“Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other. For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you. For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are prudent in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are distinguished, but we are without honor. To this present hour we are both hungry and thirsty, and are poorly clothed, and are roughly treated, and are homeless; and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; when we are slandered, we try to conciliate; we have become as the scum of the world, the dregs of all things, even until now.” (1Co 4:6-13)
Paul had previously pointed out that the ministers of the Gospel were nothing to boast about because it was God who brought the increase (1 Co 3:1-7). He continues to address their arrogance by highlighting the foolishness of believing they are superior to their brothers in Christ.
Paul appears to use some irony to point out their foolish behavior. “You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us.” If they were successful, why was Paul not in like manner?
Instead, Paul was exhibited as a condemned man. Look at the contrast. We became fools for Christ’s sake, but you are prudent in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are distinguished, but we are without honor.
Dearly beloved, stay humble. Do not take sides or think too highly of yourself, for what good you have comes from God. “When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom.” (Pro 11:2)
Too many churches have split because of minor doctrinal differences that have no bearing on the fundamentals of the faith. Yes, there may be times when you should separate over doctrine, but you should never seek to cause a schism.
“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” (Jas 3:13-17)
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