1 Corinthians 4:2 - Exposition

Moreover . The true reading ( א , A, B, C, D, F) is ὧδε κοιπὸν , here, moreover; i.e. "on this earth." It may be required of him as a minister that he should be faithful, but if, being faithful, he is misjudged and depreciated, his appeal lies to a truer and loftier tribunal. It is required. This is the reading of א , A, C, D. Other manuscripts have "ye require;" but the sound of the two words in Hellenistic Greek would have been almost indistinguishable. That a man be found faithful. We have a right to demand that on trial he be proved to be honest and diligent. So our Lord has described the "faithful and wise steward" in Luke 12:42 , Luke 12:43 . What is required of ministers is neither brilliancy, nor eloquence, nor profound knowledge, nor success, but only—fidelity.