Book of Common Prayer

Consider Us As God’s Assistants And Stewards. Don’t Judge Anything Before The Time

4 Let a person be considering^[a] us in-this-manner: as attendants^[b] of Christ and stewards^[c] of the mysteries of God. ² Here^[d], furthermore, it is sought in^[e] stewards that one be found faithful^[f]. ³ Now to me, it is a very small thing that I should be examined^[g] by you, or by a human day of judgment. But I do not even examine myself ! ⁴ For I am conscious of nothing against myself, but I have not been declared-right^[h] by this, but the One examining me is the Lord. ⁵ So then do not be judging anything before the time, until the Lord comes, Who will both^[i] illuminate the hidden things of the darkness and reveal the motives^[j] of the hearts. And at-that-time the praise^[k] will come to each one from God.

Brothers, Learn From Apollos And Paul Not To Be Puffed Up About God’s Ministers

⁶ Now brothers, I applied^[l] these things to myself and Apollos for your sakes, in order that in us you might learn the saying “Do not go^[m] beyond the things which have been written”— in order that you might not be puffed-up, one on behalf of the one against the other. ⁷ For who discerns^[n] you to be superior? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if indeed you received it, why do you boast as-though not having received it?

I Came To Fulfill The Law. Your Righteousness Must Abound More Than The Pharisees

¹⁷ “Do not think that I came to abolish^[a] the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill^[b]. ¹⁸ For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, one iota^[c] or one stroke^[d] will by no means pass away from the Law until all things take-place^[e]. ¹⁹ Therefore, whoever breaks^[f] one of the least of these commandments and in this manner teaches people— he will be called least in the kingdom of the heavens. But whoever does and teaches them— this one will be called great in the kingdom of the heavens. ²⁰ For I say to you that unless your righteousness abounds more^[g] than [that of] the scribes and Pharisees, you will by-no-means^[h] enter into the kingdom of the heavens!