1. Think of us as servants of Christ who have been given the work of explaining God's mysterious ways.
2. And since our first duty is to be faithful to the one we work for,
3. it doesn't matter to me if I am judged by you or even by a court of law. In fact, I don't judge myself.
4. I don't know of anything against me, but that doesn't prove that I am right. The Lord is my judge.
5. So don't judge anyone until the Lord returns. He will show what is hidden in the dark and what is in everyone's heart. Then God will be the one who praises each of us.
6. Friends, I have used Apollos and myself as examples to teach you the meaning of the saying, “Follow the rules.” I want you to stop saying that one of us is better than the other.
7. What is so special about you? What do you have that you were not given? And if it was given to you, how can you boast?
8. Are you already satisfied? Are you now rich? Have you become kings while we are still nobodies? I wish you were kings. Then we could have a share in your kingdom.