1 Corinthians 4:17-21

Mission of Timothy, to be followed, if ineffectual, by strong measures on the part of St Paul himself

17. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus Literally, I sent, i.e. before this epistle was written, see note on ch. 1 Corinthians 16:10. St Paul's affection for the gentle and somewhat timid Timothy is a remarkable trait in his character. From almost the beginning to the end of his ministry he had, not even excepting St Luke, no more trustworthy, affectionate, and faithful friend, nor one who more thoroughly understood his mind. Cf. Philippians 2:19-20; Php 2:22; 1 Thessalonians 3:2; 1Ti 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:10. It may be also valuable to remark how the common life of the believer and his Lord is ever present with St Paul. If Timothy is -faithful and beloved," it is -in the Lord;" if St Paul has -ways," they are -in Christ." For Timothy's parentage and connexion with the Apostle, see 2 Timothy 1:5, and Acts 16:1. It will be observed that the statement here undesignedly made is in precise agreement with Acts 19:22. See Paley, Horae Paulinae, in loc.

my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord rather, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, implying that Timothy owed his conversion to the Apostle, cf. 1 Timothy 1:2; 1 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 1:2; where the same word is used which is here translated -son."

who shall bring you into remembrance A delicate hint that they had forgotten them.

my ways which be in Christ An equally delicate hint that they are not St Paul's ways only.

as I teach every where in every church An additional reason why they should not be set aside at Corinth.