Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

"I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 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. I beseech you therefore, be ye imitators of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every church. Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. 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. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?" — 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 (ASV)

In reproving 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. As ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, to the extent that they follow Christ in faith and practice.

Christians may make mistakes and differ in their views, but Christ and Christian truth are the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Whenever the gospel is effectual, it comes not in word only, but also in power, by the Holy Spirit, quickening dead sinners, delivering people from the slavery of sin and Satan, renewing them both inwardly and outwardly, and comforting, strengthening, and establishing the saints.

This work cannot be done by the persuasive language of humans, but by the power of God.

It is a blessed disposition to have the spirit of love and meekness prevail, yet to maintain just authority.