http://biblebitbybit.blogspot.com/2016/01/1-corinthians-4-v-14-17.html
Posted by 1 Corinthians on Wednesday, 6 January 2016
1 Corinthians 4:14-17
(14) I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
(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.
(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.
4:14-17. Prompted by love, Paul issued a warning. His purpose in writing the biting irony of the preceding verses was not simply to shame the Corinthians. But if it did not shame them, they were calloused indeed. His goal was to bring about a change of heart and manner of life in them. His motivation was love like that of a father for his children. Many ministers might address, advise, and instruct the Corinthians, but only one had planted the seed that brought them life. More than any guardian (Gal. 3:24) Paul had their interests at heart. For that reason he urged them to imitate him (1 Cor. 4:16; cf. vv. 9-13). He had one spiritual child who did just that, namely, Timothy (Phil. 2:20). Timothy could remind them by precept and example of Paul’s way of life in Christ Jesus, which was in turn an imitation of their Lord.
Excerpt from:
Walvoord, J. F., Zuck, R. B., & Dallas Theological Seminary. (1983-c1985).
The Bible knowledge commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures.
Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
