Shared Word Translation

1 Corinthians 4

Servants of Christ

Let a person regard us in this way: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found faithful.

But to me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court; in fact, I do not even judge myself. For I am conscious of nothing against myself, but I am not thereby justified; but the one who judges me is the Lord.

Therefore do not judge anything before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and disclose the intentions of the hearts; and then each one’s praise will come from God.

Apostolic Example

Now these things, brothers, I have applied figuratively to myself and Apollos for your sake, so that in us you may learn not to go beyond what is written, so that no one of you becomes arrogant in favor of one against another.

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

Already you are filled! Already you have become rich! You have become kings without us! And would that you had become kings, so that we also might reign with you!

For I think that God has exhibited us apostles last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.

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

To the present hour we hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed and are roughly treated and are homeless, and we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; when slandered, we encourage. We have become like the refuse of the world, the offscouring of all things, until now.

A Father’s Warning

I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

Therefore I urge you, become imitators of me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.

Now some have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you; but I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the speech of those who are arrogant, but their power.

For the kingdom of God does not consist in speech but in power. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?