People should regard us in this manner: as of ministers of Christ, and stewards of the sacred secrets of God.
Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
But with me, it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by man’s day of judgment. In fact, I do not even judge myself.
For I am not aware of anything against myself—but I am not declared righteous by that. The one who judges me is the Lord.
So then, do not pass judgments before the proper time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the motives of people’s hearts, and then each one will have his praise from God.
Now these things, brothers and sisters, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that you learn from us not to go beyond the things that are written, so that none of you get puffed up in favor of one person over against another.
For who makes you to differ? And what do you have that you did not receive as a gift? But if you received it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
Already you are filled! Already you have become rich! Without us you have become kings! And indeed, I wish that you really did reign, so that we also could reign with you.
For I think God has put us, the apostles, on display last of all in the procession, as men doomed to death, for we are made a theatrical spectacle to the world, both to angels and people.
We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you have glory, but we have dishonor.
Even to this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are naked, and are roughly treated, and have no home,
and we labor, working with our own hands. When we are insulted, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure;
when we are defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, the offscourings of all things, even until now.
I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.
For though you have 10,000 guides in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I fathered you through the good news.
Therefore, I urge you, be imitators of me.
For 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 Christ, just as I teach them everywhere in every church.
Now some are puffed up, as if I were not coming to you.
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.
For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of meekness?