Building on the insights of
Hooker and others, the present study argues that Paul's enigmatic phrase μη υπερ α γεγραπται is best understood in the
context of 1 Corinthians 1—4 as a reference to a particular Scriptural
admonition — one he has already cited (1.31) and to which he has subsequently
alluded (3.21) — namely, 'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.' Of the
passages quoted by Paul in 1 Corinthians 1-3, it is this citation that best
fits the context of 4.6. As a positive command, it is liable to transgression,
and so the exhortation not to 'go beyond' the command makes sense. Moreover,
the reference to 'boasting' in 1.31 closely connects it with the second ινα clause of 4.6, 'that no one may
become puffed up . . .' Finally, as L. L. Welborn observes, only this
quotation 'would seem apposite to Paul's warning against factions' in 4.6. (J.
Ross Wagner, “’Not Beyond the Things which are Written’: A Call to Boast Only in
the Lord (1 Cor 4.6),” New Testament Studies 44, no. 2 [April 1998]: 280)
