1 Corinthians 4:18 Commentary and Bible Study

Once again, we exercise caution. We do not run away with the idea that all the Corinthian believers were puffed up. ‘Some’, says the apostle Paul. Some had become very proud, even arrogant, and yet they are addressed as believers. Is it possible for believers to become proud and arrogant? Yes, tragically, it is. We can forfeit and lose humility. We can stop obeying the Lord. We can stop living a life of sacrifice, in which we are committed to him, and we are under his rule, and we begin to get heady and proud. Some in Corinth had become so proud, they even outwardly doubted whether the apostle Paul was an apostle at all. They would speak their opinions and their mind. They knew better. Why, they were Corinthians: Corinth was a very proud city, proud of its culture. So they wanted preachers who were deeply impressive. The apostle Paul was rather a gentle preacher and speaker. ‘No, give us somebody more impressive, after the manner of the Corinthians. Give us somebody who follows the laws of Greek oratory, and plays histrionic tricks, and has all kinds of wonderful philosophical quotations at hand. The apostle Paul is very unimpressive to us.’