1 ¶ Let us be regarded as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

2 Moreover it is required that those who are stewards, be found faithful.

3 But as for me if I am judged by you, or by any human court, it is of little importance: I do not even judge myself.

4 For I am not aware of doing anything wrong; but that does not make me innocent or obedient: 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 the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the motives in men’s hearts: and then each will receive his due praise from God.

6 Now, brethren, I have figuratively applied these things to myself and to Apollos for your benefit; that you might learn from us the meaning of the saying, Do not go beyond what is written. Then you will not be taking pride in one man over against another.

7 ¶ For who makes you different from anyone else? and what do you have that you did not receive? now if you received it, why do you boast of it, as if you did not receive it?

8 You think you already have all you want, you think you are already rich, you have reigned as kings without us: and I wish you really did reign, that we might reign with you.

9 For it seems to me that God has placed us, the apostles, last in the procession, like men sentenced to die: for we have been made a spectacle to the entire universe, to angels as well as to men.

10 We are regarded as fools for Christ’s sake, but you are so wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are honored, but we are dishonored.

11 Even to this present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and are homeless;

12 And we labor, working with our own hands: when we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we suffer it:

13 When we are slandered, we speak kindly: up to now we have become the scum of the earth, and the refuge of the world.

14 ¶ I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn you as my dear children.

15 For though you should have ten thousand to watch over you in Christ, You do not have many fathers: for in Christ I alone have begotten you through the gospel.

16 Therefore, I urge you to imitate me.

17 ¶ For this reason I am sending Timothy to you, who is my faithful and beloved son in the Lord. He will remind you of my ways in Christ, even as I continue to teach everywhere in every church.

18 Now some of you are puffed up, counting on me not coming to you.

19 But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will know, not only what those who are puffed up are saying, but what power they have.

20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power.