Reading for September 24th

 Read 1 Corinthians 4.1-21. In verses 1-7: How to think of God's ministers. In verse 1: More important than their personal characteristics is how ministers relate to Christ and God. Servants and stewards are roles defined by superiors. In verse 3: Some were sitting in judgment on Paul (9.3). In verse 4: The Lord establishes the true perspective for judging behavior (6.13). In verse 5: Paul expects the Lord's coming very soon (1.7; 7.29, 31). Judgment is a time of unveiling secrets (Rom 2.16; see Lk 8.17). In verse 6: The meaning of the saying is uncertain; it may refer to 1.31. Puffed up suggests an inflated self-image that leads to boasting (3.21). In verse 7: The alternate rendering makes more sense. In verse 8-13: The illusion of having already arrived. This ironic language applies to the "spiritual people" (3.1) who claim superior wisdom (6.5). In verses 9-10: Apostles are like prisoners of war, last in the victory parade, a spectacle to everyone. In verses 11-12: The missionary lives a  vagabond's existence. In verses 14-21: Paul appeals to his children. In verses 14-15: Starting churches was like having children (Gal 4.19; 1 Thess 2.11). In verse 16: As their father, Paul expected the church to imitate his behavior (11.1; Phil  3.17). In verse 17: Timothy: The alternative rendering am sending is preferred, since Timothy is apparently still with Paul (16.10-11). My way in Jesus Christ are what Paul taught and how he behaved. In verses 18-21: Arrogant behavior is a root problem in the church (5.2; 13.4) Comments or Questions..