1 Corinthians 4:1-16

A person should think of us in this way: as servants  of Christ and managers  of the mysteries of God.  In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful.  It is of little  importance to me that I should be judged  by you or by any human court.  In fact, I don’t even judge myself. For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified  by this. It is the Lord who judges me. So don’t judge  anything prematurely, before the Lord comes,  who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.  Now, brothers and sisters,  I have applied these things to myself and Apollos  for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another. For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it? You are already full! You are already rich! You have begun to reign as kings without us — and I wish you did reign, so that we could also reign with you! For I think God has displayed us, the apostles, in last place, like men condemned to die: We have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to people. We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ!  We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! Up to the present hour we are both hungry and thirsty; we are poorly clothed, roughly treated, homeless; we labor, working  with our own hands.  When we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we respond graciously. Even now, we are like the scum of the earth, like everyone’s garbage.  I’m not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children.  For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers. For I became your father  in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Therefore I urge you to imitate me.