Here Paul looks back on the whole argument that was introduced with the question, What then is Apollos? What is Paul?
(1 Corinthians 3:5). The purpose of this lengthy argument was to teach the Corinthians to follow the example of Paul and Apollos. Paul and Apollos had not gone beyond what is written.
Neither should the Corinthians.
What does it mean not to go beyond what is written
? Paul is clearly citing a maxim that was well-known to the Corinthians. It is probably one that he himself had impressed upon them. In the New Testament and in Jewish writings of the time, the phrase what is written
almost always refers to the word of God. Paul probably has in mind God’s whole written revelation—both the Old Testament and the apostolic writings (see, e.g., 2 Peter 3:14–16).
For Paul, there is clearly a connection between going beyond what is written (adding human wisdom to the wisdom that was given by God) and becoming puffed up in favor of one against another.
A believer who holds on to God’s written revelation will not be swept away by pride and partisanship.
6 I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another.