Notes on Paul's Fatherly Advice

1 Corinthians 4:14 - 21

1 Corinthians 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

  • I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I write these things to warn you.
    • (Despite the stern tone of this letter Paul loves the church in Corinth. he demonstrates that when he calls them his "beloved sons")

1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

  • Although you have ten thousand teachers in Christ, but you do not have many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have fathered you through the gospel.
    • (Having founded the church at Corinth Paul sees himself as their spiritual father. Where it says "ten thousand" it is actually from the Greek word murioi so many as to be countless.)

1 Corinthians 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

  • Therefore I beg you to follow me on this.

1 Corinthians 4:17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

  • For this reason I have sent you my beloved son Timothy who is faithful in the Lord. He will help you remember what I teach about Jesus Christ in all the churches.

1 Corinthians 4:18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

  • Some of you have become arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.

1 Corinthians 4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

  • But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall test not the words of those who are arrogant but their power.

1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

  • For the kingdom of God is not in words, but in power.
    • (The reference to words here is very important. Words can not get us into heaven as some believe Matthew 7:21 - 23. The power is not in words as the "Word of Faith" heretics believe. Power is in the Grace and gifts of the Lord not in formulas or incantations.)

1 Corinthians 4:21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

  • What is your choice? Shall I come with with a rod or with tenderness and love.

1 Corinthians Chapter 4 - Full Text

References in Scripture

Matthew 7:21 - 23

1 Corinthians 4:14 - 21


Matthew 7:21 - 23

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.


1 Corinthians 4:14 - 21

14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

15 For though ye have ten thousand instructers in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers:
for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord,
who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know,
not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?


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To Understand my faith better I have decided to construct these pages. They are strictly educational, non-commercial and to foster scholarly discussion. All Bible quotes are from the King James Version unless otherwise stated. I use the KJV because while not a perfect translation it is literal and out of Copyright. All mistakes are my own and if you differ from my thoughts I welcome your comments. J. Barry O'Connell Jr.