1 Corinthians 4:6
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1 Corinthians 4:6
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.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 4 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of fellowship, faith, prayer. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-21: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 4:6
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.
Analysis
And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes. The verb meteschēmatisa (μετεσχημάτισα, "I have transformed/applied figuratively") suggests Paul used himself and Apollos as case studies to teach broader principles without naming specific Corinthian offenders. The phrase to mē hyper ha gegraptai (τὸ μὴ ὑπὲρ ἃ γέγραπται, "not beyond what is written") likely refers to Scripture's authority—don't elevate human teachers above biblical boundaries.
That no one of you be puffed up for one against another. The verb physioō (φυσιόω, "to inflate/puff up") appears seven times in 1 Corinthians (4:6, 18, 19; 5:2; 8:1; 13:4), always negatively. It captures the Corinthians' arrogant factionalism. Their partisan boasting (hyper tou henos kata tou heterou, "for one against another") violated the unity Christ purchased. Paul's restraint in using himself and Apollos as examples—men who had no actual rivalry—gently reproves their divisiveness without publicly shaming specific individuals.
Historical Context
The Corinthian factions (1:12) likely reflected socio-economic and educational divisions. Wealthy, educated members may have preferred Apollos's eloquence (Acts 18:24), while others championed Paul's founding role or claimed superior spirituality through a direct "Christ party." Paul's diplomatic use of himself and Apollos as non-competitive examples models ministerial humility and confronts their celebrity-culture approach to teachers.
Reflection
- What Christian leaders or traditions are you tempted to champion in ways that divide rather than unify the body of Christ?
- How do you balance appreciation for gifted teachers with the warning not to elevate them "beyond what is written" in Scripture?
- In what areas might you be "puffed up"—proud of your theological camp, spiritual experiences, or preferred ministry style in ways that foster division?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 3:19, 5:6, 8:1, Romans 12:3, 2 Corinthians 4:15, 11:4