Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 4:19

"But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will; and I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power." — 1 Corinthians 4:19 (ASV)

Now concerning his own proposed trip to Corinth, Paul addresses some in the church who had acted arrogantly as though he were not going to come and did not dare to do so. These were the false teachers who were trying to undermine his authority (cf. 9:1–3; 2 Corinthians 12:12) by saying he was unstable (2 Corinthians 1:17) and weak and that his message was of no importance (2 Corinthians 10:10).

Paul replies that, the Lord willing, he will come without delay and will then find out the real power of the arrogant persons who are doing all the talking against him (v.19). “But” emphasizes the contrast: Talk is cheap! What real power do these people have to promote their unscriptural and derogatory ideas? Paul uses the expression “kingdom [GK 993] of God” here in the present spiritual sense of God reigning over his people and demonstrating his power in their lives. He is talking about the life that comes from Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)—the new birth and its power (cf. Jn 3:3-8).

Paul climaxes his thought with the question, “What do you prefer?” He poses two alternatives: to come “with punishment, or in love and with a gentle spirit” (i.e., in a manner expressing gentleness). So Paul has answered their charge that he is afraid.