The Nature of True Apostleship

4 This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servantsx of Christ and as those entrustedy with the mysteriesz God has revealed. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My consciencea is clear, but that does not make me innocent.b It is the Lord who judges me.c 5 Therefore judge nothingd before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes.e He will bring to lightf what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.g

6 Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, “Do not go beyond what is written.”h Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.i 7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive?j And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?