1 Corinthians 4 Study Notes

4:11-13 Paul describes the lifestyle and character of apostolic ministry. The world with its human wisdom labeled them as scum and garbage (cp. 2Co 2:16), which is the refuse (Gk perikatharma) of chamber pots and the offscouring (Gk peripsēma) in waste vats and cesspools respectively. The Romans used these terms to describe the dregs of society. Yet Paul says they bless . . . endure, and respond graciously as Christ had taught them (Lk 6:27-36).

4:14 Paul’s warnings were as admonitions from a loving father to his children.

4:15 Paul reminded the Corinthian believers that he was their father through the gospel. In contrast to their present instructors, he had founded the church in Corinth (Ac 18).

4:16 Paul urged the Corinthian believers to imitate him, which entailed being seen as “fools” for the sake of Christ (vv. 10-13; cp. 2:1-2). Thus believers are encouraged to identify with “the scum of the earth” (4:13).

4:17 Timothy as a child with a mandate would remind the Corinthians of their father’s ways (i.e., “fools for Christ,” cp. v. 10). Timothy probably had been dispatched from Ephesus before the letter was sent (16:10-11).

4:18-20 Paul would come to examine their teaching from the standpoint of power, the standard for all those who were truly teaching the foolishness of Christ crucified—the only wisdom that has the power to save (1:18,22-24).

4:21 Rod pictures a father who is faithful to correct his disobedient children. If the Corinthian believers ignored Paul’s rebuke and admonition, they would receive the rod of chastisement upon his arrival. If they repented, however, he would come in love and a spirit of gentleness.