Ministry of Grace Church

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

Truth to Learn

Don’t worry about what others say but what God says.

Behind the Words

“With” is translated from the Greek preposition eis, meaning “to” or “into.” Thus, this could be translated as “But to me …”

The words “a very small thing” are from the word elachistos. This is the superlative or mikros, meaning “small.” The use of elachistos here could mean “the smallest thing,” but it is more likely that it means “a very little thing.”

“I should be judged” is from the verb anakrinō. It is made up of ana, meaning “up,” used here as an intensifier, and krinō, meaning “to discern, to decide, or to judge.” Anakrinō means “to scrutinize” or “to investigate.” It is expressed in the passive voice, indicating action done to the subject, and the subjunctive mood, indicating the possibility or probability of action.

“A human court” is translated from two words, anthrōpinos and hēmera. Anthrōpinos means “that which belongs to man” and hēmera means “day” or “daytime.” Thus, this literally means “man’s day.” Paul is making a contrast between man’s day (a human court) and the Day of the Lord.

Meaning Explained

This is a verse which is easy to misinterpret. Paul is not saying that he rejects personal opinion or the validity of a human court. And, the issue at hand is not whether Paul is more popular with the people than Peter or Apollos. He doesn’t care about such favoritism and, in fact, has criticized such actions. This is the very thing which has caused the divisions in the church. What he is saying is that regarding his own ministry, he is only concerned about what God thinks of him.

In Luke 12:35-48, Jesus teaches a parable about living a life focused on God and serving with Him in mind. In verses 42 through 48 he talks specifically about a wise steward (oikonomos, the same word translated “steward” in yesterday’s verse). He teaches that the wise steward performs his duties believing that his master is going to return some day and reward him for his faithful service. But, the unwise steward doesn’t believe his master will return soon and resorts to the ways of the world, focusing on immediate gratification. When the master does return, the unwise steward will receive harsh judgment, but the wise (faithful) servant will be rewarded. If a servant of God is faithful in his own personal life, in his home, and in his ministry, then as a wise steward he will be adequately rewarded by his Master when He returns.

In today’s verse, Paul is saying essentially the same thing about his own ministry. He is not concerned about how people will perceive him. He is focused on serving his Master and what He thinks of Paul’s service. In fact, Paul goes on to say that he is not concerned about his own judgment of himself. He knows his imperfections, but he is not biased by his own self-love in evaluating his ministry. The only judgment he is concerned with is that which the Lord will pronounce in His Day.

Application

How do you perceive your ministry for God?  Are you concerned that it is unimportant or that others will think your service for God is foolishness? Don’t be! Serve the Master faithfully in the ministry He has given you. Keep your focus on Him, not on yourself or what others may think about you.