1 Corinthians 4:6
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul isn't just saying "stick to the Bible." He's urging the Corinthians to look at him and Apollos as living examples of humility, showing them that their authority and teachings are grounded in Scripture, not personal opinions, so the church won't get divisive over rival leaders. This is about using Scripture as a practical guide for church leadership and unity, not just theological accuracy.
Paul is addressing the deep divisions within the Corinthian church, where people were aligning themselves with different spiritual leaders like himself and Apollos. He's emphasizing that their true allegiance should be to Christ alone and that their pride in human leaders is causing them to go astray. This verse serves as a concluding point to his discussion on spiritual leadership, urging the Corinthians to base their understanding and unity on Scripture, not on favoritancy towards any one teacher.
Ever feel tempted to go your own way, even in faith? Paul warns us about stepping outside the boundaries of God's Word.
The Danger of Unauthorized Additions
Paul uses himself and Apollos as examples here. They could have puffed themselves up, leaning on their own gifts or interpretations, but they chose not to. Why? Because their aim was to lead the Corinthian believers "not to go beyond what is written."
This isn't about stifling the Holy Spirit or ignoring new insights. It's about grounding all our teaching and practice in the solid foundation of Scripture. When we add our own opinions or traditions as if they were divine commands, we create divisions and lead people astray.
Why do we so often take sides, elevating one leader or teaching over another? Paul points to a root issue: pride.
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The Cure for Party Spirit
The ultimate goal Paul has in mind is to prevent the Corinthians from becoming "puffed up in favor of one against another." This prideful boasting and division is a direct result of not staying within the bounds of Scripture.
When we base our loyalties on human leaders or specific interpretations rather than on the unified truth of God's Word, we create factions. True spiritual growth happens when we see ourselves and others as humble servants, united by the unchanging truth of God's revelation, not by who we admire most.
Understand the original words
adelphoi · Greek Noun
A common term for fellow believers in the church, emphasizing the relational equality and family bond established by faith in Christ.
physiousthe · Greek Verb
The state of being prideful or conceited, often used in Paul's writings to describe the arrogance of those who boast in human teachers or wisdom.
The divisions in Corinth, with factions aligning behind different leaders like Paul and Apollos, were a serious threat to the unity of the new church. Paul's instruction to 'not go beyond what is written' emphasizes the authority of Scripture as a check against pride and personal preference.
c. AD 48-50
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas travel through Asia Minor, establishing churches and appointing elders. This period sees the initial spread of the Gospel to Gentile communities.
c. AD 50
Council of Jerusalem
A crucial meeting where apostles and elders decide that Gentile converts do not need to follow the Mosaic Law. This addresses major theological and practical divisions within the early church.
c. AD 50-52— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spends significant time in Corinth, a major Roman port city known for its wealth, diverse population, and moral challenges. He establishes a church there, facing opposition but also seeing many converts.
c. AD 55
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul writes this letter from Ephesus in response to reports and a letter from the Corinthian church. He addresses a range of serious issues, including divisions, immorality, and doctrinal disputes.
c. AD 56-57
Paul's Second Visit to Corinth
Paul makes a difficult ('painful') second visit to Corinth, attempting to resolve the issues addressed in his letter. This visit highlights the ongoing tensions within the church.
Paul warns against preaching any other gospel, reinforcing the idea of not going beyond what is written or established by God's revelation.
Deuteronomy 4:2This Old Testament passage directly instructs Israel not to add to God's commands or take away from them, echoing Paul's principle of staying within established boundaries.
Romans 12:3Paul urges believers not to think of themselves more highly than they ought, directly addressing the issue of pride and 'puffed up' attitudes that the Corinthian church was struggling with.
1 Corinthians 3:21This verse states that 'all things are yours,' whether Paul or Apollos or the world or life or death or the present or the future—all belong to you, and you to Christ, and Christ to God, which clarifies the ultimate source of authority and belonging, countering partisan pride.
Paul isn't just saying "stick to the Bible." He's urging the Corinthians to look at him and Apollos as living examples of humility, showing them that their authority and teachings are grounded in Scripture, not personal opinions, so the church won't get divisive over rival leaders. This is about using Scripture as a practical guide for church leadership and unity, not just theological accuracy.
Paul is addressing the deep divisions within the Corinthian church, where people were aligning themselves with different spiritual leaders like himself and Apollos. He's emphasizing that their true allegiance should be to Christ alone and that their pride in human leaders is causing them to go astray. This verse serves as a concluding point to his discussion on spiritual leadership, urging the Corinthians to base their understanding and unity on Scripture, not on favoritancy towards any one teacher.
Paul is addressing the deep divisions within the Corinthian church, where people were aligning themselves with different spiritual leaders like himself and Apollos. He's emphasizing that their true allegiance should be to Christ alone and that their pride in human leaders is causing them to go astray. This verse serves as a concluding point to his discussion on spiritual leadership, urging the Corinthians to base their understanding and unity on Scripture, not on favoritancy towards any one teacher.
"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." — Paul isn't just saying "stick to the Bible." He's urging the Corinthians to look at him and Apollos as living examples of humility, showing them that their authority and teachings are grounded in…
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