Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
Disproving the judicial power claimed by the Romish priesthood in the confessional.
Therefore—as the Lord is the sole Decider or Dijudicator.
judge—not the same Greek word as in I Corinthians 4:3-4, where the meaning is to approve of or decide on, the merits of one's case. Here all judgments in general are forbidden, which would, on our part, presumptuously forestall God's prerogative of final judgment.
Lord—Jesus Christ, whose "ministers" we are (I Corinthians 4:1), and who is to be the judge (John 5:22, John 5:27; Acts 10:42; Acts 17:31).
manifest . . . hearts—Our judgments now (as those of the Corinthians respecting their teachers) are necessarily defective; as we only see the outward act, we cannot see the motives of "hearts." "Faithfulness" (I Corinthians 4:2) will hereby be estimated, and the "Lord" will "justify," or the reverse (I Corinthians 4:4), according to the state of the heart.
then shall every man have praise— (I Corinthians 3:8; I Samuel 26:23; Matthew 25:21, Matthew 25:23, Matthew 25:28). Rather, "his due praise," not exaggerated praise, such as the Corinthians heaped on favorite teachers; "the praise" (so the Greek) due for acts estimated by the motives. "Then," not before: therefore wait till then (James 5:7).
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing 1 Corinthians 4:5:
Psalms 90:7-8
Isaiah 49:4
Matthew 6:4
Matthew 10:26
Luke 12:2
Romans 2:16
1 Corinthians 4:3
2 Corinthians 1:13
2 Corinthians 2:14
2 Corinthians 5:10
Philippians 4:5
1 Timothy 5:24
2 Timothy 3:9
Hebrews 13:17
2 Peter 2:11
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