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Selected Verse: 1 Corinthians 4:2 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
1Co 4:2	Strong Concordance	[3739] [1161] Moreover [3063] it is required [2212] in [1722] stewards [3623], that [2443] a man [5100] be found [2147] faithful [4103].
	King James	Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
Moreover--The oldest manuscripts read, "Moreover here" (that is, on earth). The contrast thus is between man's usage as to stewards (Co1 4:2), and God's way (Co1 4:3). Though here below, in the case of stewards, inquiry is made, that one man be found (that is, proved to be) faithful; yet God's steward awaits no such judgment of man, in man's day, but the Lord's judgment in His great day. Another argument against the Corinthians for their partial preferences of certain teachers for their gifts: whereas what God requires in His stewards is faithfulness (Sa1 3:20, Margin; Heb 3:5); as indeed is required in earthly stewards, but with this difference (Co1 4:3), that God's stewards await not man's judgment to test them, but the testing which shall be in the day of the Lord.

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

Moreover--The oldest manuscripts read, "Moreover here" (that is, on earth). The contrast thus is between man's usage as to stewards (Co1 4:2), and God's way (Co1 4:3). Though here below, in the case of stewards, inquiry is made, that one man be found (that is, proved to be) faithful; yet God's steward awaits no such judgment of man, in man's day, but the Lord's judgment in His great day. Another argument against the Corinthians for their partial preferences of certain teachers for their gifts: whereas what God requires in His stewards is faithfulness (Sa1 3:20, Margin; Heb 3:5); as indeed is required in earthly stewards, but with this difference (Co1 4:3), that God's stewards await not man's judgment to test them, but the testing which shall be in the day of the Lord.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Moreover ... - The fidelity required of stewards seems to be adverted to here, in order to show that the apostles acted from a higher principle than a desire to please man, or to be regarded as at the head of a party; and they ought so to esteem them as bound, like all stewards, to be faithful to the master whom they served. It is required ... - It is expected of them; it is the "main" or "leading" thing in their office. Eminently in that office fidelity is required as an indispensable and cardinal virtue. Fidelity to the master, faithfulness to his trust, as the virtue which by way of eminence is demanded there. In other offices other virtues may be particularly required. But here fidelity is demanded. This is required particularly because it is an office of trust; because the master's goods are at his disposal; because there is so much opportunity for the steward to appropriate those goods to his own use, so that his master cannot detect it. There is a strong similarity between the office of a steward and that of a minister of the gospel. But it is not needful here to dwell on the resemblance. The idea of Paul seems to be: (1) That a minister, like a steward, is devoted to his master's service, and should regard himself as such. (2) that he should be faithful to that trust, and not abuse or violate it. (3) that he should not be judged by his fellow-stewards, or fellow-servants, but that his main desire should be to meet with the approbation of his master - A minister should be faithful for obvious reasons. Because: (a) He is appointed by Jesus Christ; (b) Because he must answer to him; (c) Because the honor of Christ, and the welfare of his kingdom is entrusted to him; and, (d) Because of the importance of the matter committed to his care; and the importance of fidelity can be measured only by the consequences of his labors to those souls in an eternal heaven or an eternal hell.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

Moreover ... - The fidelity required of stewards seems to be adverted to here, in order to show that the apostles acted from a higher principle than a desire to please man, or to be regarded as at the head of a party; and they ought so to esteem them as bound, like all stewards, to be faithful to the master whom they served.

It is required ... - It is expected of them; it is the "main" or "leading" thing in their office. Eminently in that office fidelity is required as an indispensable and cardinal virtue. Fidelity to the master, faithfulness to his trust, as the virtue which by way of eminence is demanded there. In other offices other virtues may be particularly required. But here fidelity is demanded. This is required particularly because it is an office of trust; because the master's goods are at his disposal; because there is so much opportunity for the steward to appropriate those goods to his own use, so that his master cannot detect it. There is a strong similarity between the office of a steward and that of a minister of the gospel. But it is not needful here to dwell on the resemblance. The idea of Paul seems to be:

(1) That a minister, like a steward, is devoted to his master's service, and should regard himself as such.

(2) that he should be faithful to that trust, and not abuse or violate it.

(3) that he should not be judged by his fellow-stewards, or fellow-servants, but that his main desire should be to meet with the approbation of his master - A minister should be faithful for obvious reasons. Because:

(a) He is appointed by Jesus Christ;

(b) Because he must answer to him;

(c) Because the honor of Christ, and the welfare of his kingdom is entrusted to him; and,

(d) Because of the importance of the matter committed to his care; and the importance of fidelity can be measured only by the consequences of his labors to those souls in an eternal heaven or an eternal hell.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]
It is required (ζητεῖται) Lit., it is sought for; thus agreeing with found in the following clause.

Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886]

It is required (ζητεῖται)

Lit., it is sought for; thus agreeing with found in the following clause.

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