1 Corinthians 4
The Faithful Manager
1A person should think of us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of the mysteries of God.23In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful.45It is of little importance to me that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I don’t even judge myself.67For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. It is the Lord who judges me.89So don’t judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.10The Apostles’ Example of Humility
11Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another.1213For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it?1415You are already full! You are already rich! You have begun to reign as kings without us — and I wish you did reign, so that we could also reign with you!1617For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: We have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to people.1819We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!2021Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless;2223we labor, working with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;2425when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone’s garbage.26Paul’s Fatherly Care
27I’m not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children.2829For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.3031Therefore I urge you to imitate me.3233This is why I have sent Timothy to you. He is my dearly loved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you about my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church.3435Now some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.3637But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk, but the power of those who are arrogant.3839For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.4041What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?42