a direct parallel to claiming the master's absence as license for arrogant or abusive behavior.
- Matthew 24:48-51 (thematic): Parallel version of the wicked-servant warning; theme of a delayed master's coming leading to arrogant/misconduct mirrors the Corinthians' conduct in Paul's absence.
- 2 Corinthians 10:10 (verbal): Opponents mock Paul's bodily absence and boast about it; addresses the same dynamic of arrogance and dismissive talk when Paul is not present.
- 1 Corinthians 4:6-7 (structural): Immediate context within the letter where Paul warns against self-exaltation and boasting ('Who made you different?'), providing the theological and rhetorical framework for rebuking arrogance in 4:18.
Alternative generated candidates
- Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.
- Some have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you.
1Cor.4.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ελευσομαι: VERB,fut,mid,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- ταχεως: ADV
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εαν: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- θεληση: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- γνωσομαι: VERB,fut,mid,ind,1,sg
- ου: PART,neg
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- πεφυσιωμενων: VERB,perf,mid/pass,part,gen,pl,m
- αλλα: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- δυναμιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (verbal): Paul elsewhere contrasts persuasive human words with demonstration of the Spirit and power — directly parallel to 'not the word... but the power.'
- Acts 18:21 (verbal): At Corinth Paul uses the same conditional phrasing 'I will return to you, if God wills,' matching the 'I will come... if the Lord wills' formula.
- James 4:15 (verbal): Uses the same 'if the Lord wills' caveat to human plans, reflecting the common early-Christian idiom that Paul employs here.
- 2 Corinthians 13:3 (thematic): Paul defends that Christ's power, not mere words, is present in him — echoing the claim that his coming will show power rather than the speech of the arrogant.
Alternative generated candidates
- But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills; and I will find out not the word of those who are arrogant, but their power.
- But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the words of those who are proud but the power.
1Cor.4.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ου: PART,neg
- γαρ: PART
- εν: PREP
- λογω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- βασιλεια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- αλλ᾽εν: CONJ
- δυναμει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (verbal): Uses nearly identical contrast—the gospel came not only in word but also in power and in the Holy Spirit—echoing the emphasis that God’s rule is evidenced by power, not mere talk.
- 1 Corinthians 2:4 (verbal): Paul emphasizes that his message was delivered not with persuasive words of human wisdom but with demonstration of the Spirit and of power, paralleling 4:20’s stress on power as the mark of God’s kingdom.
- Romans 1:16 (thematic): Paul states the gospel is 'the power of God for salvation,' connecting the saving/kingly activity of God with real divine power rather than mere proclamation.
- Matthew 12:28 (thematic): Jesus links the coming/arrival of God’s kingdom with the exercise of divine power (casting out demons by the Spirit), showing the kingdom’s presence in effective spiritual action.
- Romans 14:17 (structural): Uses a similar 'not... but...' structure to redefine the kingdom: not external matters (food/drink) but righteousness, peace and joy in the Spirit—like 4:20’s contrast between word and power to describe the kingdom’s character.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
- For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
1Cor.4.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- θελετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- εν: PREP
- ραβδω: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ελθω: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,sg
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- αγαπη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- πνευματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- τε: CONJ
- πραυτητος: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Cor 10:1 (verbal): Paul appeals 'by the meekness and gentleness of Christ'—echoes the contrast here between coming with force versus coming in gentleness.
- Gal 6:1 (verbal): Instructs believers to 'restore someone in a spirit of gentleness'—shares the same language and pastoral ethic as 1 Cor 4:21.
- Prov 23:13-14 (thematic): Uses the image of the 'rod' as legitimate parental discipline—provides the Old Testament background for the rod-as-discipline metaphor.
- Heb 12:6-11 (thematic): Speaks of divine discipline as proof of love ('whom the Lord loves he disciplines')—parallels the pairing of correction/rod with love in 1 Cor 4:21.
- 1 Thess 2:7-8 (verbal): Paul depicts his ministry as gentle and nurturing ('we were gentle among you')—a close parallel to the option of coming 'in love and a spirit of gentleness.'
Alternative generated candidates
- What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?
- What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
Let a man so regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human tribunal; indeed I do not even judge myself.
For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not thereby acquitted; the Lord is the one who judges me.
Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the things hidden in darkness and disclose the purposes of the hearts; then each will receive his praise from God. Now these things, brothers, I have applied to myself and to Apollos for your benefit, that in us you might learn not to go beyond what is written, so that none of you may be puffed up on account of one against another.
For who makes you to differ? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
You are already filled, you are already rich, you have reigned as kings without us—would that you did reign, that we might also reign with you!
For I think God has displayed us apostles last, as appointed for death; we have been made a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.
We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, you are strong; you are held in honor, we in disrepute.
To this very hour we hunger and thirst, are poorly clothed, are beaten, and have no certain dwelling place;
we toil, working with our own hands—when reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;
when slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the world, the refuse of all things, to this day.
I do not write these things to shame you but to admonish you as my beloved children.
For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.
Therefore I exhort you: be imitators of me.
For this reason I sent to you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.
Some are arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will see not the talk of the arrogant but their power.
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of words but of power.
What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?