1 This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. 7 For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?
Comment: Preachers don’t need higher degrees – Jesus had none! They need the stamp of God’s authority! An apostle was seen as one who had had a relationship with Jesus when He was carrying out His ministry, and thus their teaching had the stamp of His personal words on it. Paul had been in Jerusalem at the time of Jesus Ministry and Jesus met him on the road to Damascus calling him to obedience rather than rebellion. Sadly many peddlers of the gospel have personal and hidden agendas. The phrase ‘not to go beyond what is written‘ needs attention. Does it mean the gospel is based in the Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament? Does it mean what Paul or other apostles had taught? Does it mean for us in this age, what is written in both the Old and New Testaments (the Bible)? Many ‘puffed up’ with study or modern philosophy or their own fancy notions, think that they can improve on the ‘gospel’ and bring it up to date!
Prayer: Help me to discern Your voice amongst all that cry out to me, O Lord.
As I read it! 