1 Corinthians 4

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

Let someone see us as helpers of Christ and managers of God's secret plans.

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

In addition, those in charge should be trustworthy and reliable.

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.

But for me, it's not a big deal to be judged by you or by people's opinions; 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.

I don't understand things just about me; this doesn't make me righteous; but the Lord is the one who judges me.

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.

So don't judge others too quickly, wait until the Lord returns. He will reveal secrets and expose people's thoughts. Then everyone will receive recognition from God.

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.

And this, my friends, I've metaphorically applied to myself and Apollos for your benefit. This way, you can learn from us not to value people more than what's written. This prevents anyone from feeling better than others, causing division among you.

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? And what do you have that you didn't receive? If you received it, why do you boast as if you didn't get it?

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.

Now you're satisfied, now you're wealthy, you've ruled like kings without us; and I wish you did rule so we could rule together with you.

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 that God has placed us, the apostles, as if we are near death. We are shown to the world, angels, and people like a display or exhibition.

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.

We act foolishly for Jesus, but you are smart in your faith; we are weak, but you are strong; you are respected, but we are not.

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

Even now, we still don't have enough food or water, we aren't dressed properly, we get hurt, and we don't have a definite place to live.

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

And work with our hands, while also being treated badly, we respond with kindness; and when faced with persecution, we endure it.

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

We ask for help when people say bad things about us. We feel like we're seen as worthless and unwanted in the world.

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

I'm not writing this to make you feel bad, but as my dear children, I want to give you a warning.

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

Even if you have lots of teachers about Christ, not many people are like fathers to you. Because, through the good news of Christ, I've helped bring you into this family.

Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

So please, follow my example.

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 sent Timothy to you because he is my dear friend and trustworthy in the Lord. He will remind you of my teachings found in Christ, just like I teach everywhere in all churches.

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

Some people act proud, like they think I won't visit 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.

I'll visit you soon, if the Lord allows, and won't understand the words of those who think they're better, but I'll see their true strength.

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

The kingdom of God isn't about talking, it's about having real strength.

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

What do you want? Should I come to you with a punishment, or kindly and gently?