1 Corinthians 4:1-13

We know from 1 Corinthians 3 that one of the main issues that needs to be addressed in this church is the fact that factions have formed around peoples’ preferred leaders. In 1 Corinthians 3:4, Paul says that some are following him and some are following Apollos, and this has created “jealousy and strife among you.” The Corinthians are making judgments about leaders based on their own biased perceptions. This leads Paul to lay out the role of ministers and who exactly gets to judge their ministries. Then, in 1 Corinthians 4:6-13, Paul unpacks this church’s spiritual arrogance and explains why it is improper to judge God’s servants based on outward appearances.