1st Corinthians 4

1 Let a man think (and conclude) of us in this way, as the ministers of Christ (who distribute and serve the Word of life), and stewards (and guardians) of the mysteries of God (in Christ).

2 Furthermore (in that case) it is required in stewards (who manage the household of God), that a man be found faithful (in his reliance upon the faith revealed in Jesus Christ).

3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by (any) man's judgment (or examination): In fact, I do not judge my own self.

4 For I am not (even) conscious of anything against myself; yet I am not justified by this (absence of self-accusation): but the One that judges me is the Lord (who judges all things).

5 Therefore judge nothing before the time (when God will judge the secrets of men’s hearts), until the Lord come, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will make manifest the counsels (and intents) of the heart: and then every man (that believes) will receive their approval from God (and not man).

6 And brothers, these things I have applied to myself and to Apollos (as an example) for your sake; so that you might learn in us not to go beyond that which is written by men so that no one would be puffed up (thinking more highly of themselves, exalting) one (man) over another.

7 For who makes you different from another? and what do you have that you did not receive (from the Lord)? now if you did receive it, why do you glory (boasting in yourself), as if you had not (freely) received it?

8 Now you (think you already) are filled, now you (think you already) are rich, (and that) you have reigned apart from us (though it is through us that you first heard the gospel): and I wish to God that you did reign (as kings in the life which only He can give you) so that we also might reign with you.

9 For I think that God has put us on display, the apostles, (considered to be) last (in men's eyes), as it were appointed to (facing imminent) death (daily): for we are made a spectacle (of tribulations and persecutions) to the (entire) world, both to angels and to men.

10 We are fools (in the world’s eyes) for Christ's sake (because we preach Christ crucified), but (they think) you are wise in Christ; (and that) we are weak, but you are strong; you are honorable, but we are despised (of men).

11 Even at this present time we also hunger, and thirst, and are poorly dressed, and are treated with violence, and have no certain place to dwell;

12 And (we) labor, working with our own hands: being despised (and abused), we bless; (even in the midst of) being persecuted, we allow it (without retaliation):

13 Being publicly slandered, we implore (consolation): we are treated as the filth of the world (to be discarded) and are the outcasts of all things to this day.

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

15 For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet you do not have many (spiritual) fathers: for in (declaring) Christ Jesus (and Him crucified), I have begotten you through (the word of truth) the gospel.

16 I exhort you (therefore), that you be followers of my way (in the faith of Christ Jesus our Lord).

17, For this reason, I have sent Timothy to you, who is (also) my beloved son, and faithful in (his reliance upon the faith of) the Lord (Jesus), who will bring you into remembrance of my ways which are (established) in Christ (and Him crucified), (the same) as I teach everywhere in every church.

18 Now some (of you) are puffed up, as though I would not come to you (myself).

19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and you will know, (that I do) not speak (the wisdom of men) like those which are puffed up, but (in demonstration of the Spirit and) the power (of God).

20 For the kingdom of God is not (found) in (an elegant) word (of men’s wisdom), but in (His) power (to serve you with His indestructible life).