English

  We are foolish for Christ ’ s sake, but you are wise in Christ.   1 Corinthians 4:9-10: “ I think that God has placed us, the apostles, at the end as those destined for death; we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. We are foolish for Christ ’ s sake, but you are wise in Christ (en Christou). We are weak, but you are strong; you are honorable, but we are lowly. ” Paul is explaining to them the suffering he has endured. He is saying that he has become lowly in the eyes of people and appears as though he were destined for death. He is saying that this happened because of Christ. However, Paul is telling the leaders of the Corinthian church that since they have become wise through Christ, they should not look at him or the ordinary believers of the church as foolish. The phrase “ en Christou ” ( ἐ ν Χριστ ῷ , “ in Christ ” ) before “ we are weak ” was not translated. That is, it should be translated as “ in Christ we are weak. ” Likewise, bein...

  For I desire that you become kings   1 Corinthians 4:7-8: "Who distinguishes you from others (diakrinei)? What do you have that you did not receive? Since you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? You are already full, you are already rich, and you have become kings without us. For we desire that you become kings, that we may reign with you." Paul points out the pride of the Corinthian church. Diakrinei ( διακρ ί νει ) refers to the belief (of ministers) that they are superior to others. Paul is asking them, "Do you boast that you alone received the gift while others did not?" It implies that the leaders of the Corinthian church were wealthy and reigned like kings. Paul praises the leaders for fulfilling their role as royal priests well, but he is telling them to reign with the saints. It is saying that not only ministers are royal priests, but that all believers, including Paul himself, must serve as royal priests. 1 Peter 2:9: ...

  Do not go beyond what is written.   1 Corinthians 4:6: "Brothers, I have used myself and Apollos as examples for you in this matter, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written (metheschematisa), and not to become arrogant against one another (kata tou heteron)." This implies that Paul and Apollos were well-versed in the Scriptures. Therefore, it means that if one acts according to the Scriptures, one will not go astray. Meteschematisa ( μετεσχημ ά τισα ) means changing the form or outward appearance. It signifies distorting the Scriptures. Kata tou heteron ( κατ ὰ το ῦ ἑ τ έ ρου ) means "following others." These others are those who have not received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. An arrogant heart means trying to rise above others and dominate them. The phrase “ Do not go beyond what is written ” means not to follow the literal text recorded in the Bible, but to follow the words spoken by the Ho Logos. In most cases, the written text...