Commentary on the Epistles to the Corinthians John Calvin (continued)
Chapter
1 Corinthians 4:1-5
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 1. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
1. Sic nos aestimet homo ut ministros Christi, et dispensatores arcanorum Dei.
2. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. 2. Caeterum in ministris hoc quaeritur, ut fidelis aliquis reperiatur. 3. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
3. Mihi viro pro minimo est, a vobis diiudicari, aut ab humano die: 206 imo nec me ipsum diiudico.
4. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
4. Nullius enim rei mihi sum conscius: sed non in hoc sum justificatus. Porro qui me diiudicat, Dominus est.
5. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
5. Itaque ne ante tempus quicquam iudicetis, donec venerit Dominus, qui et illustrabit abscondita tenebrarum, et manifestabit consilia cordium; et tunc laus erit cuique a Deo.
1. Let a man so account of us As it was a matter of no little importance to see the Church in this manner torn by corrupt factions, from the likings or dislikings that were entertained towards individuals, he enters into a still more lengthened discussion as to the ministry of the word. Here there are three things to be considered in their order. In the first place, Paul describes the office of a pastor of the Church. Secondly, he shows, that it is not enough for any one to produce a title, or even to undertake the duty — a faithful administration of the office being requisite. Thirdly, as the judgment formed of him by the Corinthians was preposterous, 207 he calls both himself and 206"De iour humain — c'est a dire, de iugement d'homme;" — "Of man's day — that is to say, of man's judgment."
207"Pource que les Corinthiens iugeoyent de luy d'vne mauuaise sorte, et bien inconsidereement;" — "As the Corinthians judged of him in an unfavorable way, and very rashly."