The nature of true apostleship

So then, let us [apostles] be looked upon as ministering servants of Christ
and stewards (trustees) of the mysteries (the secret purposes) of God.

Moreover, it is [essentially] required of stewards that a man
should be found faithful [proving himself worthy of trust].

But [as for me personally] it matters very little to me
that I should be put on trial by you [on this point],
and that you or any other human tribunal should investigate
and question and cross-question me.
I do not even put myself on trial and judge myself.

I am not conscious of anything against myself, and I feel blameless;
but I am not vindicated and acquitted before God on that account.
It is the Lord [Himself] Who examines and judges me.

So do not make any hasty or premature judgments
before the time when the Lord comes [again],
for He will both bring to light the secret things that are [now hidden] in darkness
and disclose and expose the [secret] aims (motives and purposes) of hearts.
Then every man will receive his [due] commendation from God.

Now I have applied all this [about parties and factions] to myself
and Apollos for your sakes, brethren, so that from what I have said of us [as illustrations],
you may learn [to think of men in accordance with Scripture and]
not to go beyond that which is written, that none of you may be puffed up
and inflated with pride and boast in favor of one [minister and teacher] against another.

For who separates you from the others [as a faction leader]?
[Who makes you superior and sets you apart from another,
giving you the preeminence?]
What have you that was not given to you?
If then you received it [from someone],
why do you boast as if you had not received [but had gained it by your own efforts]?

[You behave as if] you are already filled and think you have enough
[you are full and content, feeling no need of anything more]!
Already you have become rich [in spiritual gifts and graces]!
[Without any counsel or instruction from us, in your conceit],
you have ascended your thrones and come into your kingdom without including us!
And would that it were true and that you did reign,
so that we might be sharing the kingdom with you!

For it seems to me that God has made an exhibit of us apostles,
exposing us to view last [of all, like men in a triumphal procession who are]
sentenced to death [and displayed at the end of the line].
For we have become a spectacle to the world [a show in the world’s amphitheater]
with both men and angels [as spectators].

We are [looked upon as] fools on account of Christ and for His sake,
but you are [supposedly] so amazingly wise and prudent in Christ!
We are weak, but you are [so very] strong!
You are highly esteemed, but we are in disrepute and contempt!

To this hour we have gone both hungry and thirsty;
we [habitually] wear but one undergarment [and shiver in the cold];
we are roughly knocked about and wander around homeless.

And we still toil unto weariness [for our living], working hard with our own hands.
When men revile us [wound us with an accursed sting], we bless them.
When we are persecuted, we take it patiently and endure it.

When we are slandered and defamed, we [try to] answer softly and bring comfort.
We have been made and are now the rubbish and filth of the world
[the offscouring of all things, the scum of the earth].