1 Corinthians: Chapter 4 (verses 15–21)

This post will focus on the last seven verses of 1 Corinthians chapter 4.

For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.¹

Teachers (here referred to as guides) were well-respected figures throughout the Roman Empire. They were usually trusted slaves who were tasked with ensuring that the children of a wealthy family were diligent with their studies. They were often pictured with a stick in hand and were considered to be strict taskmasters. Paul contrasts himself and his loving, fatherly behavior with guides or teachers who would carry a stick (called a rod in 1 Corinthians 4:21).

Paul goes back to the early days when many people came to faith. The whole work was “in Christ.” It was by Christ and through Him, but He used Paul in that work as he preached the gospel. “Through the gospel” expresses the means by which this happened, hence Paul’s statement that in Christ I “bore you” or fathered you. Here Paul uses “the gospel” as shorthand for the content of preaching Christ and salvation through His birth, death, resurrection, and exaltation.

I urge you, then, be imitators of me.²

Paul wants the Corinthians to reflect on Christ. As a father talking with his children, he is passionate but at the same time loving, as he “urges” them to look to his example. The idea of imitation here doesn’t mean simply replicating all that Paul did or said. All believers have gifts from God, but they vary in purpose. His concern is that the Corinthians imitate him in the sense of following both his teaching and his practice in whatever form of service they have been called to. Paul wants them to live their lives in a way that would reflect the message of the crucified Christ.

That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.³

Paul sent Timothy to them to help them understand all that he had taught them. He begins by describing Timothy’s relationship to Paul as a beloved child, and his actions on Paul’s behalf with regard to the Corinthians.

Timothy had a longstanding relationship with Paul and was one of his trusted co-workers. Paul held Timothy in high regard due to his behavior, his understanding of the faith, and his ability to teach.

Timothy was the son of a Jewish woman and a Greek father. Paul met him in Lystra, where he was “well spoken of.”⁴ He then traveled widely, sometimes with Paul and sometimes at Paul’s direction. In Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, we find that Timothy partnered with Paul and Silvanus in preaching the word in Corinth.⁵

If the Corinthians needed further guidance, they would learn what Paul wanted them to do through Timothy, as he understood Paul’s wishes. Through Timothy they would be reminded of Paul’s “ways in Christ.”

In writing as I teach them everywhere in every church, it’s likely that Paul was saying that his teaching in Corinth was the same as what he taught in the other churches he founded.

Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.⁶

In Paul’s absence, some of the Corinthian believers apparently became conceited and were displaying their pride. Some of the leaders had become arrogant and puffed up and were ignoring what Paul had taught them. He asserts that what he has said needs to be listened to, and he will visit to ensure that his fatherly advice has been followed by those he loves.

But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power.⁷

Paul tells the Corinthians that he will come speedily, and when he comes he will find out what is going on with the believers. His inclusion of the phrase “if the Lord wills” leaves room for God to intervene and change his plans. (Later in chapter 16:1–8 we read that his trip was somewhat delayed.)

Paul wants to find out how much power these arrogant people will have when they are face-to-face with him. He’s not concerned about their tough talk, but rather about what power they will show. Paul reminds them that God’s power shows that His authority is with him.

For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.⁸

Paul is speaking of God’s rule, His reign in power, and the fulfillment of His purposes of salvation that will one day result in the return of the King himself. This kingdom has been inaugurated by Jesus, the King, the Messiah. On the day when “the end” comes, Christ will deliver “the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.”⁹

When Paul comes to Corinth, he will look for evidence that God is working through these leaders. He is concerned that their gifts, which have been used by them to obtain status among the community, will not show such evidence.

What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?¹⁰

As he comes to the end of his sharp but loving correction to the Corinthians, he adds a note of humor. Of course, the Corinthians would prefer that he come in love and with the spirit of gentleness, without the rod. Paul acts rather “parental” in this verse, which makes sense as he earlier had described himself as a father and the Corinthian believers as his beloved children.¹¹ However, these children have misbehaved, and he is writing to address their faulty thinking and bad behavior.

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Note
Unless otherwise indicated, all scriptures are from the Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.