D. God, Not People, Will Judge His Stewards

D. God, Not People, Will Judge His Stewards

1 This then is how a person should regard us: as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found faithful. 3 But to me, it is the smallest matter if I am judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear,a but I am not found innocent by this.

The one who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the appointed time. Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness, and he will expose the purposes of the heart; then each person will receive their praise from God. 6 Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your sake, that you may learn from us not to exceed what is written in Scripture, that not one of you will be puffed up, favoring one over the other. 7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not receive it? 8 You are already full; already you have become rich. Without us you have already become kings. I wish that you really did reign so that we also might reign with you. 9 For it seems to me that God has put us apostles on display last, as those appointed to die,b because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to humans. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you think you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you think you are strong. We are dishonored, but you are honored. 11 To this present hour we hunger and thirst; we are poorly dressed; we are brutally treated and homeless. 12 We toil, working with our own hands; we bless when we are cursed;c we endure when we are persecuted; 13 we answer kindly when we are slandered. We have become like the scumd of the world, the garbagee of all the world right up to now.

a Literally, “I am conscious of nothing against myself.” b “Those appointed to die”: When a victorious commander was allowed to have a victory parade in Rome, they displayed the condemned prisoners at the end of the parade. c Literally, “are reviled,” to be criticized in an abusive, angrily insulting manner. d Or “the scapegoat.” e Or “the off-scouring”: something scraped off, as off of a dirty pot or sandal.