1. People should think of us as servants of Christ and managers who are entrusted with God’s mysteries.
2. Managers are required to be trustworthy.
3. It means very little to me that you or any human court should cross-examine me. I don’t even ask myself questions.
4. I have a clear conscience, but that doesn’t mean I have God’s approval. It is the Lord who cross-examines me.
5. Therefore, don’t judge anything before the appointed time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will also bring to light what is hidden in the dark and reveal people’s motives. Then each person will receive praise from God.
6. Brothers and sisters, I have applied this to Apollos and myself for your sake. You should learn from us not to go beyond what is written in Scripture. Then you won’t arrogantly place one of us in opposition to the other.
7. Who says that you are any better than other people? What do you have that wasn’t given to you? If you were given what you have, why are you bragging as if it weren’t a gift?
8. You already have what you want! You’ve already become rich! You’ve become kings without us! I wish you really were kings so that we could be kings with you.
9. As I see it, God has placed us apostles last in line, like people condemned to die. We have become a spectacle for people and angels to look at.
10. We have given up our wisdom for Christ, but you have insight because of Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.
11. To this moment, we are hungry, thirsty, poorly dressed, roughly treated, and homeless.