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I Corinthians 4:2

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Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

Commentaries

Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brownv. 2

Moreover--The oldest manuscripts read, "Moreover here" (that is, on earth). The contrast thus is between man's usage as to stewards (Co1 4:2), and God's way (Co1 4:3). Though here below, in the case of stewards, inquiry is made, that one man be found (that is, proved to be) faithful; yet God's steward awaits no such judgment of man, in man's day, but the Lord's judgment in His great day. Another argument against the Corinthians for their partial preferences of certain teachers for their gifts: whereas what God requires in His stewards is faithfulness (Sa1 3:20, Margin; Heb 3:5); as indeed is required in earthly stewards, but with this difference (Co1 4:3), that God's stewards await not man's judgment to test them, but the testing which shall be in the day of the Lord.

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Matthew Henry Bible Commentaryv. 2

In this chapter the apostle, I. Directs them how to account of him and his fellow-ministers, and therein, tacitly at least, reproves them for their unworthy carriage towards him (Co1 4:1-6). II. He cautions them against pride and self-elation, and hints at the many temptations they had to conceive too highly of themselves, and despise him and other apostles, because of the great diversity in their circumstances and condition (Co1 4:7-13). III. He challenges their regard to him as their father in Christ (Co1 4:14-16). IV. He tells them of his having sent Timothy to them, and of his own purpose to come to them shortly, however some among them had pleased themselves, and grown vain, upon the quite contrary expectation (Co1 4:17 to the end).

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Cross-references

Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.

Matthew 25:21rank 41

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

Luke 12:42rank 25

And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time?

Proverbs 13:17rank 14

A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.

Numbers 12:7rank 13

But this is not so with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My house.

Colossians 4:17rank 13

Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

II Corinthians 2:17rank 13

For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.

Matthew 25:23rank 13

His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!’

Colossians 1:7rank 8

You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,

Colossians 4:7rank 7

Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord.

I Corinthians 4:17rank 7

That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.

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