What happensPermalink
Paul calls himself and the other apostles “servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries,” accountable to the Lord alone. Therefore, human judgment—even self-judgment—is premature; only God sees the heart. Paul reminds the Corinthians that everything they have is received, not earned. With biting irony he contrasts their pride and self-sufficiency with the apostles’ poverty, weakness, and suffering. He has sent Timothy to remind them of this gospel life.
Why it mattersPermalink
Paul again rebukes the Corinthians for having worldly values. True apostleship and mature faith look like faithful stewardship, not status. Paul’s irony exposes pride, while his fatherly love calls the Corinthians back to the cross’s pattern: weakness through which God’s power is revealed.
Key versePermalink
What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?