1. So let a man think of us as Messiah’s servants, and stewards of God’s mysteries.
2. Here, moreover, it is required of stewards, that they be found faithful.
3. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by man’s judgement. Yes, I don’t judge my own self.
4. For I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but he who judges me is the Lord.
5. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each man will get his praise from God.
6. Now these things, brothers, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to think beyond the things which are written, that none of you be puffed up against one another.
7. For who makes you different? And what do you have that you didn’t receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
8. You are already filled. You have already become rich. You have come to reign without us. Yes, and I wish that you did reign, that we also might reign with you.
9. For, I think that God has displayed us, the emissaries, last of all, like men sentenced to death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men.