1Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.

3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human 4:3 Lit. daycourt. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

4For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.

5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the 4:5 motivescounsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

6Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be 4:6 arrogantpuffed up on behalf of one against the other.

7For who 4:7 distinguishes youmakes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

8You are already full! You are already rich! You have reigned as kings without us—and indeed I could wish you did reign, that we also might reign with you!

9For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle 4:9 Lit. theaterto the world, both to angels and to men.

10We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored!

11To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless.

12And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;

13being defamed, we 4:13 exhort, encourageentreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.

14I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.

15For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

16Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

17For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.

18Now some are 4:18 arrogantpuffed up, as though I were not coming to you.

19But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.

20For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.

21What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?