1Let a man so account of us , as of the ministers of Christ , and stewards of the mysteries of God . 2Moreover it is required in stewards , that a man be found faithful . 3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you , or of man’s judgment : yea , I judge not mine own self . 4For I know nothing by myself ; yet am I not hereby justified : but he that judgeth me is the Lord . 5Therefore judge nothing before the time , until the Lord come , who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness , and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts : and then shall every man have praise of God .
The Danger of Pride
6And these things , brethren , I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes ; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written , that no one of you be puffed up for one against another . 7For who maketh thee to differ from another ? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive ? now if thou didst receive it , why dost thou glory , as if thou hadst not received it ? 8Now ye are full , now ye are rich , ye have reigned as kings without us : and I would to God ye did reign , that we also might reign with you . 9For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last , as it were appointed to death : for we are made a spectacle unto the world , and to angels , and to men . 10We are fools for Christ’s sake , but ye are wise in Christ ; we are weak , but ye are strong ; ye are honourable , but we are despised . 11Even unto this present hour we both hunger , and thirst , and are naked , and are buffeted , and have no certain dwellingplace ; 12And labour , working with our own hands : being reviled , we bless ; being persecuted , we suffer it : 13Being defamed , we intreat : we are made as the filth of the world , and are the offscouring of all things unto this day .
Paul's Fatherly Role
14I write not these things to shame you , but as my beloved sons I warn you . 15For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ , yet have ye not many fathers : for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel . 16Wherefore I beseech you , be ye followers of me . 17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus , who is my beloved son , and faithful in the Lord , who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ , as I teach every where in every church . 18Now some are puffed up , as though I would not come to you . 19But I will come to you shortly , if the Lord will , and will know , not the speech of them which are puffed up , but the power . 20For the kingdom of God is not in word , but in power . 21What will ye ? shall I come unto you with a rod , or in love , and in the spirit of meekness ?