What problem in the Corinthian church was Paul addressing in 1 Corinthians 4:6-7?
Paul addressed Corinthian pride and party rivalry: members were puffed up, each claiming superiority or leadership because they followed Paul, Apollos, or Peter. He transferred the example to himself and Apollos so they would learn not to exalt men above what is written and not boast against one another.
Les explains that in 1 Corinthians 4:6-7 Paul was dealing with the problem in the Corinth congregation where people were getting puffed up and saying, “I’m the one that’s most important because I go by what Peter taught,” while another claimed leadership because he followed the apostle Paul. Paul said these things he had in a figure transferred to himself and Apollos for their sakes, that they might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one be puffed up one against another. They were still carnal and infantile. Paul therefore warns that you cannot get puffed up and give someone the impression you are better or more spiritually blessed, and verse 7 asks, “who maketh thee to differ?”
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.
More Questions
Why are the words 'not to think of men' italicized in 1 Corinthians 4:6?
The words "not to think of men" are italicized because they were added by the translators, but the thought is nevertheless right — the Corinthians were not to think of Paul, Apollos, or Peter above that which is written.