Servants of Christ

1So let a man consider us, as ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2Here, moreover, it is required among stewards, that every one must be found faithful. 3But to me it is the smallest matter, that I may be judged by you, or by human day: but I do not judge myself. 4For I know nothing against myself; but in this I am not justified; and the Lord is the one judging me. 5So judge nothing before the time, until the Lord may come, who will also bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then praise shall be to each one from God.

6But, brethren, I have transferred these things to myself and Apollos on your account: that you may learn among us not to be wise above what is written; in order that you may not be puffed up one in behalf of one against another. 7For who judges you? and what have you which you did not receive. But if indeed you received it, why do you boast, as not having received it?

8Already are ye filled, already have ye become rich; you did reign without us: and I would indeed that you did reign, in order that we also might reign along with you. 9For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles the last, as exposed to death: that we may become a theater to the world, and to angels, and to men. 10We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are glorious, but we are dishonorable. 11until this hour we both hunger and thirst, and suffer for insufficient clothing, and are buffeted; and we tramp, 12and we toil working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure it; 13being scandalized, we entreat: we have become as the offscourings of the world, the refuse of all things until now.

Paul’s Fatherly Warning

14I do not write these things shaming you, but admonishing you as my beloved children. 15For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, but you have not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16Therefore I exhort you, be ye imitators of me. 17For this same thing I sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ Jesus, as I teach everywhere in every church. 18But some were inflated, as if I was not coming unto you. 19But I will come to you quickly, if the Lord may will; and I will know not the word of those who have been puffed up, but the power. 20For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 21What do you wish? must I come unto you with the rod, or in divine love and the spirit of meekness?