Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

1 CORINTHIANS 4:1KJV
Know the Bible

1 Corinthians 4:1 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 4:1 mean?

1 Corinthians 4:1 says that people should think of Paul and his coworkers as servants of Christ and caretakers of the truths God has revealed. Paul wants the Corinthians to see church leaders not as celebrities or masters, but as people with a responsibility to faithfully handle what God has entrusted to them.

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, addressing confusion and division over different leaders. He reminds them that he and others are not to be put on pedestals, but are simply "ministers" (servants) and "stewards" (managers) of God's mysteries, meaning the gospel and God’s revealed truths. This verse sets the tone for how believers should view spiritual leadership: with respect, but not with misplaced loyalty or pride.

Where else these words appear

“stewards” Greek G3623 · used in 10 verses

  • Luke 12:42 And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?
  • Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
  • Galatians 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

“ministers” Greek G5257 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 5:25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.
  • John 7:32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him.
  • John 18:22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

“mysteries” Greek G3466 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 13:11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
  • Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

“Let” Greek G3049 · used in 40 verses

  • Mark 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
  • Romans 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.