First Corinthians 4:6 tells believers not to think beyond what Scripture has written, so that no one becomes proud and sets themselves against others. Paul wrote it to the church in Corinth, and he pointed to himself and Apollos as examples of the lesson he wanted them to learn about humility and unity.
Now these things, brothers, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to think beyond the things which are written, that none of you be puffed up against one another.
1 Corinthians 4:6 (WEB)
What 1 Corinthians 4:6 Means
The phrase “in a figure” means Paul is using himself and Apollos as an illustration rather than naming the people he is really addressing. He is speaking about the Corinthians’ rivalries in a way that spares them direct embarrassment, while still making his point clearly.
The phrase “not to think beyond the things which are written” is the heart of the verse. Paul is calling the church to stay within the boundaries of Scripture when forming opinions about spiritual leaders and about themselves. Going past what is written leads to speculation and self-promotion.
The final clause explains the purpose: “that none of you be puffed up against one another.” Pride, in Paul’s view, does not stay private. It turns people against each other. The verse does not promise that humility will automatically end conflict, but it names the attitude that keeps a congregation from splitting into factions.
The Context of 1 Corinthians 4:6
First Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul to the believers in Corinth, a busy port city in Greece where the young church had become divided. Some people said they followed Paul, others Apollos, others Peter, and still others Christ alone. Paul addresses these divisions throughout the letter, and chapter 4 is where he turns to the question of how the Corinthians should view leaders.
Just before verse 6, Paul says that human judgment is a small matter for him, and that only the Lord can judge rightly, which he says will happen when Christ returns. Just after, he asks who makes any believer different and what they have that they did not receive, then describes the apostles as a spectacle, almost condemned to death. Read in this setting, verse 6 is not a general warning about thinking too much. It is a targeted rebuke of people who were measuring themselves and their favorite teachers against one another.
Key Phrases in 1 Corinthians 4:6
Philippians 2:3
Doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself…
(WEB)
This verse calls believers to do nothing from selfish ambition or vain conceit and to regard others as more important than themselves. It expands the humility Paul asks for in 1 Corinthians 4:6 into a daily posture toward fellow Christians.
Romans 12:3
For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.
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Paul warns each person not to think of themselves more highly than they ought, but to think with sober judgment according to the measure of faith God has given. It parallels the call in 1 Corinthians 4:6 to think within proper limits.
A Short Prayer From 1 Corinthians 4:6
Lord, you alone know every heart and you alone judge rightly. Keep me from going beyond what you have written, and from building my own opinions on top of your word. When I feel the pull to compare myself with others or to lift up one teacher over another, remind me of the cross, where all pride is laid down. Make me humble before you and gentle with the brothers and sisters you have given me. Teach our church to be united in you rather than divided by our preferences. Amen.
