1This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ, and stewards entrusted with the mysteries that God has revealed 2And it is required of stewards, who have been given a trust, that they prove faithful. 3But I care little if I should be judged by you, or by any human entity; indeed, I do not even judge my own self. 4For my conscience is clear; yet that does not prove me innocent - the Lord is the One Who judges me. 5Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time, wait until the Lord comes, Who will bring to light the things hidden in darkness, and will expose the motives of our hearts. At that time, each shall receive whatever praise they are due from God.

6And, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and to Apollos for your benefit; that you might learn from us what is written: do not think highly of one leader to the detriment of another. 7For Who makes you different from another? And what do you have that you did not receive as a gift from God? Now if you did receive it from Him, why do you boast as if you had not received it as a gift? 8You act as if you already have all that you want or need; that you are already rich (in God’s blessings) without us, and as if you have already begun to reign in God’s kingdom! I wish to God you did indeed reign, that we also might reign with you. 9For I sometimes think that God has put us, the apostles, at the end of the procession, like those in a procession that are appointed to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world - to angels, and to men, as well.

10We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, while we are despised. 11Even up to this present hour, we go hungry and thirsty, and are in rags, and are mistreated, and have no certain home; 12We work hard with our own hands. When we are reviled, we bless; and when persecuted, we endure it. 13When we are slandered, we respond kindly; we are regarded as the scum of the earth, and are treated like the world’s garbage – right up to this day.

14I do not write these things to shame you, but to warn you, as my beloved children. 15For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, yet you still do not have multiple fathers; for in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the gospel. 16Therefore, I urge you to follow and emulate me. 17For this reason, I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved son in Christ, and faithful in the Lord, who will remind you of my way of life, which is in harmony with the teachings of Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church. 18Some of you have become arrogant, thinking I will never visit you again. 19But I will come to you shortly, Lord willing, and then I will find out, not just what those arrogant people say, but whether they actually do have any power. 20For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power. 21What would you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or in love with a gentle spirit?