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. (1 Corinthians 4:6)
The things he has written concerning religious teachers (see ch. 3:5, 6, 21, 22), Paul applies to himself and to Apollos, who was closely connected with him. The principles that he had set out are generally applicable, but not universally true in practice. But of the ideals set forth Paul and Apollos were examples. This was not true of the leaders of the factious Corinthian parties.
To think.
Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of this phrase. If it is omitted, the counsel is more general: the Corinthians are to conduct themselves according to the rules laid down in the Word of God.
That which is written.
That is, the general instructions found in Scripture—here meaning the OT. In all matters pertaining to religion the Scriptures are to be final authority.
Be puffed up.
Gr. phusioō, from phusa, “a pair of bellows,” hence, “to be self-exalted,”“to be self-conceited.” Paul condemns the pride of those who exalted their party above others, or their party leader over other party leaders. Believers should consider themselves to be on a level with one another, and no Christian should regard any other as inferior to him or as deserving of contempt.