1 Corinthians Chapter IV
1 Let a man account us, as servants of Christ - The original word
properly signifies such servants as laboured at the oar in rowing vessels;
and, accordingly, intimates the pains which every faithful minister takes
in his Lord's work. O God, where are these ministers to be found? Lord,
thou knowest. And stewards of the mysteries of God - Dispenseth of the
mysterious truths of the gospel.
3 Yea, I judge not myself - My final state is not to be determined
by my own judgment.
4 I am not conscious to myself of anything evil; yet am I not
hereby justified - I depend not on this, as a sufficient justification
of myself in God's account. But he that judgeth me is the Lord - By his
sentence I am to stand or fall.
5 Therefore judge nothing before the time - Appointed for judging
all men. Until the Lord come, who, in order to pass a righteous judgment,
which otherwise would be impossible, will both bring to light the things
which are now covered with impenetrable darkness, and manifest the most
secret springs of action, the principles and intentions of every heart.
And then shall every one - Every faithful steward, have praise of God.
