http://biblebitbybit.blogspot.com/2016/01/1-corinthians-4-v-18-21.html
Posted by 1 Corinthians on Wednesday, 6 January 2016
1 Corinthians 4:18-21
(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?
4:18-21. Paul anticipated that not all would be moved by his appeal. Some, probably the unnamed party leaders (v. 5) or guardians (v. 15), were arrogant, which was the cause of the Corinthians’ division problem. They might not be swayed by exhortation. They required action. And that, Paul knew, he was capable of meting out in the power of the Spirit (Acts 13:9-11). When he had preached to the Corinthians, he had not depended on his own ability but on the power of the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:4-5). He would rely on this same power for discipline (2 Cor. 10:4-6). This was the authority of God’s rule (cf. Acts 5:3-11). Though Paul loved the Corinthians he knew that a loving father did not shy away from discipline (cf. Heb. 12:7). If it were needed, he would wield a whip (rabdos, a “rod”). From the Greco-Roman point of view this “rod” was a symbol of discipline executed by one in authority. Paul himself had been punished by rods more than once (Acts 16:22-23; 2 Cor. 11:25). But he preferred a visit characterized by love and . . . a gentle spirit.
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.
