1 Corinthians 4:6-8

Thoughts on the Corinthians' Boasting

No one man, even Paul or Apollos, should be followed in things not revealed by God. Paul used his and Apollos' name to avoid hurting the real leaders of the divisions (1 Corinthians 4:6). In Galatians 1:6-9, the apostle warned against those who would draw Christians away from Christ's gospel to a different gospel. Of course, it was not really a different gospel, since there is only one message which can truly be called good news. "But there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed."

No one has room to boast of his abilities since all abilities came from God (Romans 12:3-8). Yet, the Corinthians were full of self-satisfaction and "rich" with pride in their own wisdom, as McGarvey suggests. They thought themselves mighty in the church without need of the apostles, who they seemingly looked down on. Paul really wished they were as great as they thought, since he rejoiced in their growth and gloried in it (1 Corinthians 4:7-8).