The Troubles of Paul (2)
—1Corinthians 4
Paul wished the Corinthian church to understand the worries, hardships, and challenges, he and his companions experienced in the ministry. These were extreme challenges, yet they embraced them all. In this chapter (1Corinthians 4) Paul cites ten of the many troubles they faced. Here in part two, we look at five more.
6 Enduring Persecution
Verses 12-13
Still describing their hardships and persecutions, Paul mentioned the response of the apostles which helped them endure. They blessed and spoke in a friendly manner to their persecutors and defamers. That is exactly how Jesus their Master would react with few exceptions.
Paul described the status of the apostles in the eyes of the world as "the scum of the earth". This was a trouble that came with the job, and they had to endure it.
7 Deep Fatherly Concerns
Verses 14-16
Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church was very special. "I became your father through the gospel." That did not mean that Paul was usurping God’s place as their Heavenly Father.
Paul meant only that he was the one who had begotten them through Christ. Spiritually, and metaphorically, they were his children. He wanted them to imitate him, but not to attribute to him anything that belongs exclusively to the Father above..
8 Providing Faithful Teachers
Verse 17
Paul had other "children" in the Lord, and Timothy was one of them. Paul called Timothy his son in the Lord. He had turned out well, a beloved and faithful young man, faithful to Jesus and in helping Paul. So Paul sent Timothy to Corinth to bring the church back to Paul’s doctrine and his way of life.
Paul apparently did not credit many teachers in the church at Corinth with being able to faithfully represent his doctrine and way of life. The difficulty in finding teachers in Corinth, of the standard of Timothy and Apollos, was another of Paul’s troubles.
9 Being Unavoidably Absent
Verses 18-20
Paul found it necessary to delay his visit to the church at Corinth. There was a faction gloating in their belief that Paul had decided not to visit. The truth was that Paul’s absence was only temporary and he intended to visit them shortly. He was awaiting an opportunity to build them up rather than punish them, and to promote their repentance.
Paul told them that the kingdom of God was not in talk. It was in the power of God. Paul did not give credence to their talk. He was out to discover their power or rather their lack of it. Paul was inspired of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. Theirs was the word of man, weak and worthless and withour authority.
10 Dealing with Opponents
Verse 21
Paul had to confront those who had opposed him but he hoped he could do it in love and gentleness rather than in harsh discipline.
How Shall I Come to You?
¶ What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a gentle spirit? (1Corinthians 4:21).