1. Here is how you should think of us. We serve Christ. We are trusted with God's secret truth.
2. Those who have been given a trust must prove that they are faithful.
3. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court. I don't even judge myself.
4. I don't feel I have done anything wrong. But that doesn't mean I'm not guilty. The Lord judges me.
5. So don't judge anything before the appointed time. Wait until the Lord returns. He will bring to light what is hidden in the dark. He will show the real reasons why people do what they do. At that time each person will receive praise from God.
6. Brothers and sisters, I have used myself and Apollos as examples to help you. You can learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Don't go beyond what is written." Then you won't be proud that you follow one person instead of another.
7. Who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you brag as though you did not?
8. You already have everything you want, don't you? Have you already become rich? Have you begun to rule as kings? And did you do that without us? I wish that you really had begun to rule. Then we could rule with you!