NOTE: Feel free to edit - I know I just translated this chapter, somewhere. Will fix tomorrow, I hope!
1. Question - Resolving a Contradiction :
In 1 Corinthians, Paul says to "not go beyond what is written", but elsewhere speaks of the "Dead Letter of the Law" ...
How is this contradiction resolved?
2. Alternate Answer :
I consider what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4, to be a reflection of one of Jesus' commandments :
Act on his word, (establishes you in faith); but, acting beyond that, in the futility of your own mind, is like building a house on the sand :
NASB, John 21:23 - Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say [this] to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?”
NASB, Matthew 7:24 - “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. ... 26 Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
This is the first rule of Biblical Interpretation : Discern the difference between what is written, your mind, and another's mind.
3. Context - Not pre-judging each other beyond what is Written/said, in order to avoid wrong inferences :
1 Corinthians 4 has nothing to do with Scripture, but rather : judging the "Mysteries" they were sharing among themselves. And since Paul is talking about a very different thing in 2 Corinthians 3, then this passages cannot reasonably be compared.
Context - Paul is Speaking about Judging Stewards of Mysteries :
NASB, 1 Corinthians 3:10 - ... like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it.
NASB, 1 Corinthians 4:1 - Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 ... moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy. 5 Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts;
NASB, 1 Corinthians 4:6 - Now these [same requirements], brethren, I have [undertaken] [for] myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may ascertain this :[Discern/Judge] Not above what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.