I Corinthians 4:4
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
by myself--Translate, "I am conscious to myself of no (ministerial) unfaithfulness." BENGEL explains the Greek compound, "to decide in judgments on one in relation to others," not simply to judge. am I not hereby justified--Therefore conscience is not an infallible guide. Paul did not consider his so. This verse is directly against the judicial power claimed by the priests of Rome.
Open source ↗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).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You.
If You, O LORD, kept track of iniquities, then who, O Lord, could stand?
Who can discern his own errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.
And this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.
All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.
I will cling to my righteousness and never let go. As long as I live, my conscience will not accuse me.
For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.