[1] So let a man think of us as Christ`s servants, and stewards of God`s
mysteries. [2] Here, moreover, it is required of stewards, that they be
found faithful. [3] But with me it is a very small thing that I should be
judged by you, or by man`s judgment. Yes, I don`t judge my own self. [4]
For I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but he
who judges me is the Lord. [5] Therefore judge nothing before the time,
until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of
darkness, and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his
praise from God. [6] Now these things, brothers, I have in a figure
transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might
learn not to think beyond the things which are written, that none of you be
puffed up against one another. [7] For who makes you different? And what do
you have that you didn`t receive? But if you did receive it, why do you
boast as if you had not received it? [8] You are already filled. You have
already become rich. You have come to reign without us. Yes, and I wish
that you did reign, that we also might reign with you. [9] For, I think
that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to
death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men.
[10] We are fools for Christ`s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are
weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor. [11] Even
to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten, and have no
certain dwelling place. [12] We toil, working with our own hands. Being
reviled, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure. [13] Being defamed, we
entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, the dirt wiped off by all,
even until now. [14] I don`t write these things to shame you, but to
admonish you as my beloved children. [15] For though you have ten thousand
tutors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your
father through the gospel. [16] I beg you therefore, be imitators of me.
[17] Because of this I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and
faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways which are in
Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every assembly. [18] Now some are
puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. [19] But I will come to you
shortly, if the Lord is willing. 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? Will I come to you with a rod, or in
love and a spirit of gentleness?
