The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Corinthians — Section 148

Vers. 1, 2.-" ~Ministers qf Christ." I. ,VHAT THEY ARE, 1. .Yinisters, Not masters; servants, not lnrds. The word means literally "under-rower," or common sailor, alld is generally used of the lower class of servants. Ministers are the mere servants of Christ; they have no authority save that which they may receive from him. "Be not ye called Rabbi" (Matt. xxiii. 8). A domineering despotic spirit is altogether out of place. If any will be chief, he must be servant of all. Many ministers have trouble with their Churches because of their own masterful spirit. Like Rehoboam, they do not heed the sage counsel, "If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, aud speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever" (1 Kings xii. 7). Some of the Corinthians had unduly exalted their teachers ( eh. L 12); others, perhaps, had regarded them as utterly insignificant (" I of Christ"); Paul defines the legitimate position. Ministerial activitv is hinted at• ministers are to be workers, not idlers, 2. Ministers of Christ. This makes thei; calling: most honourable. They are servants of the Church, servants of their fellows, but not primarily. They serve the Church and their fellow-men because they desire to serve Christ. They are (1) appointed by Christ; (2) responsible to him; (3) to be judged by him; (4) to be devoted to him; (5) to speak in his Name; (6) to preach him and his redemption; (7) to rely npon his help; (8) to take orders from him; (9) not to originate, but to ascertain his mind. 3. Stewards. A position (1) of trust and con- fidence; (~) of influence; (3) of responsibility; ( 4) of some peril; (5) of much honour. 4. Stewards of the mysteries of God. "Mystery " in the New Testament dces not mean something: iLco01prehensible, but something beyond the reach of unaided human intel- ligence. The "mysteries of God" are thus "hidden" (eh. ii. 7) until revealed by hi01. They are the truths of the gospel-" the truth as it is in Jesus." Ministers have special charge concerning these truths-(1) to preserve them; (2) to dispense the1n. As stewards, they should be deeply impressed with (1) the vast importance of the "riches" entrusted to them; (2) the need of utmost care in discharging the duties uf their office; (3) the awful issues to themselves and others if they are remiss. Many are satisfied if self-approved or if praised by others; but Paul looked to the judgment of Christ (ver. 4). We are not to be despondent if we are" unpopular" with men, so that we are approved by our Lord. Though "unpopularity" with men is very far from being an argument that we please ou~ Master : "The common people heard him gladly," and probably would so hear us if we were more like him. II. A NECESSARY QCJALIFICATION. Faithfulness. This is a first requisite in those who are "stewards of the mysteries of God." Stewards must not use their lord's goods for their own advantage. What evils result from unfaithfulness in an earthly steward- ship! who can estimate the evils flowing from an unfaithful ministry! A minister sbould be faithf'ul: 1. To Christ, in (1) obedience, (2) love, (3) zeal, (4) devotion, (5) holiness. 2. To his fioclc. (l) Preaching unadulterated doctrine. Not corrupting the Word of God. Not substituting something else for it. (2) Rightly dividing the word of truth. (3) Reproving, rebuking, exhorting with all long-suffering and teaching (2 Tim. iv. 2). (4) Striving "to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus" (Col. i. ~ti).-H. Vers. 3-5.-Human and Divinefudgments. I. REFLECT THAT HUMAN JUDGMENT JS FALLIBLE. It is needful to remember this. Many laugh at "infallibility" when it affects a pope at Rome, but are much disposed to believe in it when it affects a pope at home. We should not forget that (1) our powers are limited; (2) our information often very defective; (3) our minds very subject to bias. Our failibility should lead us: 1. To take heed how we pronounce final judgments. '!'here are some things about which we should not judge at all, as altogetl1er transcending our powers and province. Ahout mauy things we are compelled to lorm judgments,and to act upon the jndgments -CH. 1v. 1-21.] THE FIRST EPISTLE TO 'l'HE COiliNTHIANS. IGI