18 (A)Let no one deceive himself. (B)If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For (C)the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, (D)“He catches the wise in their craftiness,” 20 and again, (E)“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” 21 So (F)let no one boast in men. For (G)all things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all are yours, 23 and (H)you are Christ's, and (I)Christ is God's.

The Ministry of Apostles

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and (J)stewards of the mysteries of God.

18 Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise(A) by the standards of this age,(B) you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness(C) in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”[a];(D) 20 and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”[b](E) 21 So then, no more boasting about human leaders!(F) All things are yours,(G) 22 whether Paul or Apollos(H) or Cephas[c](I) or the world or life or death or the present or the future(J)—all are yours, 23 and you are of Christ,(K) and Christ is of God.

The Nature of True Apostleship

This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants(L) of Christ and as those entrusted(M) with the mysteries(N) God has revealed.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 3:19 Job 5:13
  2. 1 Corinthians 3:20 Psalm 94:11
  3. 1 Corinthians 3:22 That is, Peter