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"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 be in Christ, even as I
teach everywhere in every church" (4: 17 R.V.).
Chapter 16: 10 ("If Timothy come") seems to be a difficulty, but we do not know all
the circumstances. If we did, there would doubtless be an explanation. The possibility is
that there were some reason that might prevent him reaching Corinth. We have already
seen the dangers of traveling in those days apart from anything else, so we need have no
misgivings about this.
While the Apostle Paul loved these converts at Corinth, yet his wisdom ensured that,
when they needed firm handling, this was forthcoming. He now tells them that he knows
some among them had taken the view that he would not bother to come to Corinth again,
so that they need not be unduly concerned about the state of the 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 which are puffed up,
but the power" (4: 18, 19 R.V.).
"Puffed up" is a characteristic word of this epistle and it expresses the sad state of
arrogance in the Corinthian assembly. When he came he would be able to assess and
deal with these conceited critics of his. There was evidently a good deal of talking
going on at Corinth, but Paul now contrasts this and the carnal power behind it with the
real power of the Spirit that operates and develops the kingdom of God, "for the kingdom
of God is not (i.e. does not operate) in word, but in power" (20). He then throws out a
challenge:
"What would you like? Am I come to you with a rod? Or in love and a spirit of
gentleness?" (4: 21 100: K. Barrett).
There was no doubt which the Apostle preferred, but it was for the Corinthians to
decide. If some did not mend their ways, then he, as the spiritual father, must punish and
discipline them with his apostolic power.
A new section now develops in chapter 5: in which Paul deals with immorality inside
and outside the assembly. We must remember that the state of morals at Corinth was low
indeed and immorality was not considered to be a very bad thing. With the rapid drifting
away from Christian standards, we have a similar situation developing in our day. If this
trend goes on, we shall see fornication and adultery being universally advocated as
something desirable. This is clearly a manifestation of the Babylonian lie, where
standards are deliberately twisted and altered. Good is represented as being bad, and bad
is represented as being good, and all this is a symptom of the terrible degeneracy both
spiritual and natural at the end of this age which the Word has foretold.
Paul writes and tells the Corinthians that he has heard of immorality among them, in
that one member was living with his father's wife. The Apostle does not call it adultery,
from which we may conclude that either the offender's father was not living or that he
had divorced his wife. Such a relationship was even condemned by the Gentiles, and
what was so distressing was not just the sin itself, but the arrogant way and the levity