So then , men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Now ... it is required - of stewards - - that they be found faithful.
I care very little ... , however - , if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact , vvv I do not even judge myself.
- My conscience is clear ... ... , but - that vvv does not vindicate me. - It is (the) Lord who Judges - me.
Therefore judge vvv nothing before (the) appointed time ; (wait) until the Lord - comes. (He) - will bring to light what is hidden - in darkness and will expose the motives of ( men’s ) hearts. - At that time each will receive (his) praise from - God.
- Brothers , I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit ... , so that you may learn from us - not (to go) beyond what is written. Then vvv vvv you will not take pride in - one (man) over vvv another.
For who makes you so superior ... ? - What do you have that vvv you did not receive ? And if vvv you did receive (it) , why do you boast as though vvv (you did not) ?
Already vvv you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us , you have become kings. - How I wish vvv you really were kings , so that we - might be kings with you !
For it seems to me that God has displayed us - apostles at the end ( of the procession ) , like ( prisoners ) appointed for death. - We have become a spectacle to the whole world , - to angels as well as to men.
We (are) fools for Christ , but you (are) wise in Christ. We (are) weak , but you (are) strong. You (are) honored , but we (are) dishonored.
To (this) very hour - we are hungry and thirsty , - we are poorly clothed , - we are brutally treated , - we are homeless.
- We work hard ... with (our) own hands. When we are vilified , we bless ; when we are persecuted , we endure (it) ;
when we are slandered , we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become - (the) scum of the earth , (the) refuse of (the world).
vvv I am not writing this to shame you , but to warn you as my beloved children.
Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ , - (you do) not (have) many fathers ; for in Christ Jesus I became your father ... through the gospel.
Therefore I urge you vvv to imitate me.
That is why ... ... I have sent you Timothy - , - - my beloved and faithful child in (the) Lord. (He) will remind you of my - way of life - in Christ Jesus , which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.
Some (of you) have become arrogant , as if I vvv were not coming - to you.
But I will come to you shortly , if the Lord is willing , and (then) I will find out not (only) what these arrogant (people) are saying , but what power (they have).
For the kingdom - of God (is) not a matter of talk but of power.
Which do you prefer ? Shall I come to you with a rod , or in love and (with) a gentle spirit ?