Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they should be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgement before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God. (1Corinthians 4:1-5)

Paul, Apollos, and Cephas are all intimately related to Christ and through Christ with God. The apostles are emissaries of Christ.

Trustworthy emissaries will speak and act as directed by their master, not on their own account.

With earthly emissaries it is reasonable to assess how much trust to extend them. But in regard to the other emissaries active at Corinth Paul urges holding such judgment until the Lord comes.

Considering the prior verses this is reasonably clear and graciously conciliatory. Paul is claiming common cause - and shared commendation - with those who others treat as his competitors.

But looking ahead this admonition to avoid judgment is quickly followed by decisive judgment. How do we determine when it is appropriate to judge and when to avoid judgment?