1 Corinthians 4

Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Consider us as humble servants of Christ, entrusted with God's profound secrets.

Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

It's essential for caretakers to prove themselves trustworthy.

But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.

It doesn't bother me if you or anyone else judges me; in fact, I don't even judge myself.

For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

My conscience is clear, but that doesn't prove I'm in the right. Only the Lord, who judges me, can determine that.

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Don't rush to judge anything before its time. Wait until God arrives, for He will reveal all that's hidden in the dark and expose the true intentions of our hearts. Only then, will everyone receive God's commendation.

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

Dear friends, I've used myself and Apollos as examples for you. We want you to understand that no one is superior to what is written. This way, none of you will feel overly proud or start comparing yourselves to each other.

For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?

Who made you different from others? What do you have that wasn't given to you? If it was given, why do you boast as if it wasn't?

Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.

You're content and wealthy, ruling like kings without us. I wish you truly ruled, so we could share in your reign.

For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.

I believe God has placed us, the apostles, at the end of the line, like those destined for death. We've become a public display, observed by the world, angels, and mankind.

We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.

For the love of Christ, we may seem foolish while you appear wise; we may seem weak while you stand strong; you may be respected while we are scorned.

Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;

Even now, we're hungry, thirsty, without clothes, beaten, and homeless.

And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:

We work hard, using our own hands. Even when insulted, we respond with kindness; when oppressed, we endure patiently.

Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.

Despite being slandered, we plead for understanding. We feel like the world's dirt, treated as the lowest of the low, even now.

I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

I'm not saying this to embarrass you, but as someone who loves you like a father, I'm advising you.

For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

Even if you have countless teachers guiding you in the ways of Christ, you don't have many who truly care for you like a father. But remember, through the teachings of Jesus, I have become like a father to you.

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

I urge you with all my heart, please follow my lead.

For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

I've sent you my dear and trusted son, Timotheus, to remind you of the Christ-like path I've taught in every church.

Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

Some are acting arrogant, thinking I won't come to you.

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

Soon, if God allows, I'll come to you. I won't focus on the words of the arrogant, but on their actions.

For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

God's kingdom isn't about mere talk, it's about action and strength.

What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

Do you prefer I approach you with discipline, or with love and gentleness?