1Cor 4:1 | RWP | e4.org | Ministers of Christ ( υπηρετας Χριστου ). Paul and all ministers ( διακονους ) of the New Covenant ( ) are under-rowers, subordinate rowers of Christ, only here in Paul's Epistles, though in the Gospels ( the attendant in the synagogue) and the Acts ( ) of John Mark. The so ( ουτως ) gathers up the preceding argument ( ) and applies it directly by the as ( ως ) that follows. Stewards of the mysteries of God ( οικονομους μυστηριων θεου ). The steward or house manager ( οικος , house, νεμω , to manage, old word) was a slave ( δουλος ) under his lord ( κυριος , ), but a master ( ) over the other slaves in the house (menservants παιδας , maidservants παιδισκας ), an overseer ( επιτροπος ) over the rest ( ). Hence the under-rower ( υπηρετης ) of Christ has a position of great dignity as steward ( οικονομος ) of the mysteries of God. Jesus had expressly explained that the mysteries of the kingdom were open to the disciples ( ). They were entrusted with the knowledge of some of God's secrets though the disciples were not such apt pupils as they claimed to be ( ; ). As stewards Paul and other ministers are entrusted with the mysteries (see on for this word) of God and are expected to teach them. "The church is the οικος ( ), God the οικοδεσποτης ( ), the members the οικειο ( ; )" (Lightfoot). Paul had a vivid sense of the dignity of this stewardship ( οικονομια ) of God given to him ( ; ). The ministry is more than a mere profession or trade. It is a calling from God for stewardship.

‏ 1 Corinthians 4:1

Ministers of Christ ( υπηρετας Χριστου ). Paul and all ministers ( διακονους ) of the New Covenant (1Co 3:5) are under-rowers, subordinate rowers of Christ, only here in Paul's Epistles, though in the Gospels (Lu 4:20 the attendant in the synagogue) and the Acts (Ac 13:5) of John Mark. The

so ( ουτως ) gathers up the preceding argument (3:5-23) and applies it directly by the

as ( ως ) that follows.

Stewards of the mysteries of God ( οικονομους μυστηριων θεου ). The steward or house manager ( οικος, house, νεμω, to manage, old word) was a slave ( δουλος ) under his lord ( κυριος, Lu 12:42), but a master (Lu 16:1) over the other slaves in the house (menservants παιδας, maidservants παιδισκας Lu 12:45), an overseer ( επιτροπος ) over the rest (Mt 20:8). Hence the under-rower ( υπηρετης ) of Christ has a position of great dignity as steward ( οικονομος ) of the mysteries of God. Jesus had expressly explained that the mysteries of the kingdom were open to the disciples (Mt 13:11). They were entrusted with the knowledge of some of God's secrets though the disciples were not such apt pupils as they claimed to be (Mt 13:51; 16:8-12). As stewards Paul and other ministers are entrusted with the mysteries (see on 1Co 2:7 for this word) of God and are expected to teach them. "The church is the οικος (1Ti 3:15), God the οικοδεσποτης (Mt 13:52), the members the οικειο (Ga 6:10; Eph 2:19)" (Lightfoot). Paul had a vivid sense of the dignity of this stewardship ( οικονομια ) of God given to him (Col 1:25; Eph 1:10). The ministry is more than a mere profession or trade. It is a calling from God for stewardship.