King James Version
1 Corinthians 4
21 verses with commentary
The Ministry of Apostles
Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.</strong> Paul uses <em>huperetes</em> (ὑπηρέτης, "minister/servant") and <em>oikonomos</em> (οἰκονόμος, "steward/manager") to define apostolic ministry. The first term originally meant an under-rower on a galley—one who serves beneath authority. The second refers to a household manager entruste...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
IV.
(1-5) The first five verses of this chapter contain a further argument against party-spirit as it existed in the Corinthian Church—viz., that God alone can judge of any man’s work whether it be worthy, and that God, unlike man, who selects only some *one* for praise, will give to *every* worker his own proper share of approval.
(1) **Man.**—In a generic sense means “every one” (as in 1Corinthi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-15. I know, and am persuaded by--**or rather, "in"
**the Lord Jesus--**as "having the mind of Christ" (1Co 2:16).
**that there is nothing unclean of itself--**Hence it is that he calls those "the strong" who believed in the abolition of all ritual distinctions under the Gospel. (See Ac 10:15).
**but--**"save that"
**to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean--*...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
The true character of gospel ministers.(1-6)
Cautions against despising the apostle.(7-13)
He claims their regard as their spiritual father in Christ, and shows his concern for them.(14-21)
**Verses 1-6**
Apostles were no more than servants of Christ, but they were not to be undervalued. They had a great trust, and for that reason, had an honourable ...
Read full commentary →Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.</strong> The Greek <em>zeteitai</em> (ζητεῖται, "is required/sought") emphasizes an active standard being applied. <em>Pistos</em> (πιστός, "faithful/trustworthy") is the supreme qualification for stewards—not eloquence, popularity, or impressive results, but reliability in handling what belongs to another.<br><br>This vers...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Moreover it is required . . .**—Better, *Moreover here* (on earth) *inquiry is made in the case of stewards in order that it may be found that one is faithful.* The word “found” having the force of “discovered,” or “proved *to be*” (as in Matthew 1:18; Romans 7:10). The argument here is that, as in the case of an earthly steward, inquiry is made into his character as to whether he be trustwo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16-17. Let not then your good--**that is, this liberty of yours as to Jewish meats and days, well founded though it be.
**be evil spoken of--**for the evil it does to others.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
The true character of gospel ministers.(1-6)
Cautions against despising the apostle.(7-13)
He claims their regard as their spiritual father in Christ, and shows his concern for them.(14-21)
**Verses 1-6**
Apostles were no more than servants of Christ, but they were not to be undervalued. They had a great trust, and for that reason, had an honourable ...
Read full commentary →But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. judgment: Gr. day
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment.</strong> The phrase <em>eis elachiston</em> (εἰς ἐλάχιστον, "into smallest thing") indicates utter insignificance. Paul treats human verdict—<em>anthropines hemeras</em> (ἀνθρωπίνης ἡμέρας, literally "man's day")—as trivial compared to divine assessment. The legal terminology continues: <em>anakrino<...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **But with me it is a very small thing . . .**—As, however, the Corinthians had actually “judged” various of their teachers, the Apostle assures them that *their* judgment—or the judgment of the world generally—is to him “a very small matter”—nay, no earthly judgment is of any concern to him. He does not even judge himself as worthy and faithful because he is not conscious of any unfaithfulnes...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16-17. Let not then your good--**that is, this liberty of yours as to Jewish meats and days, well founded though it be.
**be evil spoken of--**for the evil it does to others.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
The true character of gospel ministers.(1-6)
Cautions against despising the apostle.(7-13)
He claims their regard as their spiritual father in Christ, and shows his concern for them.(14-21)
**Verses 1-6**
Apostles were no more than servants of Christ, but they were not to be undervalued. They had a great trust, and for that reason, had an honourable ...
Read full commentary →For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. know: or, I am not conscious of any fault
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.</strong> The phrase <em>ouden gar emautō synoida</em> (οὐδὲν γὰρ ἐμαυτῷ σύνοιδα) literally means "I am conscious of nothing against myself." Paul's clear conscience provides no self-justification (<em>ou dikaioō</em>, οὐ δεδικαίωμαι, "I am not justified/acquitted"). Even an unaware conscience d...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **For I know nothing by myself.**—The general meaning of this passage is given in the previous Note. The Greek of the words rendered, “I know nothing of myself,” is clearly “I am not conscious in myself” of having been unfaithful; the word being almost invariably used in classical Greek in a bad sense. In the English version the word “by” is used in a sense now nearly obsolete. To an English r...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. For he that in these things--**"in this," meaning this threefold life.
**serveth Christ--**Here again observe how, though we do these three things as a "kingdom of God," yet it is "Christ" that we serve in so doing; the apostle passing here from God to Christ as naturally as before from Christ to God--in a way to us inconceivable, if Christ had been viewed as a mere creature (compare 2Co 8...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
The true character of gospel ministers.(1-6)
Cautions against despising the apostle.(7-13)
He claims their regard as their spiritual father in Christ, and shows his concern for them.(14-21)
**Verses 1-6**
Apostles were no more than servants of Christ, but they were not to be undervalued. They had a great trust, and for that reason, had an honourable ...
Read full commentary →Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come.</strong> The imperative <em>me krinete</em> (μὴ κρίνετε, "do not judge") prohibits premature evaluation. <em>Pro kairou</em> (πρὸ καιροῦ, "before the time") refers to Christ's <em>parousia</em> (return), the appointed moment for final assessment. The command doesn't forbid all discernment (5:12; Matt 7:15-20) but warns against p...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Before the time.**—This is explained by the following words to be “the day of the Lord.” When this arrives the truth will be ascertainable, for God will bring into light all the things at present hidden in the darkness, and will show forth the inner motives of each heart. Then every man (and not only one party leader, as at Corinth) shall have his due and proper praise from God—not from man.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. the things, &c.--**more simply, "the things of peace, and the things of mutual edification."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
The true character of gospel ministers.(1-6)
Cautions against despising the apostle.(7-13)
He claims their regard as their spiritual father in Christ, and shows his concern for them.(14-21)
**Verses 1-6**
Apostles were no more than servants of Christ, but they were not to be undervalued. They had a great trust, and for that reason, had an honourable ...
Read full commentary →And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes.</strong> The verb <em>meteschēmatisa</em> (μετεσχημάτισα, "I have transformed/applied figuratively") suggests Paul used himself and Apollos as case studies to teach broader principles without naming specific Corinthian offenders. The phrase <em>to mē hyper ha gegraptai</em> (τὸ μὴ ὑπὲρ ἃ γέγ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **These things**—*i.e.,* all that he has written about the factions. He only mentioned himself and Apollos (and not the other heads of parties), so that his motive in rebuking this schismatic spirit may not be misunderstood—which possibly it might have been had he written strongly and directly regarding Cephas and his admirers—and that those who read the Epistle might learn a lesson of humilit...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20. For--**"For the sake of"
**meat destroy not the work of God--**(See on Ro 14:15). The apostle sees in whatever tends to violate a brother's conscience the incipient destruction of God's work (for every converted man is such)--on the same principle as "he that hateth his brother is a murderer" (1Jo 3:15).
**All things indeed are pure--**"clean"; the ritual distinctions being at an end.
...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 4
Chapter Outline
The true character of gospel ministers.(1-6)
Cautions against despising the apostle.(7-13)
He claims their regard as their spiritual father in Christ, and shows his concern for them.(14-21)
**Verses 1-6**
Apostles were no more than servants of Christ, but they were not to be undervalued. They had a great trust, and for that reason, had an honourable ...
Read full commentary →For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? maketh: Gr. distinguisheth thee
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For who maketh thee to differ from another?</strong> The verb <em>diakrino</em> (διακρίνω, "to distinguish/make superior") challenges Corinthian claims to special status. Paul's rhetorical question expects the answer: God alone determines distinctions. <strong>And what hast thou that thou didst not receive?</strong> (<em>ti de echeis ho ouk elabes</em>, τί δὲ ἔχεις ὃ οὐκ ἔλαβες;) The verb ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **For . . .**—This is the explanation of why such “puffing up” is absurd. Even if one possess some gift or power, he has not attained it by his own excellence or power; it is the free gift of God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**21. It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing--**"nor to do any thing"
**whereby--**"wherein"
**thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak--**rather, "is weak." These three words, it has been remarked, are each intentionally weaker than the other:--"Which may cause a brother to stumble, or even be obstructed in his Christian course, nay--though neither of thes...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
We have no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. A sinner snatched from destruction by sovereign grace alone, must be very absurd and inconsistent, if proud of the free gifts of God. St. Paul sets forth his own circumstances, ver. 9 Allusion is made to the cruel spectacles in the Roman games; where men were for...
Read full commentary →Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us.</strong> Paul unleashes biting irony. The three assertions—<em>kekoresmenoi</em> (κεκορεσμένοι, "you are satiated"), <em>eploutēsate</em> (ἐπλουτήσατε, "you have become rich"), <em>ebasilensate</em> (ἐβασιλεύσατε, "you have reigned as kings")—mock their realized eschatology. They acted as if the kingdom had fully arrive...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Now ye are full.**—These three following sentences are ironical. The emphasis is on the word “now.” Ye are already (as distinct from us Apostles) full, rich, kings. You act as if you had already attained the crowning point in the Christian course. “Piety is an insatiable thing,” says Chrysostom on this passage, “and it argues a childish mind to imagine from just the beginnings that you have ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22. Hast thou faith--**on such matters?
**have it to thyself--**within thine own breast
**before God--**a most important clause. It is not mere sincerity, or a private opinion, of which the apostle speaks; it is conviction as to what is the truth and will of God. If thou hast formed this conviction in the sight of God, keep thyself in this frame before Him. Of course, this is not to be over-...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
We have no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. A sinner snatched from destruction by sovereign grace alone, must be very absurd and inconsistent, if proud of the free gifts of God. St. Paul sets forth his own circumstances, ver. 9 Allusion is made to the cruel spectacles in the Roman games; where men were for...
Read full commentary →For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. spectacle: Gr. theatre
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death.</strong> The verb <em>apodeik nymi</em> (ἀποδείκνυμι, "to exhibit/display publicly") was used for gladiatorial spectacles. <em>Eschatous</em> (ἐσχάτους, "last") means both chronologically last and socially lowest. <em>Epithanatious</em> (ἐπιθανατίους, "condemned to death") referred to criminals or pris...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **For . . .**—This introduces the reason why he may well express the devout wish which he has just uttered for the coming of the kingdom of his Lord. The imagery of this passage would be easily understood by the Corinthians, familiar as they were with the arena. The writer, in a few striking phrases, pictures himself and his apostolic brethren forming the “last and most worthless” band brought...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**23. And--**rather, "But"
**he that doubteth is damned--**On the word "damnation," see on Ro 13:2.
**if he eat, because he eateth not of faith--**On the meaning of "faith" here, see on Ro 14:22.
**for whatsoever is not of faith is sin--**a maxim of unspeakable importance in the Christian life.
**Note, (1) Some points in Christianity are unessential to Christian fellowship; so that though ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
We have no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. A sinner snatched from destruction by sovereign grace alone, must be very absurd and inconsistent, if proud of the free gifts of God. St. Paul sets forth his own circumstances, ver. 9 Allusion is made to the cruel spectacles in the Roman games; where men were for...
Read full commentary →We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.</strong> Paul presents three contrasts dripping with irony. <em>Mōroi</em> (μωροί, "fools")—Paul embraces the term used against him (1:18-25), while Corinthians consider themselves <em>phronimoi</em> (φρόνιμοι, "wise/prudent"). The second pair: <em>astheneis</e...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **We are fools.**—This verse is charged with irony. Our connection with Christ, as His Apostles and preachers, may make us fools; you are, on the contrary, “wise Christians; we are weak Christians, ye strong; ye are glorified, made leaders of factions and churches, we are despised.”
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
We have no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. A sinner snatched from destruction by sovereign grace alone, must be very absurd and inconsistent, if proud of the free gifts of God. St. Paul sets forth his own circumstances, ver. 9 Allusion is made to the cruel spectacles in the Roman games; where men were for...
Read full commentary →Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace.</strong> The phrase <em>achri tēs arti hōras</em> (ἄχρι τῆς ἄρτι ὥρας, "until this very hour") emphasizes the ongoing, not merely past, nature of apostolic hardship. Paul lists five deprivations: <em>peinōmen</em> (πεινῶμεν, "we hunger"), <em>dipsōmen</em> (διψῶμεν, "...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **We both hunger.**—From the strong irony of the last verse, the Apostle here passes, in the pathethic and sad description which occupies 1Corinthians 4:11-13, to show how intensely true that last word “despised” was, as expressing his own position, not only in time past, but at the very hour of his writing. Here still there is an implied contrast between their condition (“full,” “rich,” “kin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 15 Ro 15:1-13. Same Subject Continued and Concluded.
**1. We then that are strong--**on such points as have been discussed, the abolition of the Jewish distinction of meats and days under the Gospel. See on Ro 14:14; Ro 14:20.
**ought ... not to please ourselves--**ought to think less of what we may lawfully do than of how our conduct will affect others.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
We have no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. A sinner snatched from destruction by sovereign grace alone, must be very absurd and inconsistent, if proud of the free gifts of God. St. Paul sets forth his own circumstances, ver. 9 Allusion is made to the cruel spectacles in the Roman games; where men were for...
Read full commentary →And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it.</strong> The verb <em>kopiōmen</em> (κοπιῶμεν, "we labor to exhaustion") emphasizes strenuous toil. <em>Ergazomenoi tais idiais chersin</em> (ἐργαζόμενοι ταῖς ἰδίαις χερσίν, "working with our own hands") was countercultural—manual labor was considered servile, beneath philosophers and teachers....
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **And labour.**—While at Ephesus, whence this letter was written, the Apostle supported himself by working with Aquila and Priscilla at tent-making. This labour was no recreation or pastime with St. Paul, it was hard and earnest work. (See 1Thessalonians 2:8-9; 2Thessalonians 3:8.) That this labour was rendered more excessive from the Apostle’s characteristic generosity to others, we may conc...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-3. Let every one of us--**lay himself out to
**please his neighbour--**not indeed for his mere gratification, but
**for his good--**with a view
to his edification.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
We have no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. A sinner snatched from destruction by sovereign grace alone, must be very absurd and inconsistent, if proud of the free gifts of God. St. Paul sets forth his own circumstances, ver. 9 Allusion is made to the cruel spectacles in the Roman games; where men were for...
Read full commentary →Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.</strong> <em>Dysphēmoumenoi parakaloumen</em> (δυσφημούμενοι παρακαλοῦμεν, "being slandered, we exhort/encourage")—Paul responds to malicious speech with gracious appeal. The final two metaphors are shocking: <em>perikatharmata</em> (περικαθάρματα, "filth/scum/refuse") and...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **The filth of the** **world.**—The word here used for “filth” occurs only in one other passage in the LXX. Proverbs 21:18, where it has the idea of an additional expiatory sacrifice. Perhaps the word is used here by the Apostle to include that idea in the sufferings, the description of which here reaches a climax. It is not only that we are the filth and off scouring of all men, but we are s...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2-3. Let every one of us--**lay himself out to
**please his neighbour--**not indeed for his mere gratification, but
**for his good--**with a view
to his edification.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-13**
We have no reason to be proud; all we have, or are, or do, that is good, is owing to the free and rich grace of God. A sinner snatched from destruction by sovereign grace alone, must be very absurd and inconsistent, if proud of the free gifts of God. St. Paul sets forth his own circumstances, ver. 9 Allusion is made to the cruel spectacles in the Roman games; where men were for...
Read full commentary →Paul's Fatherly Admonition
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.</strong> The verb <em>entrepō</em> (ἐντρέπω, "to shame/humiliate") clarifies Paul's intent—not public humiliation but paternal correction. <em>Nouthetōn</em> (νουθετῶν, "warning/admonishing") combines <em>nous</em> (mind) and <em>tithēmi</em> (to place)—literally "placing in mind," confronting with truth for behavior...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **I write not these things to shame you.**—Better, *I write these things not as one making you ashamed, but I am warning you as beloved children.* The mingled irony and reproach of the preceding verses here ceases, and from indignant expostulation the writer now turns to make a tender and touching appeal to their better nature and their sympathy. This abrupt and sudden change in style is char...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning--**"instruction"
**through, &c.--**"through the comfort and the patience of the Scriptures"
**might have hope--**that is, "Think not that because such portions of Scripture relate immediately to Christ, they are inapplicable to you; for though Christ's sufferings, as a Saviour, were exclusively His own, the mot...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers.</strong> <em>Myrioi paidagōgoi</em> (μυρίοι παιδαγωγοί, "ten thousand guardians/tutors") uses hyperbole. <em>Paidagōgos</em> referred to the household slave who supervised children, escorted them to school, and enforced discipline—a custodian, not primarily a teacher (Gal 3:24-25). Paul contrasts numerous ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **For.**—The reason why he has a right to address them as a father would his children. They may have had since their conversion a host of instructors, but they could have only one father who begot them in Jesus Christ. That father was Paul. “I have begotten you.” *I*, emphatic as opposed to “many.” The word rendered “instructors” originally signified the slave who led the child to school, but...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-6. Now the God of patience and consolation--**Such beautiful names of God are taken from the graces which He inspires: as "the God of hope" (Ro 15:13), "the God of peace" (Ro 15:33).
**grant you to be likeminded--**"of the same mind"
**according to Christ Jesus--**It is not mere unanimity which the apostle seeks for them; for unanimity in evil is to be deprecated. But it is "according to C...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and ...
Read full commentary →Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.</strong> The verb <em>parakaleō</em> (παρακαλῶ, "I urge/exhort") is intense but respectful—a fatherly appeal, not harsh command. <em>Mimētai mou ginesthe</em> (μιμηταί μου γίνεσθε, "become imitators of me") is the practical application. <em>Mimētēs</em> (μιμητής, "imitator") was used in Greek philosophy for students emulating teachers. Paul b...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Wherefore.**—Because I stand in this relation I call you to preserve, as it were, in a moral sense, that family likeness which would naturally accompany such a relationship (Galatians 4:12; Ephesians 5:1; Philippians 3:17).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5-6. Now the God of patience and consolation--**Such beautiful names of God are taken from the graces which He inspires: as "the God of hope" (Ro 15:13), "the God of peace" (Ro 15:33).
**grant you to be likeminded--**"of the same mind"
**according to Christ Jesus--**It is not mere unanimity which the apostle seeks for them; for unanimity in evil is to be deprecated. But it is "according to C...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord.</strong> <em>Dia touto</em> (διὰ τοῦτο, "for this reason") connects Timothy's mission to the imitation mandate (v. 16). <em>Teknon mou agapēton</em> (τέκνον μου ἀγαπητόν, "my beloved child") echoes Paul's description of the Corinthians (v. 14) but with added <em>pistos en Kyriō</em> (πιστὸς ἐν Κ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **For this cause.**—When St. Paul contemplated a visit to the churches in Macedonia and Achaia he sent Timothy and Erastus in advance (Acts 19:21-22). It is to this fact allusion is here made—from 1Corinthians 16:10, we see that the Apostle did not calculate on Timothy’s arrival in Corinth until after this letter had reached them. The rumours of the existence of factions in Corinth had reache...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. Wherefore--**returning to the point
**receive ye one another ... to the glory of God--**If Christ received us, and bears with all our weaknesses, well may we receive and compassionate one with another, and by so doing God will be glorified.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and ...
Read full commentary →Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.</strong> The verb <em>ephysiōthēsan</em> (ἐφυσιώθησαν, "became puffed up") appears again (cf. v. 6), marking Corinthian arrogance. <em>Hōs mē erchomenou mou</em> (ὡς μὴ ἐρχομένου μου, "as if I were not coming") reveals their presumption: assuming Paul wouldn't return, they felt emboldened to challenge his authority. Distance had br...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Now some are puffed up.**—Some of those in Corinth who were puffed up were in the habit of saying that the Apostle would not come and visit the Corinthian Church. The moment they heard the announcement that he was sending Timothy, they would naturally say, That is a proof of the truth of our assertion. He is afraid to come himself, so he sends Timothy in his stead. “But,” says St. Paul, “I ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-12. Now--**"For" is the true reading: the apostle is merely assigning an additional motive to Christian forbearance.
**I say that Jesus Christ was--**"hath become"
**a minister of the circumcision--**a remarkable expression, meaning "the Father's Servant for the salvation of the circumcision (or, of Israel)."
**for the truth of God--**to make good the veracity of God towards His ancient ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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.</strong> Paul's resolve is qualified: <em>ean ho Kyrios thelēsē</em> (ἐὰν ὁ Κύριος θελήσῃ, "if the Lord wills")—submitting travel plans to divine sovereignty (cf. James 4:13-15; Acts 18:21). The verb <em>gnōsomai</em> (γνώσομαι, "I will know/ascertain") implies examin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-12. Now--**"For" is the true reading: the apostle is merely assigning an additional motive to Christian forbearance.
**I say that Jesus Christ was--**"hath become"
**a minister of the circumcision--**a remarkable expression, meaning "the Father's Servant for the salvation of the circumcision (or, of Israel)."
**for the truth of God--**to make good the veracity of God towards His ancient ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and ...
Read full commentary →For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.</strong> This terse summary encapsulates Paul's argument. <em>Hē basileia tou Theou</em> (ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ Θεοῦ, "the kingdom of God") is not <em>en logō</em> (ἐν λόγῳ, "in word/speech") but <em>en dynamei</em> (ἐν δυνάμει, "in power"). <em>Logos</em> here means empty rhetoric, impressive but impotent talk. <em>Dynamis</em> refers to the S...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-12. Now--**"For" is the true reading: the apostle is merely assigning an additional motive to Christian forbearance.
**I say that Jesus Christ was--**"hath become"
**a minister of the circumcision--**a remarkable expression, meaning "the Father's Servant for the salvation of the circumcision (or, of Israel)."
**for the truth of God--**to make good the veracity of God towards His ancient ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and ...
Read full commentary →What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?</strong> The question <em>ti thelete</em> (τί θέλετε, "what do you want?") places responsibility on the Corinthians—Paul's posture upon arrival depends on their response to this letter. <em>En rhabdō</em> (ἐν ῥάβδῳ, "with a rod") evokes paternal discipline (Prov 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15)—firm co...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **What will ye?**—I give you a choice. I am coming to you as a father in any case. But shall I come as a father comes with a rod (Isaiah 11:4), and going to inflict punishment with it (such is the force of the Greek, “*in* a rod”); or as a father would come when no faults on the child’s part need interfere with the perfect and unrestricted outflowing of his gentleness and love. The pathos of ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8-12. Now--**"For" is the true reading: the apostle is merely assigning an additional motive to Christian forbearance.
**I say that Jesus Christ was--**"hath become"
**a minister of the circumcision--**a remarkable expression, meaning "the Father's Servant for the salvation of the circumcision (or, of Israel)."
**for the truth of God--**to make good the veracity of God towards His ancient ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and ...
Read full commentary →