1 Corinthians 4

1So people should think of us in this way: as assistants of Christ and as household managers put in charge of the mysteries of God. 2Now what is looked for in household managers is this: that each one proves trustworthy. 3For my part, it counts for very little if you put me on trial, or if any human court does. I do not even put myself on trial. 4I know of nothing I have done wrong, yet that is not what acquits me. The one who examines my case is the Lord. 5So do not pass sentence on anything ahead of time, before the Lord comes. He will shine light on what darkness now hides and bring the purposes of all hearts out into the open. Then each one will have from God whatever praise is due.

6Brothers and sisters, I have used myself and Apollos as the picture for all this, for your sake. From us you can learn what is meant by “Nothing beyond what is written,” and then none of you will be puffed up in favor of one person and against another. 7Who, after all, sets you above anyone else? What do you have that was not given to you? And if it was given to you, why do you take pride in it as though it were not a gift? 8So you are already full! You are already rich! Without us you have begun to rule as kings! If only you really did rule, so that we too could rule alongside you! 9As I see it, God has brought us apostles out last of all, like condemned prisoners led in to die. We have become a show for the world to watch, angels and human beings alike. 10We are fools because of Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are held in honor, but we are despised. 11Even now, at this very hour, we are hungry and thirsty, dressed in rags, beaten, with no place to call home. 12We toil, working with our own hands. Insulted, we bless; persecuted, we hold out; 13slandered, we reply with kind words. Right up to now we are treated like the dirt the world sweeps away, the scrapings everyone throws out.

14I do not write this to shame you. You are my dear children, and I am giving you a father’s warning. 15Though you may have countless guides to bring you up in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For it was I who fathered you in Christ Jesus, through the gospel. 16So I urge you: take me as your example. 17That is the reason I have sent Timothy to you. He is my dear child in the Lord, and he can be trusted. He will bring back to your minds the way I live in Christ Jesus, the same way I teach in every church everywhere. 18Some have become puffed up, assuming that I will never come to see you. 19But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills. Then I will learn, not what these puffed-up people say, but whether they have any power. 20For the kingdom of God shows itself in power, not in words. 21Which do you prefer? Am I to come to you with a rod, or with love and gentleness of spirit?