Parallel Bible results for "1 corinthians 4"

1 Corinthians 4

The Darby Translation DBY

1 Let a man so account of us as servants of Christ, and stewards of [the] mysteries of God.

2 Here, further, it is sought in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

3 But for me it is the very smallest matter that I be examined of you or of man's day. Nor do I even examine myself.

4 For I am conscious of nothing in myself; but I am not justified by this: but he that examines me is the Lord.

5 So that do not judge anything before [the] time, until the Lord shall come, who shall also both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and shall make manifest the counsels of hearts; and then shall each have [his] praise from God.

6 Now these things, brethren, I have transferred, in their application, to myself and Apollos, for your sakes, that ye may learn in us the [lesson of] not [letting your thoughts go] above what is written, that ye may not be puffed up one for [such a] one against another.

7 For who makes thee to differ? and what hast thou which thou hast not received? but if also thou hast received, why boastest thou as not receiving?

8 Already ye are filled; already ye have been enriched; ye have reigned without us; and I would that ye reigned, that *we* also might reign with you.

9 For I think that God has set us the apostles for the last, as appointed to death. For we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men.

10 *We* [are] fools for Christ's sake, but *ye* prudent in Christ: *we* weak, but *ye* strong: *ye* glorious, but *we* in dishonour.

11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are in nakedness, and buffeted, and wander without a home,

12 and labour, working with our own hands. Railed at, we bless; persecuted, we suffer [it];

13 insulted, we entreat: we are become as [the] offscouring of the world, [the] refuse of all, until now.

14 Not [as] chiding do I write these things to you, but as my beloved children I admonish [you].

15 For if ye should have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus *I* have begotten you through the glad tidings.

16 I entreat you therefore, be my imitators.

17 For this reason I have sent to you Timotheus, who is my beloved and faithful child in [the] Lord, who shall put you in mind of my ways [as] they [are] in Christ, according as I teach everywhere in every assembly.

18 But some have been puffed up, as if I were not coming to you;

19 but I will come quickly to you, if the Lord will; and I will know, not the word of those that are puffed up, but the power.

20 For the kingdom of God [is] not in word, but in power.

21 What will ye? that I come to you with a rod; or in love, and [in] a spirit of meekness?

New Century Version NCV

1 People should think of us as servants of Christ, the ones God has trusted with his secrets.

2 Now in this way those who are trusted with something valuable must show they are worthy of that trust.

3 As for myself, I do not care if I am judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself.

4 I know of no wrong I have done, but this does not make me right before the Lord. The Lord is the One who judges me.

5 So do not judge before the right time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light things that are now hidden in darkness, and will make known the secret purposes of people's hearts. Then God will praise each one of them.

6 Brothers and sisters, I have used Apollos and myself as examples so you could learn through us the meaning of the saying, "Follow only what is written in the Scriptures." Then you will not be more proud of one person than another.

7 Who says you are better than others? What do you have that was not given to you? And if it was given to you, why do you brag as if you did not receive it as a gift?

8 You think you already have everything you need. You think you are rich. You think you have become kings without us. I wish you really were kings so we could be kings together with you.

9 But it seems to me that God has put us apostles in last place, like those sentenced to die. We are like a show for the whole world to see -- angels and people.

10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are very wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You receive honor, but we are shamed.

11 Even to this very hour we do not have enough to eat or drink or to wear. We are often beaten, and we have no homes in which to live.

12 We work hard with our own hands for our food. When people curse us, we bless them. When they hurt us, we put up with it.

13 When they tell evil lies about us, we speak nice words about them. Even today, we are treated as though we were the garbage of the world -- the filth of the earth.

14 I am not trying to make you feel ashamed. I am writing this to give you a warning as my own dear children.

15 For though you may have ten thousand teachers in Christ, you do not have many fathers. Through the Good News I became your father in Christ Jesus,

16 so I beg you, please follow my example.

17 That is why I am sending to you Timothy, my son in the Lord. I love Timothy, and he is faithful. He will help you remember my way of life in Christ Jesus, just as I teach it in all the churches everywhere.

18 Some of you have become proud, thinking that I will not come to you again.

19 But I will come to you very soon if the Lord wishes. Then I will know what the proud ones do, not what they say,

20 because the kingdom of God is present not in talk but in power.

21 Which do you want: that I come to you with punishment or with love and gentleness?