Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 4:15

"For though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel." — 1 Corinthians 4:15 (ASV)

For though you have ten thousand instructors. Though you may have, or though you should have. It does not matter how many you have, for it is still true that I alone am your spiritual father. And whatever respect it is proper for you to have toward them, I nevertheless have a special right to admonish you, and a special deference is due to me, because of my early labors among you and the fact that you are my spiritual children.

Instructors. The Greek word is 'pedagogues,' that is, those who conducted children to school and supervised their conduct outside of school hours. Hence, it referred to those who had the care of children, or teachers in general. It is then applied to instructors of any kind.

In Christ. In the Christian system or doctrine. The authority Paul claims here is that which a father has in preference to such an instructor.

Not many fathers. Spiritual fathers. That is, you have only one. You are to remember that however many teachers you have, yet I alone am your spiritual father.

In Christ Jesus. By the aid and authority of Christ. I have begotten you by preaching his gospel and by his assistance.

I have begotten you. I was the instrument of your conversion.

Through the gospel. By means of the gospel; by preaching it to you; that is, by the truth.