“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”
So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries of God — Paul reframes apostolic status: not masters but 'servants' (hyperetēs, lit. 'under-rowers,' low-rank). Apostles are 'entrusted with the mysteries' (mysteria) of God—the gospel's hidden purposes now revealed. The paradox: low status (servant), high responsibility (bearer of mysteries). This inverts Corinthian status hierarchies.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 4:1
“Let a man so account of us, as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” After he had cast down their spirit, mark how again he refreshes it, saying, “as ministers of Christ.” Do not thou then, letting go the Master, receive a name from the servants and ministers. “Stewards;” says he, indicating that we ought not to give these things unto all, but unto whom it is due, and to whom it is fitting we should minister.
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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