1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.… I. THE ACCOUNT GIVEN IN THE TEXT OF THE NATURE OF OUR OFFICE AS MINISTERS OF CHRIST AND STEWARDS OF THE MYSTERIES OF GOD. 1. The ministry of the word is in all essential points the same ever since it was ordained as an employment. At the same time it is plain that several circumstances attending it are considerably varied. The ordinary call to the office, which now takes place, is very different from the miraculous mission by which men were consecrated to it in former times. Their vocation was more immediate, more striking, attended with more ample powers, as well as more splendid effects. The pastors of the Christian Church, in these later ages, are neither possessed of the immediate inspiration nor of the power of working miracles enjoyed by the apostles. They are now men in all respects like yourselves. When we speak of a faithful minister we speak of the rare and happy union of ability and attention, of zeal and knowledge, of meekness and firmness, in the same character; for all these are necessary to sustain the office with propriety. And are these qualities to be attained with a slight degree of application? 2. But you are not to imagine that while such high obligations are laid on the ministers of the gospel, no duties are, on the ether hand, required of you towards those who hold that station. (1) The same authority which lays such arduous obligations on your pastors, requires of you to entertain a spirit of equity and candour towards them. (2) This rule of equity and candour is transgressed in a still higher degree when you expect of us to preach doctrines accommodated to your passions, or to refrain from delivering those truths which are unacceptable or alarming. II. YOU ARE REQUIRER TO ENTERTAIN A JUST ESTEEM FOR THE OFFICE AND CHARACTER WHICH WE BEAR. We claim no obsequious homage, we arrogate no dominion over your faith; but we expect that no man should despise us. III. MAKE A PROPER IMPROVEMENT OF THE TRUTHS WHICH WE DELIVER. (R. Walker.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.WEB: So let a man think of us as Christ's servants, and stewards of God's mysteries. |
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