1 Corinthians 4:14-21

1 Corinthians 4:14-21

[14] I write  not  to shame  but  as  beloved  sons  I warn  [15] For  though  ye have  ten thousand  instructors  in  Christ,  yet  have ye not  many  fathers:  for  in  Christ  Jesus  I  have begotten  through  the gospel.  [16] Wherefore  I beseech  be ye  followers  [17] cause  have I sent  Timotheus,  who  beloved  son,  and  faithful  in  the Lord,  who  into remembrance  ways  which  be in  Christ,  as  I teach  every where  in  every  church.  [18] Now  some  are puffed up,  as though  not  come  to  [19] But  I will come  to  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  with  a rod,  or  in  love,  and  in the spirit 

What does 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Paul concluded this first major section of the epistle ( 1 Corinthians 1:10 to 1 Corinthians 4:21) by reasserting his apostolic authority, which had led to his correcting the Corinthians" shameful conduct and carnal philosophy. He changed the metaphor again and now appealed to them as a father to his children. He ended by warning them that if they did not respond to his gentle approach he would have to be more severe.