1 Corinthians 4:6 – “Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, ‘Do not go beyond what is written.’ Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other.”

Extended Explanation

Paul is addressing a major issue in the Corinthian church—pride and division. The believers in Corinth had been dividing themselves into factions, boasting about which leader they followed (Paul, Apollos, or Peter) instead of focusing on Christ (1 Corinthians 1:12).

In this verse, Paul explains that he and Apollos have been used as examples to teach the church a lesson: “Do not go beyond what is written.” This phrase likely means staying within the boundaries of God’s Word, instead of forming opinions and allegiances based on human wisdom, personal preferences, or pride.

Paul warns that when people elevate human leaders above God’s truth, it leads to arrogance—they become “puffed up,” thinking they are superior to others simply because of the teacher they follow.

This verse is a call to humility and faithfulness to Scripture. Instead of following human leaders with blind loyalty, the Corinthians needed to remember that all Christian leaders are simply servants of Christ (1 Corinthians 3:5-7).

Historical Context

The city of Corinth was known for its intellectual pride and love for philosophical debates. Many Corinthians admired great speakers and teachers, often treating them as celebrities. This mindset had crept into the church, where believers began to align themselves with different Christian leaders, boasting about who was better.

Paul’s response is clear: Christianity is not about following human leaders—it’s about following Christ. He reminds them that faithfulness to God’s Word is the standard, not human opinions or personalities.

Theological Implications

1. God’s Word is the ultimate authority.
   • Christians must not “go beyond what is written” by adding personal opinions, traditions, or human wisdom that contradict Scripture.
2. Pride causes division in the church.
   • When people elevate human teachers above the authority of God’s Word, it leads to spiritual arrogance and conflict.
3. Christian leaders are servants, not masters.
   • Paul and Apollos were simply stewards of God’s truth (1 Corinthians 4:1). No leader is greater than God.
4. Humility is a mark of true faith.
   • Instead of boasting in human leaders, believers should seek unity in Christ.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses several key phrases in this verse:

• “I have applied these things to myself and Apollos” – Paul is using himself and Apollos as an example to teach the church a lesson.
• “Do not go beyond what is written” – This phrase likely refers to staying faithful to Scripture, rather than following human wisdom.
• “Then you will not be puffed up” – The Greek word here (physioō) means to be arrogant or prideful—Paul is warning against spiritual pride.
• “Being a follower of one of us over against the other” – The Corinthians were comparing leaders and boasting about who was better. Paul says this kind of competition has no place in the church.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (God’s Word should guide us, not human opinion.)
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (Scripture is the highest authority.)
• 1 Corinthians 3:21-23 – “So then, no more boasting about human leaders!” (Paul directly rebukes the Corinthians for their pride.)
• Proverbs 3:5-7 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (We should depend on God, not human wisdom.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a warning against pride and division in the church.

• Many Christians today are tempted to elevate certain pastors, theologians, or Christian celebrities as if they have all the answers. While it is good to learn from godly teachers, no human leader is infallible—only God’s Word is completely trustworthy.
• Pride destroys unity. When Christians start boasting about who has the best doctrine, the best teacher, or the best church, they forget that we are all part of the same body of Christ.
• True humility means staying rooted in Scripture and following Christ above all else.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

A loving God wants His people to be united in truth, not divided by pride.

• God gave us His Word so that we would have a solid foundation, not opinions based on human wisdom (John 17:17).
• God calls us to humility because He knows that pride leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18).
• God desires unity in His church, because we are all His children (Ephesians 4:3-6).

This verse reminds us that God’s love unites, while human pride divides.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate Teacher and the true source of wisdom.

• Matthew 23:8-10 – Jesus told His disciples not to call any human “Rabbi” or “Father” in a spiritual sense because only God is our ultimate Teacher.
• John 5:39 – Jesus said the Scriptures testify about Him, showing that God’s Word is the final authority.
• John 17:21 – Jesus prayed for His followers to be united, not divided.
• Philippians 2:3-5 – Jesus humbled Himself, showing us that true greatness comes from humility, not pride.

Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 4:6 aligns perfectly with Jesus’ teaching: we must follow Christ, remain humble, and stay grounded in God’s Word.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever been tempted to follow a human leader more than Christ? How can you keep your focus on Jesus?
2. What does it mean to “not go beyond what is written”? How can you stay faithful to Scripture?
3. How can pride and arrogance cause division in the church today?
4. How can you promote humility and unity among other Christians?
5. What is one practical way you can ensure that God’s Word, not human opinion, guides your faith?

Paul’s message is simple but powerful: Stay humble, stay united, and stay faithful to God’s Word. When we follow this wisdom, we honor Christ and strengthen the church.