1 Corinthians 4:14-21

Paul Loved the Church in Corinth Like a Father

Paul did not try to make the brethren feel bad because they added to his problems. Rather, he wanted to warn them so they would change. He wrote to them much as a loving father would write to one of his children who had begun participating in things which would hurt him. Paul also warned them against their strong desire for teachers. One wonders if he was thinking about the same thing he would later tell Timothy. "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers" (2 Timothy 4:3).

Christians are, of course, born of God's will (John 1:13; James 1:18). In a lesser sense, they are begotten by the teacher who brings them the gospel. First, Christians should follow God the Father. "Therefore be followers of God as dear children" (Ephesians 5:1). Second, Paul told the Corinthians they could do well, as could we, to imitate Paul's sacrificing his life for the gospel (1 Corinthians 4:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 1:6).

Paul sent Timothy to remind the church at Corinth of his teaching and uncompromising stand on the gospel. Some were proud of themselves and apparently thought Paul was afraid to face them himself. But, Paul promised to come. He did not plan to test the word of those vain speakers, but their power (to work miracles). That, he said, would show whether God was with them. God's kingdom did not, and does not, stand on man's wisdom, but a Spirit supported word. Paul said he would come and gave the brethren the choice as to the nature of his coming. They could choose whether he was to come with a rod to punish or with love, as a father receiving a penitent child (1 Corinthians 4:17-21).