1Thus let a human regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.2Here what remains is sought among the stewards, that one be found faithful.3But to me it amounts to the least that I should be examined by you or by a human day; indeed I do not even examine myself.4For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not thereby justified; but the one who examines me is Lord.5So do not judge anything before the time, until the Lord comes, who will also illuminate the hidden things of the darkness and will reveal the plans of the hearts, and then the praise will come to each from God.6These things I have applied to myself and Apollos for your sake, brothers, that in us you may learn the saying, 'Not beyond what is written,' so that none may be inflated for the one against the other.7For who distinguishes you? And what do you have that you did not receive? But if you also received it, why do you boast as not having received it?8Already you are satisfied; already you became rich; without us you reigned; and would that you had indeed reigned, so that we also might reign with you.9For I think that God exhibited us the apostles last, as condemned to death, because we became a theatre to the world and to angels and to humans.10We are foolish for Christ, but you are thoughtful in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are honored, but we are dishonored.11To the present hour we hunger and thirst, we are poorly clothed and buffeted and homeless.12And we labor, working with our own hands. When reviled, we bless; when persecuted, we endure.13When defamed, we plead; as the garbage of the world we became, the scum of all things until now.14Not to cause you shame do I write these things, but as my beloved children I admonish you.15For if you have myriad guardians in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus through the gospel I begot you.16Therefore I plead with you: become imitators of me.17For this reason I sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ Jesus, just as I teach everywhere in every assembly.18As though I were not coming to you, some were inflated.19But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will know not the word of those inflated but the power.20For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.21What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?