1 This is how people should regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, what is required of stewards is that each be found faithful. 3 But to me it is a very small matter to be judged by you or by a human court. I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am aware of nothing against myself, but this does not justify me. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 So do not judge anything before the time, until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of hearts. Then each will receive praise from God.

6 Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your sake, so that in us you may learn, “Do not go beyond what is written,” so that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who makes you different? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as though you had not received it?

8 Already you are satisfied! Already you have become rich! You have begun to reign without us! If only you really did reign, so that we too might reign with you! 9 For I think God has displayed us apostles last, like men condemned to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, to angels and human beings. 10 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. 11 To this very hour we hunger and thirst, lack clothing, are beaten, and have no home, 12 and we toil, working with our own hands. When insulted, we bless; when persecuted, we endure; 13 when slandered, we appeal. We have become like the world’s garbage, everyone’s refuse, to this very day.

14 I am not writing these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For though you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you, be imitators of me. 17 For this reason I sent Timothy to you, my beloved child, faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every church. 18 Now some have become puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the speech of those who are puffed up, but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in speech but in power. 21 What do you want? Should I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?