Paul's Role as Steward of Mysteries in 1 Corinthians
Paul's Role as Steward of Mysteries in 1 Corinthians
In 1 Corinthians 4:1, Paul describes himself and Apollos as "stewards of the mysteries of God" [1]. This designation underscores their role as servants entrusted with the administration of God's secrets or mysteries. The term "steward" (Greek: οἰκονόμος, oikonomos) implies a high level of responsibility and trust, as stewards were tasked with managing their master's household and affairs [4, 5].
The "mysteries of God" refer to the deep counsels of God that were previously hidden but are now revealed through Christ and the apostolic preaching [6, 7]. These mysteries include the plan of salvation, the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in God's plan, and the ultimate glory that awaits believers [6, 10]. In 1 Corinthians 2:7, Paul describes the mystery as "God's wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory" [6].
As stewards of these mysteries, Paul and Apollos were entrusted with explaining and administering God's secrets to the Corinthian church [4]. Their role was not to be leaders competing for followers but to be faithful servants of Christ, devoted to their master's concerns rather than their own [4]. This understanding is reinforced by Paul's introduction to the Corinthian epistle, where he identifies himself as "an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the purpose of God" [2, 9].
The context of 1 Corinthians suggests that Paul's role as steward was being challenged by some in the Corinthian church. The church was plagued by divisions and contentions, with some questioning Paul's apostleship and authority [3, 8]. In response, Paul emphasizes his faithfulness and the genuineness of his motives as an apostle, while also acknowledging that only God can judge the heart [4].
The concept of stewardship is significant in Paul's theology, as it highlights the responsibility that comes with being entrusted with God's mysteries. As stewards, Paul and Apollos were accountable to God for their faithful administration of the mysteries [5]. This theme is echoed in other Pauline epistles, where he describes himself as a steward of the gospel and the mystery of God's will [10].
The historical context of 1 Corinthians also sheds light on Paul's role as steward. The epistle was written from Ephesus around 57 AD, during Paul's third year of ministry there [3]. The Corinthian church was a relatively young community, and Paul's letter addresses various issues that had arisen in the church, including the challenge to his authority.
Sources
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 4:1 (YLT) — Let a man so reckon us as officers of Christ, and stewards of the secrets of God,”
- I Corinthians “I Corinthians 1:1 (BBE) — Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the purpose of God, and Sosthenes the brother,”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Corinthians, First Epistle to the — Was written from Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:8) about the time of the Passover in the third year of the apostle's sojourn there (Acts 19:10; 20:31), and when he had formed the purpose to visit Macedonia, and then return to Corinth (probably A.D. 57). The news which had reached him, however, from Corinth frustrated his plan. He had heard of the abuses and contentions that had arisen among them, first from Apollos (Acts 19:1), and then from a letter they had written him on the subject, and also from some of the "household of Chloe," and from ”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 4:1: 4:1-5 Paul emphasizes his faithfulness and the genuineness of his motives as an apostle of Christ. But only God can judge the heart. 4:1 Paul and Apollos should not be viewed as leaders competing for a following, but as mere servants of Christ who have been put in charge of explaining God’s mysteries. They were stewards entrusted with administration of the master’s business (as in Luke 12:42); their whole life was devoted to their master’s concerns, not to their own. • God’s mysteries: See study note on 1 Cor 2:7.”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 4 (introduction): TRUE VIEW OF MINISTERS: THE JUDGMENT IS NOT TO BE FORESTALLED; MEANWHILE THE APOSTLES' LOW STATE CONTRASTS WITH THE CORINTHIANS' PARTY PRIDE, NOT THAT PAUL WOULD SHAME THEM, BUT AS A FATHER WARN THEM; FOR WHICH END HE SENT TIMOTHY, AND WILL SOON COME HIMSELF. (1Co. 4:1-21) account . . . us--Paul and Apollos. ministers of Christ--not heads of the Church in whom ye are severally to glory (Co1 1:12); the headship belongs to Christ alone; we are but His servants ministering to you (Co1 1:13; Co1 3:5, Co1 3:22). stewards-- (Luk 12:42”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 2:7: 2:7 In Paul’s writings, mystery often refers to a truth previously hidden but now revealed in the Good News of Christ and his saving work (see Rom 11:25-27; 1 Tim 3:9, 16). • before the world began: From the very beginning, it has been God’s desire to save his chosen people through Christ (see Rom 16:25-26; Eph 1:9-12; 3:3-12; Col 1:25-27) and to bring them to ultimate glory in the coming age (see Rom 5:2; 8:18-21, 29-30; 1 Thes 2:12).”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 13:2: mysteries-- (Rom 11:25; Rom 16:25). Mysteries refer to the deep counsels of God hitherto secret, but now revealed to His saints. Knowledge, to truths long known. faith . . . remove mountains-- (Mat 17:20; Mat 21:21). The practical power of the will elevated by faith [NEANDER]; confidence in God that the miraculous result will surely follow the exercise of the will at the secret impulse of His Spirit. Without "love" prophecy, knowledge, and faith, are not what they seem (compare Co1 8:1-2; Mat 7:22; Jam 2:14; compare Co1 13:8), and so fail of t”
- 1 Corinthians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Corinthians 1:1: We have here the apostle's preface to his whole epistle, in which we may take notice, I. Of the inscription, in which, according to the custom of writing letters then, the name of the person by whom it was written and the persons to whom it was written are both inserted. 1. It is an epistle from Paul, the apostle of the Gentiles, to the church of Corinth, which he himself had planted, though there were some among them that now questioned his apostleship (Co1 9:1, Co1 9:2), and vilified his person and ministry, Co2 10:10. The most faithful and useful minister”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 1:1: 1:1-3 Paul commonly begins his letters with a few words about himself, followed by greetings and an invocation of grace and peace. In this, he follows the normal pattern of ancient Greek letters but expands it with Christian meaning. 1:1 An apostle of Christ Jesus was a missionary evangelist commissioned by Christ himself. • Sosthenes, Paul’s co-worker, might be the same person as in Acts 18:17.”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 11:25: 11:25 Paul usually uses the word mystery to refer to an event of the last days that has already been determined by God. Such a mystery already exists in heaven and is revealed to God’s people in the Christian era (see 16:25; 1 Cor 2:1, 7; 4:1; 15:51; Eph 1:9; 3:3, 4, 9; 6:19; Col 1:26, 27; 2:2; 4:3; 1 Tim 3:9, 16). Here, the mystery is the relationship of Jews and Gentiles in the plan of salvation, which is at the heart of this entire passage (Rom 11:11-32).”