Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Corinthians 4:6. It’s a really important message about humility and avoiding pride. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the author (Paul) is deliberately putting himself into a situation where he's being vulnerable and exposed, so he can teach others how to think wisely and avoid arrogance. He’s setting himself up as a target – essentially, he's letting Apollos (a trusted servant) handle things, and he wants to show them that it’s okay to be humble and not get carried away by what others think or say. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself…” – This is a bit tricky. “Figure transferred” means he's moving himself into a role – Apollos will be the one who takes the lead and teaches others. It’s not about him being in Apollos; it's about him being a vehicle for teaching. “…and [to] Apollos for your sakes…” - This is crucial: he’s giving Apollos this opportunity because you (the readers) are his priority. He’s trusting Apollos to carry on the message and teach others. “That ye might learn in us not to think men above that which is written…” – This is the core of the message. “Think men above that which is written” means don't get carried away by what other people say, or judge them too harshly. It’s about focusing on God's truth and avoiding pride. “that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.” – This is the consequence of not being humble. “Puffed up” means to become arrogant and self-important. This verse warns us against this, because it can lead to arguments, disagreements, and even conflict. It's about avoiding a competitive or judgmental attitude. In short: Paul is setting himself as a model of humility to encourage his readers to remain focused on God’s truth and avoid being puffed up by the opinions or actions of others. It's a call for grace, self-awareness, and a commitment to living in a spirit of love and peace. Why is this important? This verse speaks to our own tendencies – we can easily fall into pride and become argumentative. Paul’s example encourages us to be mindful of our thoughts and actions and to always prioritize God's perspective over our own judgment. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Give some examples of how this principle applies to everyday life?