What does 1 Corinthians 4:8 mean?
In the previous verse, Paul asked a series of pointed questions to show how foolish it was for the Corinthian Christians to be so proud and arrogant in their judgments of other people. Now he uses a series of emphatic remarks. Justifiably, many translations place exclamation points at the end of each of these sentences. Paul uses pointed words, even sarcasm.His intent is to show that the Corinthians felt they did not need anything from anyone, including those serving as ministers. They had come to a wrong conclusion about life in Christ on this earth, thinking that it could be an easy road full of pleasure, possessions, and power.
Paul says that the Corinthians Christians are so self-reliant that they are acting as wealthy people who already have all they want instead of as people who have much to gain from Christ. They are living as if they are kings, passing judgment on others and doing as they please when they please. They are not living as people under authority and in submission to God's will.
Paul's last statement in this verse is cutting and satirical: "That reality sounds good to me! I wish it were true so I could live that way, too!" He will show in the following verses that his lifestyle is quite different from theirs.
Some Bible teachers believe the Corinthians began to misunderstand Christian teachings, thinking they should be experiencing the pleasure and authority of heaven on this side of eternity. Others believe Paul means they are simply acting as if they don't need and are not accountable to Christ. Either way, their "puffed up" attitudes (1 Corinthians 4:6) show they have a flawed view of their own place in the kingdom of God.