Real Riches

Q: Could you please explain 1 Corinthians 4:8?

A: I include the verse for quick reference: “Already you have all you want! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And would that you did reign, so that we might share the rule with you!”

Paul here compares the true riches of salvation through Christ with the false riches of self-importance that seem to have been troubling the Corinthian congregation. If you go on, you see how he shows the shameful treatment of the world against Christ’s apostles, as opposed to the fine times enjoyed by those in Corinth (esp. vv 8-11). This will appear in other parts of the epistles to Corinth, including his condemnation of their communion practice, where the rich eat and drink while the poor are kept away (11:20-22).

Scripture quoted from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version™, © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.

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Walter Snyder is the pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma, Missouri and coauthor of the book What Do Lutherans Believe.