1 Corinthians 3:21-4:7

Christian Standard Bible

²¹ So let no one boast in human leaders, for everything is yours^(A)— ²² whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas^(B) or the world or life^(C) or death^(D) or things present or things to come^(E)—everything is yours, ²³ and you belong to Christ,^(F) and Christ belongs to God.

The Faithful Manager

4 A person should think of us in this way: as servants^(G) of Christ and managers^(H) of the mysteries of God.^{(I) 2} In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful.^{(J) 3} It is of little^(K) importance to me that I should be judged^(L) by you or by any human court.^[a] In fact, I don’t even judge myself. ⁴ For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified^(M) by this. It is the Lord who judges me. ⁵ So don’t judge^(N) anything prematurely, before the Lord comes,^(O) who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.^(P)

The Apostles’ Example of Humility

⁶ Now, brothers and sisters,^(Q) I have applied these things to myself and Apollos^(R) for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying: “Nothing beyond what is written.” The purpose is that none of you will be arrogant, favoring one person over another. ⁷ For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it?