1 Corinthians 4:1-13 ▼

1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2 Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

3 I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

4 My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.

5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

6 Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another.

7 For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

8 Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you!

9 For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men.

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 are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.

12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

13 when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.