1 Corinthians 4

1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

1 人應當以我們為基督的執事，為上帝奧祕事的管家。

2 Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

2 所求於管家的，是要他有忠心。

3 I care very little, however, if I am judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.

3 我被你們論斷，或被別人論斷，我都以為極小的事；連我自己也不論斷自己。

4 My conscience is clear, but that does not vindicate me. It is the Lord who judges me.

4 我雖不覺得自己有錯，卻也不能因此得以稱義；但判斷我的乃是主。

5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

5 所以，時候未到，甚麼都不要論斷，只等主來，他要照出暗中的隱情，顯明人心的意念。那時，各人要從上帝那裏得着稱讚。

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.

6 弟兄們，我為你們的緣故，拿這些事轉比自己和亞波羅，叫你們效法我們不可過於聖經所記，免得你們自高自大，貴重這個，輕看那個。

7 For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

7 使你與人不同的是誰呢？你有甚麼不是領受的呢？若是領受的，為何自誇，彷彿不是領受的呢？

8 Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you!

8 你們已經飽足了！已經豐富了！不用我們，自己就作王了！我願意你們果真作王，叫我們也得與你們一同作王。

9 For it seems to me that God has displayed us apostles at the end of the procession, like prisoners appointed for death. We have become a spectacle to the whole world, to angels as well as to men.

9 我想上帝把我們使徒明明列在末後，好像定死罪的囚犯；因為我們成了一臺戲，給世人和天使觀看。

10 We are fools for Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honored, but we are dishonored.

10 我們為基督的緣故算是愚拙的，你們在基督裏倒是聰明的；我們軟弱，你們倒強壯；你們有榮耀，我們倒被藐視。

11 To this very hour we are hungry and thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are brutally treated, we are homeless.

11 直到如今，我們還是又飢又渴，又赤身露體，又挨打，又沒有一定的住處，

12 We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

12 並且勞苦，親手做工。被人咒罵，我們就祝福；被人逼迫，我們就忍受；

13 when we are slandered, we answer gently. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world.

13 被人毀謗，我們就善勸。直到如今，人還把我們看作世界上的污穢，萬物中的渣滓。

14 I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.

14 我寫這話，不是叫你們羞愧，乃是警戒你們，好像我所親愛的兒女一樣。

15 Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

15 你們學基督的，師傅雖有一萬，為父的卻是不多，因我在基督耶穌裏用福音生了你們。

16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

16 所以，我求你們效法我。

17 That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.

17 因此我已打發提摩太到你們那裏去。他在主裏面，是我所親愛、有忠心的兒子。他必提醒你們，記念我在基督裏怎樣行事，在各處各教會中怎樣教導人。

18 Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you.

18 有些人自高自大，以為我不到你們那裏去；

19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have.

19 然而，主若許我，我必快到你們那裏去，並且我所要知道的，不是那些自高自大之人的言語，乃是他們的權能。

20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

20 因為上帝的國不在乎言語，乃在乎權能。

21 Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?

21 你們願意怎麼樣呢？是願意我帶着刑杖到你們那裏去呢？還是要我存慈愛溫柔的心呢？