Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (1 Co 4:6–7).
Now these things
Paul starts this body of thought by saying, “Now these things,” Reminding the student that we must always pay attention to the immediate context. When Paul refers to "these things," he is referring to the preceding verses and the teachings he has been conveying to the Corinthians. In other words, Paul is speaking to the issue of divisions within the Corinthian church, where some were aligning themselves with different leaders like Paul or Apollos, leading to pride and boasting. So, "these things" refer to the teachings Paul has presented in his letter, particularly regarding the unity of believers and the need to avoid pride and divisions based on human leaders.
That you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written
Paul urges the Corinthians not to “think beyond what is written.” So, we can see the weight of authority Paul puts on the Old Testament text of scripture. We can point to at least 4 examples of where Paul pulled from the Old Testament to secure the points he is making.
· 1 Corinthians 1:19: "For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.'" - This is a quotation from Isaiah 29:14.
· 1 Corinthians 1:31: "Therefore, as it is written: 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'" - This is a paraphrase of Jeremiah 9:24.
· 1 Corinthians 2:9: "However, as it is written: 'What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love him.'" - This is a quotation or allusion to Isaiah 64:4.
· 1 Corinthians 3:19: "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: 'He catches the wise in their craftiness.'" - This is a quotation from Job 5:13.
When Paul urges the Corinthians not to go beyond what is written, he argues that they should hold to what today we call a biblical worldview. Paul's frequent use of Old Testament scriptures in his writings indicates his continuity with an affirmation of the premises set forth by the prophets who came before him regarding the nature of God in relationship to humanity. Through his references, Paul upholds and builds upon the foundational understanding of God's character and His interaction with mankind as established in the Hebrew Scriptures.
We would argue that Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 4:6, "Do not go beyond what is written," can be understood as an argument for maintaining a biblical worldview rather than attempting to incorporate worldly wisdom into their thinking and synchronize it with the teachings of the Bible. He means that they should not exceed or overestimate their importance or knowledge. He reminds them that he and Apollos are merely servants of Christ, and God ultimately deserves all the credit for their gifts or abilities.
And what do you have that you did not receive?
The following passage highlights the intriguing dynamics presented in the subsequent discussion. It presents a significant consideration alongside a thought-provoking question. Specifically, Paul raises the question, "What do you have that you did not receive?" to challenge the Corinthians' prideful and boastful attitudes, which contributed to the church’s divisions.
The purpose of this question is to remind the Corinthians that every good thing they possess, including their spiritual gifts, originates from God. It addresses the inquiry of "Who makes you different?" regarding their unique giftings, highlighting that it is indeed God. The essence lies in understanding that their abilities, knowledge, and blessings are not a result of their merit, talents, or superiority over others but rather a demonstration of God's graciousness.
Therefore, Paul's words serve as a reprimand to those who boasted about their preferred leaders as if they possessed something exceptional or self-achieved. He aims to redirect their attention toward humility and unity. Acknowledging that everything they possess is a gift from God makes it clear why he posed the question, "Who is Paul? Who is Apollos?" The simple answer to these questions is that they are mere servants of God.
In essence, Paul reminds the Corinthian Church, and by extension, the modern church, that we should relinquish our prideful divisions and embrace the common foundation of grace and reliance on God.
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