Godbey - I Corinthians - 4

4:1  So let a man consider us, as ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

4:2  Here, moreover, it is required among stewards, that every one must be found faithful.

4:3  But to me it is the smallest matter, that I may be judged by you, or by human day: but I do not judge myself.

4:4  For I know nothing against myself; but in this I am not justified; and the Lord is the one judging me.

4:5  So judge nothing before the time, until the Lord may come, who will also bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts; and then praise shall be to each one from God.

4:6  But, brethren, I have transferred these things to myself and Apollos on your account: that you may learn among us not to be wise above what is written; in order that you may not be puffed up one in behalf of one against another.

4:7  For who judges you? and what have you which you did not receive. But if indeed you received it, why do you boast, as not having received it?

4:8  Already are ye filled, already have ye become rich; you did reign without us: and I would indeed that you did reign, in order that we also might reign along with you.

4:9  For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles the last, as exposed to death: that we may become a theater to the world, and to angels, and to men.

4:10  We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are glorious, but we are dishonorable.

4:11  until this hour we both hunger and thirst, and suffer for insufficient clothing, and are buffeted; and we tramp,

4:12  and we toil working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure it;

4:13  being scandalized, we entreat: we have become as the offscourings of the world, the refuse of all things until now.

4:14  I do not write these things shaming you, but admonishing you as my beloved children.

4:15  For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, but you have not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

4:16  Therefore I exhort you, be ye imitators of me.

4:17  For this same thing I sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ Jesus, as I teach everywhere in every church.

4:18  But some were inflated, as if I was not coming unto you.

4:19  But I will come to you quickly, if the Lord may will; and I will know not the word of those who have been puffed up, but the power.

4:20  For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

4:21  What do you wish? must I come unto you with the rod, or in divine love and the spirit of meekness?