1 Corinthians 4:6

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

Now I have applied these things, brothers, to myself and to Apollos as an illustration for your benefit, so that you might learn to “follow the written message.” [Note: This is thought to have been a common way of referring, in that day, to the importance of adhering to Old Testament Scripture]. So, none of you should be more proud of one [leader] than of another.

Cross References

2 Corinthians 11:4

For if someone comes [to you] proclaiming another “Jesus,” whom we [apostles] had not preached, or if you people receive a different “spirit” from the one you have [already] received, or a different “gospel” from the one you have [already] accepted, you put up with him quite well.

2 Corinthians 12:19

You have been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves [have you not]? We are [simply] speaking [the truth] before God in [fellowship with] Christ. But everything [we are doing], dear friends, is to build you up [spiritually].

2 Corinthians 12:6

However, if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will hold back, so that no one will think more of me than what he sees or hears from me.

Colossians 2:18

Do not allow anyone, who delights in acting humble [i.e., living an ascetic life] and who worships angels, to rob you of your reward [in heaven]. [Note: This “angel worship” could mean holding angels in high regard because of their role as God’s messengers, or the claim that God can be approached only through angelic intermediaries]. He places great importance on what he [claims to] see [i.e., visions], being inflated with pride by his fleshly mind for no [good] reason.

1 Thessalonians 1:5

for our Gospel came to you, not merely in words, but also in power, in [a demonstration of] the Holy Spirit [See I Cor. 2:4] and with [“our” or “your”] deep conviction [of its truth]. You people know what kind of men we were while living among you for your benefit.

Romans 12:3

And because of God’s unearned favor shown to me [i.e., in appointing me to be an apostle], I am telling every person among you not to think he is more important than he really is. Instead, he should have a sensible estimate [of his gifts] in harmony with the degree of faith God has given to each person.

2 Corinthians 10:7

You people are looking [merely] at the appearance of things [or, “You should look at what is obvious!” In either case, it suggests they were misjudging Paul’s ministry]. If any person is confident within himself that he belongs to Christ, he should reflect on this again: We are just as much Christ’s [servants] as he is.

2 Corinthians 4:15

For everything [i.e., that we have experienced. See verses 8-12] is for your sakes so that [God’s] unearned favor, being extended to so many, [in bringing them salvation through Paul’s ministry] may result in much thanksgiving in praise to God.

1 Corinthians 8:1

I now want to reply to the matter of idolatrous sacrifices [which you wrote to me about]. We know that we all possess knowledge. [Note: This may be a statement posed to Paul by the Corinthians, who seemed quite preoccupied with “knowledge”]. Knowledge [only] makes people arrogant, while love builds them up [spiritually].

1 Corinthians 5:6

Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little yeast can leaven the whole batch of dough?

1 Corinthians 3:19

For this world’s “wisdom” is foolishness to God. For it is written [Job 5:13], “He [i.e., God] catches wise people in their cleverness.”

2 Timothy 2:10

So, I endure everything for the elect’s sake [i.e., God’s people], so that they can obtain the salvation which comes through Christ Jesus, with [its] never ending splendor.

2 Corinthians 10:15

So, we will not go beyond our proper limits by boasting of work [already] done by others, but we hope that, as your faith increases, our field of service among you will [also] greatly expand.

2 Corinthians 10:12

For we do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with certain people who commend themselves. People who measure their[spiritual] stature by what [they think] they are, and compare their [spiritual] status with their own set of standards, are foolish.

1 Corinthians 13:4

[Note: The following traits should be understood in the context of love for people]. Love is patient [with people], and is kind [to them]; love does not envy [what people are or have]; love does not boast [of being superior to others], it is not arrogant [in dealing with people].

1 Corinthians 9:23

And everything I do is for the sake of [the work of] the Gospel, so that I may share in its benefits.

1 Corinthians 5:2

And you are arrogant [about it] instead [of being ashamed] Should you not be grieved to the point of removing from your fellowship the person who has done this [terrible] deed?

1 Corinthians 3:21

So, no one should boast about [the knowledge or position of] people. For all things belong to you,

1 Corinthians 1:31

So, as it is written [Jer. 9:23f], “The person who [wants to] boast, let him boast about the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 1:19

For it is written [Isa. 29:14], “I [i.e., God] will destroy the wisdom of wise people, and will set aside [i.e., hinder] the understanding of intelligent people.”

1 Corinthians 1:12

Now this is what I mean: Each of you is saying, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another “I am a follower of Apollos,” and another “I am a follower of Cephas [i.e., Peter],” and another “I am a follower of Christ.”

Acts 18:24

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria [Egypt] and an effective speaker, who was well-grounded in the [Old Testament] Scriptures, came to Ephesus.

Acts 19:1

Then, while Apollos was [still] at Corinth, Paul traveled through the [western] districts and came to Ephesus where he found some disciples.

2 Corinthians 12:20

For I am afraid that somehow, when I come [to you], I might not find you the way I want you to be, and you might not find me the way you want me to be. I am afraid there might be quarrelling, jealousy, angry outbursts, factious spirits, slander, gossip, arrogance and [other] disturbances [there].