18 Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you.
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
18 Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you.
18 I know there are some among you who are so full of themselves they never listen to anyone, let alone me. They don't think I'll ever show up in person.
18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.
18 Some of you have become arrogant, thinking I will not visit you again.
19 But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have.
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.
19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power.
19 But I'll be there sooner than you think, God willing, and then we'll see if they're full of anything but hot air.
19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.
19 But I will come-and soon-if the Lord lets me, and then I'll find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God's power.
(Read 1 Corinthians 4:14-21)
In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and differ in their views, but Christ and Christian truth are the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Whenever the gospel is effectual, it comes not in word only, but also in power, by the Holy Spirit, quickening dead sinners, delivering persons from the slavery of sin and Satan, renewing them both inwardly and outwardly, and comforting, strengthening, and establishing the saints, which cannot be done by the persuasive language of men, but by the power of God. And it is a happy temper, to have the spirit of love and meekness bear the rule, yet to maintain just authority.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:18
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:14-21
(Read 1 Corinthians 4:14-21)
In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and differ in their views, but Christ and Christian truth are the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Whenever the gospel is effectual, it comes not in word only, but also in power, by the Holy Spirit, quickening dead sinners, delivering persons from the slavery of sin and Satan, renewing them both inwardly and outwardly, and comforting, strengthening, and establishing the saints, which cannot be done by the persuasive language of men, but by the power of God. And it is a happy temper, to have the spirit of love and meekness bear the rule, yet to maintain just authority.