5 | Contradictions and Paradoxes in Paul’s Corinthian Epistles
A Failure of Judgment — Boasting in Knowledge (Ch 4)
The above podcast link is part of our Letter Series on the First Epistle to the Corinthians. A summary of the episode is provided below.
Servants and Stewards are Faithful, Not Prestigious (4:1–5)
In the quest for spiritual growth, unity, and understanding, Paul encourages the Corinthians leaders to embrace the roles of servants and stewards. He revisits his Apollos arc, highlighting the need to view leaders as humble servants and stewards of God’s mysteries. He underscores the stark difference between leaders who gather followers for personal gain and faithful leaders committed to nurturing the growth of the congregation. While Paul desires that the Corinthians honor his authority, he challenges their ability to make good judgments about leaders and again warns both leaders and followers about the impending Day of the Lord when the truth about their intentions will be revealed.
Boasting in a Knowledge They Aren’t Exercising (4:6–7)
Paul confronts the Corinthians with the stark reality that they boast in knowledge (wisdom and understanding) they clearly aren’t applying (as will be described in chapters 5 and 6). Their failure to discern right from wrong and their pride in knowledge lead to a puffed-up attitude harming the church body and the consciences of others. He emphasizes the importance of knowledge being used for the benefit of others, rather than as a means of self-exaltation. This sets the stage for Paul’s subsequent arguments regarding the harm of misplaced judgments within the church.
Rich Corinthians and Poor Apostles (4:8–13)
With a shift in tone, Paul employs sarcasm to draw attention to the Corinthians’ misplaced values. He contrasts rich Corinthians with poor apostles and mocks their presumption that they have arrived at a better station in life while he and Christ’s disciples are out preaching the gospel which has failed completely, resulting in their poverty. This biting irony serves as a profound reflection on what is genuinely valuable in the Christian journey. In their pursuit of honor, the Corinthians have lost sight of the wisdom of self-sacrifice and service. Paul encourages them to reevaluate their definitions of success, suggesting that being hungry, laboring, persecuted, and slandered might be more in line with the Gospel than their current pursuits.
Be Imitators of Me (4:14–21)
Paul acknowledges that they have many guides, but few genuinely care about their well-being. He emphasizes the unique role he has played as their spiritual father, deeply invested in their spiritual growth. The Corinthians’ faulty judgment, rooted in boasting of knowledge, has resulted in several issues that Paul will address in the upcoming chapters. He counters the belief that “all things are lawful for me” with a call to imitate him, as he, in turn, imitates Christ.
Paul distinguishes between “talk” and “power,” recognizing the limitations of worldly philosophies in facilitating the transformation the Corinthians seek. He underscores the power of the Spirit in teaching discernment between good and evil, guiding them through trials and self-sacrifice toward the true joy and peace found in the Kingdom of God.
