1 Corinthians 4:20

The maximum of 1 Corinthians 4:20 explains the necessity of such a judgment. It is impossible to refer the notion of the kingdom of God, as Meyer would have us, to the Messianic future. Paul is certainly speaking of the kingdom of God in the spiritual sense in which it already exists in the souls of believers. There, where the will of God has become the ruling principle, and where man's will is only the organ of the former, God reigns from the present onwards; comp. Romans 14:17. This spiritual presence of the kingdom of God in the heart is what paves the way for its future appearing.

The most eloquent words do not guarantee the possession of this spiritual state, and cannot produce or advance it in others. What manifests its existence, is power to make hearts fertile in fruits of submission to the will of God.

Paul's work at Corinth will not be confined to taking knowledge of the evil; acts will follow as may be needed.