1. The First Epistle to the Corinthians
1 Corinth 4:14-21 Apostolic Authority
I Corinth 4:14 – “I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.”
To what things is Paul referring?
See verses 9-13.
Why would they be shameful?
Paul’s ultimate aim here is a good one.
His care for them, as a father, makes him reach out in love.
warn might be better translated as to place in the mind (educate), admonish, build up or exhort.
I Thess 2:11 - as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,
I Corinth 4:15 – “For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.” 1
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2. The First Epistle to the Corinthians
1 Corinth 4:14-21 Apostolic Authority
10,000 instructors in Christ, really?
you have is present active subjunctive – perhaps but ….
II Corinth 11:23 - Are they ministers of Christ? - I speak as a fool - I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.
Notice in Christ – and how do you interpret this?
but not many fathers
How about one, Paul!
for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Again, in Christ!
have begotten - aorist active indicative – fact
I Corinth 15:1 - Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand,
I Corinth 4:16 – “Therefore I urge you, imitate me.”
And this is an imperative!
What does Paul mean here by being an imitator of him? 2
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3. The First Epistle to the Corinthians
1 Corinth 4:14-21 Apostolic Authority
Also in I Corinth 11:1.
Is this different than being an imitator or follower of Christ?
Christ is Christ and Paul is Paul, but Paul’s life is now in Christ, justified, positioned and conditioned by the Holy Spirit, as we should be also.
Phil 3:17 - Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.
I Corinth 4:17 – “For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church.”
Paul is also the father of Timothy, a beloved and faithful son – Acts 16:1-3.
Timothy is being sent as a reminder of Paul’s life in Christ.
I Corinth 16:10 - And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
And it’s not only for the church in Corinth, but everywhere in every church.
1 Corinth 7:17 - But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord 3
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4. The First Epistle to the Corinthians
1 Corinth 4:14-21 Apostolic Authority
has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches.
I Corinth 4:18 – “Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.”
What does being puffed up mean here and why did it relate to Paul’s intended visit?
Most translations use puffed up but Revised Standard translates this as arrogant.
That he would be afraid to come and discipline them?
I Corinth 4:19 – “But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.”
Paul states that he is not purposely avoiding them, but that it’s all in the Lord’s timing.
How do we know (ginoska) the Lord’s will and timing?
Let’s walk by faith in Christ and trust Him always – James 4:15 4
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5. The First Epistle to the Corinthians
1 Corinth 4:14-21 Apostolic Authority
And when he comes he will discriminate between arrogance (no power) and true or God’s power.
Gal 2:6 - But from those who seemed to be something - whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man - for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me.
I Corinth 4:20 – “For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.”
Let’s define the kingdom of God.
I like Luke 17:20,21 as simplest and best.
Luke 17:20,21 - Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”
And this is not in word only but power.
I Thess 1:5 - For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 5
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6. The First Epistle to the Corinthians
1 Corinth 4:14-21 Apostolic Authority
II Corinth 10:4,5 - For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,
I Corinth 4:21 – “What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?
McCalley – ‘He leaves them with the option to go either way - they know his desire; they know his preference; but the choice is theirs, and that is where Paul concludes the issue.’
What does the rod imply?
This is not a walking stick but the item with which to beat someone or something.
Here it indicates intended discipline and correction, and introduces I Corinth 5.
And look at the alternative – in love and a spirit of gentleness (meekness).
Exemplified in II Corinth 10:1. 6
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