"Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other"
(1 Corinthians 4:6 NKJV)

Do not go beyond what is written

The expression "these things" is often called a "covert allusion." It refers to a person or situation indirectly; it is considered a form of irony. Though Paul has been speaking of Apollos and himself, he has done it for the benefit of the Corinthians. They must learn the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written."

The church at Corinth, like all other churches, must be bound by God’s Word. They must not go beyond the teaching of Scripture. "Whoever transgresses [goes onward] and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God" (2 John 1:9). "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God" (1 Peter 4:11).

Think of the many cherished practices of denominations that not only are missing from Scripture, but actually oppose its plain teaching: salvation by faith alone, sprinkling babies, praying to Mary, defending divisions (denominationalism), impossibility of apostasy, etc. A careful reading of this text should serve as sufficient warning. "Nothing beyond what is written!"

– Rick Duggin