Paul counsels the Corinthians to regard him and his fellow workers as ministers and stewards, not of men, but of God. Being called by God to their work in the ministry of the gospel, they were not to be considered as leaders of various factions in the church or as heads of conflicting parties. Christ has given to His workers the responsibility of dispensing His word to the world (see Matt. 28:19, 20). They are not permitted to preach and teach the opinions and beliefs of men, but are charged to present to men the pure message of salvation, unadulterated by worldly philosophy (see 1 Tim. 6:20, 21; 2 Tim. 4:1-3).

 Gr. hupēretai, “servants,” “attendants,” “ministers.” The word was originally used for the rowers on the war galleys, and distinguished these rowers from the soldiers who stood on the deck and fought. Later it came to be used with reference to any subordinate who engaged in hard labor and, in military terminology, of orderlies who served their commander in chief. This use of hupēretai as the military servants whose duty it was to attend the highest officers in the army may be reflected in Paul’s use of it in this verse. Those who are entrusted with the work of the gospel ministry are, in a special sense, the attendants of the great heavenly Commander in Chief, Jesus. They are the official, human representatives of Christ, the royal officers of His spiritual kingdom (see John 18:36, where this word is translated “servants”).

 Gr. oikonomoi, “managers,” “stewards.” The Greeks used this word in connection with the management of property, either of a household or of an estate, and applied it to the slaves or freedmen who were entrusted with the care and management of the house and land belonging to their master. The steward not only presided over the affairs of the household, but also made provision for it. This was an office of considerable responsibility. The application of this word to Christ’s ministers is singularly appropriate. The gospel minister is charged with caring for the church of God on earth and providing that which is necessary for its well-being (see John 21:15-17; 1 Peter 5:1-3).

 In stewardship, the matter of supreme importance is faithfulness. Man has absolute ownership of nothing at all in this world, not even his physical and mental strength, for “all the abilities which men possess belong to God” (5T 277). He is a created being, and as such he belongs to his Creator. He is also a redeemed being, purchased by the blood of Christ (see Acts 20:28); therefore in a double sense man is not his own. The earth and everything in it belong to God; He is the supreme owner. He has entrusted the care of His property to man, who thus becomes His steward, the one charged with the responsibility of using his Master’s goods in such a manner that benefit will accrue to God. Recognition of this relationship between man and his Creator should produce a determination to exercise great care in the use of everything entrusted to him during the period of his sojourn on this earth. The true believer in Christ will seek constantly to glorify God in his management of the things placed in his care, whether they be physical, mental, or spiritual. He will recognize that he is not free to use his goods or his talents for the satisfaction of the natural desires and ambitions of his own heart. He is under obligation at all times to place God’s interest first in all the activities of life. This truth is illustrated by the parable of the Talents (see on Matt. 25:14-30; COL 328, 329).

 Gr. mustēria (see on Rom. 11:25; 1 Cor. 2:7). The plans of God for the restoration of man to harmony with Himself were formerly but dimly understood, but now they are revealed through Jesus Christ (see Eph. 3:9-11; Col. 1:25-27; 1 Tim. 3:16). Christ’s workers are commissioned to make plain the sublime truths of the gospel to all men (Matt. 28:19, 20; Mark 16:15). They are so to labor that the wants of every soul who is seeking for righteousness are met. This responsibility of dispensing the good news of salvation rests upon every believer, for all are stewards, entrusted with the bread of life for a hungry and starving world (see 9T 246; Ed 139).