1 Corinthians 4:21

with a rod That is either (1) with some commentators, e.g. Chrysostom, the resolution to deliver the rebellious over to Satan (see next chapter). If this be the case, the word -power" in the last verse must include power to do harm. But it is better (2) to refer the expression to the severity of language which the Apostle would be compelled to use, if there were no signs of improvement when he came. This falls in best with the fatherly relation, involving of course the idea of correction, in which he describes himself as standing towards the Corinthian Church. See 1 Corinthians 4:15, and compare Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 23:13-14, &c. The words -spirit of meekness" in the last part of the verse confirm this last interpretation. The literal translation is - ina rod," referring to the spiritin which the Apostle was to come. -Am I to come to you in a spirit of correction, or in a spirit of meekness?"