1 Corinthians 4

1This is how a person should regard us: as servants of Messiah and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found faithful.

3But to me it is a very small thing that I should be examined by you or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself.

4For I am aware of nothing against myself, but I am not justified by this; the one who examines me is the Lord.

5Therefore, do not judge anything before the time, until the Lord comes, who will also bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the purposes of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.

6These things, brothers, I have applied to myself and Apollos for your sake, so that in us you may learn this: “Do not go beyond what is written,” so that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.

7For who makes you different? And what do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

8Already you have had your fill; already you have become rich; apart from us you have become kings. And I wish indeed that you had become kings, so that we also might reign with you.

9For it seems to me that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.

10We are fools for Messiah, but you are wise in Messiah; we are weak, but you are strong; you are honored, but we are dishonored.

11Up to this present hour we are hungry and thirsty, and poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless.

12and we labor, working with our own hands. When insulted, we bless; when persecuted, we endure;

13When slandered, we appeal; we have become like the world's refuse, the scum of all things, until now.

14I am not writing these things to shame you, but admonishing you as my beloved children.

15For even if you have countless guardians in Messiah, yet not many fathers; for in Messiah Jesus, through the gospel, I became your father.

16Therefore I urge you: become imitators of me.

17For this reason I sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my ways in Messiah Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church.

18Some have become puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.

19But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the speech 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? Should I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?