In writing to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul likened himself and Apollos to mere ministers or “under-rowers” as we understood the word in its usage. They simply shared in the task of ministry much like the galley slaves in the Roman ships. Certainly, no great personalities stood out there, no great egos. Just simple slaves doing their jobs. While “under-rower” described his position, it did not define his attitude. Paul ever rejoiced in serving or “under-rowing” on behalf of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
There was another word he used to describe himself and Apollos in this same text. “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God” (I Corinthians 4:1; emphasis added). There are at least two key thoughts tied to the work of a steward in the Scriptures. First, a steward is given his master’s assets or household goods to manage, care for, and leverage. Second, and closely tied to that deposit with the steward is an appointed time of reckoning as to his performance. This is why Paul concluded “Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful” (I Corinthians 4:2).
The “mysteries of God” Paul referred to was the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ that would serve to make Jews and Gentiles one in Christ. Paul referenced this in his letter to the Ephesians. “How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery…which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel; whereof I am made a minister” (Ephesians 3:3-7).
Paul acknowledged that the judgment of his stewardship by the Corinthians was a “very small thing.” He explained further that “I judge not mine own self…for I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord” (I Corinthians 4:3-4). Even Paul’s own viewpoint about his ministry was not sufficient to adequately judge his labor because there were things he could not speak to conclusively. “Therefore, judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who 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” (I Corinthians 4:5; emphasis added).
Every believer is a steward of God’s grace (I Peter 4:10). That deposit is full of both opportunity and obligation. As Paul pointed out earlier in this letter (I Corinthians 3:13-15), we can be assured our stewardship shall be called into accountability and nothing shall be hidden and all exposed. We must never lose sight of this truth. We live our lives in dependent stewardship to God. Nothing has changed in this regard since the creation of the world. God is the judge over all the earth! (Psalm 58:11)
From the Chaplain 