4:6. “Not to go beyond what is
written”: this is open to various interpretations. It may be a proverb with
which the Corinthians were familiar, meaning that one should stay on safe
ground (in this case, Paul’s guidelines for the infant Church at Corinth).
“What is written” could also refer to all scripture or just to the quotations
which Paul has used (cf. 1:19, 31; 3:19). In any event he makes it clear to the
Corinthians that it is they themselves who, due to their immaturity and pride,
have caused the dissensions in their community through exalting one preacher at
the expense of others. Paul and Apollos have behaved quite properly and therefore
cannot be held responsible for these divisions. (Saint Paul's Letters to the
Corinthians [The Navarre Bible; Dublin: Four Courts Press, 2005], 51)