What does 1 Corinthians 4:2 mean?
Paul has described himself and other ministers in the church as stewards of the mysteries of God. A "steward" is someone who manages something that does not belong to him. For instance, a wealthy man may give a trusted servant the job of managing his investments or the running of his household.Obviously, then, for one to be trusted as a steward, he or she must be considered faithful. That means they need to have a reputation as someone who tells the truth, does not steal, and lives with integrity. This seems obvious.
Paul is making the connection that he and the other Christian teachers must also be found faithful by God in order to serve as stewards of the revealed mysteries of God. They must be trustworthy people of high integrity. Paul will continue by suggesting, however, that the ultimate measure of his trustworthiness comes from God, not from other people. While it's important that Christian leaders have a good reputation (1 Timothy 3:7), their real responsibility is to the Lord.