The Bible Says
1 Corinthians 4:6-7 Meaning

In 1 Corinthians 4:6-7, Paul pivots from admonishing the Corinthians to stop dividing into factions, with some choosing Paul and some Apollos, and apply the principle to everyone among them. He begins: Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other (v. 6).

Paul has been applying certain principles to himself and Apollos for your sakes. This letter began with Paul admonishing the believers in Corinth to cease from dividing into “tribes” that follow certain teachers, including himself and Apollos (1 Corinthians 1:11-12). He has made the point that he did not come to them in such a manner as to try to impress (1 Corinthians 2:1).

Further, he has made the point that both he and Apollos will stand in judgment before Christ, so the Corinthian assessment of Paul and Apollos does not really matter in the grand scheme (1 Corinthians 3:5-6, 9-15). In fact, God’s rewards are so exceedingly amazing that we can’t fathom them; only the Spirit can give us insight into the amazing rewards God has in store for those who love Him and follow His ways (1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

Now Paul discloses that while all this is true as to himself and Apollos, it is true for the Corinthian believers as well. Paul has figuratively applied to himself and Apollos for the sakes of those in Corinth. This was that they might learn. Paul is teaching them an important principle. The primary principle is to follow the path set forth by the scriptures, and remain within its bounds. Paul phrases this as so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written.

The phrase so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written provides a boundary for behavior. The Corinthian believers were choosing one leader against another. Inherent in such a choice is the underlying thought that “I am the one who chooses what is good and true.” In choosing the preferred leader, each person is making an individual claim of authority.

Rather than making an assertion that they get to each determine for themselves, Paul’s aim is for them to align themselves with Scripture. The church, consisting of all believers, belongs to Christ. It is the body of Christ (Romans 12:5, Ephesians 4:12). A body is not useful when divided; dividing a body is a means of death to a body. Similarly, the body of Christ is not to be divided by personalities; it is to be united through obedience to Christ and His word.

The phrase not to exceed what is written introduces the principle that Scripture is the boundary for Christian belief and life. It is The Way (John 14:6, Acts 24:4). The word of God is an instrument for our instruction and correction, that we might live a life that is not only pleasing to God but also fulfilling for us; when we do the work God prepared for us (Ephesians 2:10) we are fulfilling the purpose for which we were designed:

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
(2 Timothy 3:16)

Going beyond Scripture puts “Me” at the center. This then places us within the world system, with its self-centered culture of the strong exploiting the weak. The very essence of Satan is to place himself at the center, raising his authority above that of God’s (Isaiah 14:13). When we place ourselves at the center, we are following the way and culture of the world, which leads to a consequence of death.

Death is separation, and when we walk apart from our design we walk apart from our purpose and therefore lose ourselves. Following God’s word leads us to walk in and connects us with our design. This leads us to fulfill/connect with our design, which is life. To become arrogant in behalf of one against the other is to place “me” above everyone else.

Paul asks the Corinthian believers for a reality check: For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (v.7).

The rhetorical question For who regards you as superior anticipates an answer of “no one.” As Paul says in his letter to the Romans, no one should think “more highly of himself than he ought to think” (Romans 12:3).

The second rhetorical question “What do you have that you did not receive?” also expects an answer, being “nothing.” Ultimately all we have comes from God. We did not create ourselves. We depend each day upon God for our very continuance of life (Colossians 1:17).

The point is that in God’s eyes all are equal. All humans are made in His image (Genesis 1:26, Malachi 2:10). This is why God hates partiality (Exodus 23:3, Deuteronomy 10:17, 16:19, 2 Chronicles 19:7, Malachi 2:9-10, Romans 2:11, James 2:9). Every blessing—spiritual gift, knowledge, or favor—ultimately comes from God.

Therefore, there is no basis for boasting. Given that all are equal in God’s sight and all benefits derive from our Creator, Paul next asks And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? (v.7).

Again, the rhetorical question expects “nothing” as an answer to, “What do you have that you did not receive?” So it follows that if you did receive something as a gift, why do you boast as if it was something you earned (as if you had not received it?) That would be like someone who can’t swim boasting of their prowess in the pool because there were given a swimming medal.

As is still common today, in ancient Corinth, wealth and status were often leveraged to attain influence. But such manipulation to elevate self above others is misguided. Paul’s rhetorical question underlines that nothing we possess is self-generated; God is the source of all good things (James 1:17).

Such humility is rooted in the reality that all are created in God’s image. It is also consistent with Jesus’ teaching; Jesus did not come to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28). Jesus also taught that whoever “exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11).

Recognizing that all is received by God's love and grace should foster gratitude rather than self-importance. Believers have been granted a stewardship, and will be held accountable. Thus, rather than have our eyes focused on others, bowing to comparison and division, we should focus on Christ and serving Him faithfully, for it is to Him we will give account (2 Corinthians 5:10).