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

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

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

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

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

6 Now these  things , brethren , I have figurativvely  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 puffed up on behalf of one against the other.

7 For who makes you difer 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 recieved it ?

8 You 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 !

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

10 We 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 !

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

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

13 Being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.

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

15 For 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.

16 Therefore I urge you, imitate me.

17 For 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.

18 Now some arepuffed up, as though I were not come to you.

19 But 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.

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

21 What do you want ? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love  and a spirit of gentleness ? 1 Corinthians 4