1 Corinthians 4:6

And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and [to] Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think [of men] above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

And {G1161} these things {G5023}, brethren {G80}, I have in a figure transferred {G3345} to {G1519} myself {G1683} and {G2532} to Apollos {G625} for {G1223} your sakes {G5209}; that {G2443} ye might learn {G3129} in {G1722} us {G2254} not {G3361} to think {G5426} of men above {G5228} that {G2443} which {G3739} is written {G1125}, that no {G3363} one {G1520} of you be puffed up {G5448} for {G5228} one {G1520} against {G2596} another {G2087}.

Now in what I have said here, brothers, I have used myself and Apollos as examples to teach you not to go beyond what the Tanakh says, proudly taking the side of one leader against another.

Brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us not to go beyond what is written. Then you will not take pride in one man over another.

Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other.

This verse is part of Paul's address to the Corinthian church, which was experiencing significant internal divisions and factions based on loyalty to different spiritual leaders like Paul, Apollos, and Peter.

Context

In the preceding chapters, Paul has been confronting the pride and immaturity of the Corinthian believers, particularly their tendency to boast about following specific leaders (1 Corinthians 1:12). He argues that these leaders are merely servants through whom they believed (1 Corinthians 3:5), with God being the one who gives the increase. Here, Paul explains that he has used himself and Apollos as examples ("in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos") to illustrate a broader principle for their benefit. He wants them to understand that the issue isn't about the leaders themselves, but about their own attitude of pride and favoritism that was causing disunity.

Key Themes

  • Avoiding Favoritism and Division: The core issue is the unhealthy attachment to human leaders that led to factions within the church.
  • Adherence to Scripture ("That Which is Written"): Paul emphasizes that their thinking about spiritual matters and leaders should be guided by the revealed truth of God's word, not human wisdom or preferences.
  • Humility vs. Pride: The verse directly addresses the danger of being "puffed up" (proud) by elevating one leader or group over another, which is contrary to Christian humility and unity.
  • The Role of Leaders: Leaders like Paul and Apollos are presented as examples, but the focus is on how the congregation should view and follow them based on biblical principles, not personal charisma.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "in a figure transferred" comes from the Greek word metaschematizo, which means to change the form, to transform, or to apply figuratively. Paul is saying he's using himself and Apollos as a concrete illustration of a principle meant for everyone. The term "puffed up" is from the Greek physioo, meaning to inflate, to make proud, or to be arrogant. It vividly portrays the emptiness and swelling pride that characterized the Corinthian factions.

Related Scriptures

Paul used himself and Apollos as examples to teach the Corinthians. The principle he wanted them to learn was not to think beyond what is written in Scripture. This instruction was crucial because their pride was causing them to be "puffed up" against one another, leading to disunity, which is a recurring theme Paul addresses (see 1 Corinthians 1:10).

Practical Application

This verse remains highly relevant today. It warns against elevating pastors, teachers, or Christian personalities to a status that leads to division within the church. Our ultimate loyalty and standard should be God's Word ("that which is written"). We should appreciate leaders for their service but avoid forming exclusive cliques or developing pride based on who we follow. True Christian maturity involves humility and unity, centered on Christ and the teachings of Scripture, not on human leaders.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:4

    For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or [if] ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with [him].

  • 2 Corinthians 12:19

    Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but [we do] all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:6

    For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but [now] I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me [to be], or [that] he heareth of me.

  • Colossians 2:18

    Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

  • Romans 12:3

    For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think [of himself] more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:5

    For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

  • John 3:26

    And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all [men] come to him.

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