Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 4:6
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church to halt their factional disputes and premature judgments while the appointed time for divine evaluation has not yet arrived.
The words — Paul uses μετεσχημάτισα (meteschēmasisa), literally "I have applied a figure," to describe how he adapts the preceding warning to himself and Apollos, while ταῦτα (tauta) points directly to the text's immediate subject.
The thread — This boundary against factional pride runs through 2 Corinthians 11:4, 12:6, and 12:19, where Paul consistently guards the message against human appropriation and boastful comparison.
Why it lands — The text commands readers to restrict their allegiance to Scripture's explicit boundaries and to reject the pride that elevates one human leader over another.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 11:4 For if someone comes and proclaims a Jesus other than the One we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit than the One you received, or a different gospel than the one you accepted, you put up with it very easily.
- 2 Corinthians 12:6 Even if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me,
- 2 Corinthians 12:19 Have you been thinking all along that we were making a defense to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of this, beloved, is to build you up.
- Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.
- Colossians 2:18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you with speculation about what he has seen. Such a person is puffed up without basis by his unspiritual mind.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake.
- John 3:26 So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.”
- Psalms 8:4 what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?
- 1 Corinthians 1:31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:4 For when one of you says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere men?