The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Epistle Reading of the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete), 1 Corinthians 4:1–5, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.
I. A statement against those who had low regard for Paul and the other apostles. (v. 1–13)
Annotated Text
1. Therefore, let everyone consider us as * Christ’s servants and stewards over God’s mysteries (in the preaching of the Gospel and the distribution of the Holy Sacraments in the house of God, that is, the Christian Church, 1 Timothy 3:15. Luther: “The mystery is the Gospel, in which the divine goods are hidden and expressed to us.”).
* Matthew 16:19; Colossians 1:25 (2 Corinthians 4:5)
2. Now nothing more is to be sought in stewards than they * be found faithful (in their office; and not that they all together are adorned with high exceptional gifts).
* Luke 12:42
3. But for me it is a small matter (I do not consider it a high matter), that I be judged (in an inconsiderate manner) by you (that you at one time criticize this lack or that lack in me, especially, that my speech is despisable, 2 Corinthians 10:10, and that I do not preach with lofty words and high wisdom, 1 Corinthians 2:1), or by a human day1 (that other men hold me highly and praise out of favor, Jeremiah 17:16), I do not even judge myself (how high I am to be regarded on account of the gifts God has granted to me and how much I have labored; much less is it fitting for you to judge me).
(2 Corinthians 6:8; Job 9:2ff; Psalm 103:3; Psalm 143:2)
1 * Even if I am otherwise judged in an ordinary court.
4. I1 am aware of nothing against myself (no unfaithfulness or willful negligence in my office or any other gross sin);2 but in this * I am not (by God) justified (as if nothing at all were lacking in me and I could therefore stand before God’s judgment by my own righteousness); but it is the † Lord (namely, Jesus Christ, the judge of the whole world) who judges me (who will judge me at His time, namely, on the Last Day, when He then, according to His promise, not only will publicly my diligence in my call which has flowed forth from faith before all angels and men, but rather He will also richly reward me from pure grace).
1 Greek: “For I” [γὰρ]
2 * (I therefore do not shrink back from this either)
* Exodus 34:7
† Psalm 35:24 (Job 27:6; John 5:27)
5. Therefore, do not judge1 (out of curiosity and inconsiderateness) before the time until the Lord comes (on the Last Day), which will also bring to light (reveal) what is hidden in darkness (and is carried out and maintained in great secrecy) and reveal the council of hearts (what each has thought and had in mind and with what intention and opinion that one has done this or that);2 then each one’s (each faithful servant of Christ and steward of God, 1 Corinthians 4:1) praise (and wage) will befall him from God.
(Matthew 7:1; Romans 2:5, 16; Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:12)
1 Greek : “in no way,” or “in no part”
2 Greek: “and” [καὶ]
Useful Applications
I. CORRECTION: That we ought to give due honor to teachers and preachers because they are Christ’s servants and (spiritual) stewards over God’s mysteries, that is, over the Holy Word of God, wherein the same mysteries are revealed to us and the heavenly benefits are set forth. (v. 1)
PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS 