4:14,15
Paul has been quite direct in what he has been saying, and in the way he has said it. But he has not been doing this to get at the Corinthians but to warn them as dear children. True love and care sometimes involves saying hard things, but it says these things not to do people down, but to protect them.
Paul then draws a contrast between guardians and fathers. A father has a much closer and deeper concern for the child than a guardian. A guardian may be technically competent, but there will be something lacking. Moreover, some of those seeking to influence the church would not be doing so from good motives. Correct doctrine and teaching are important, but there must always be more than this, there must be a relational commitment as well. Paul had that relational commitment. He was not just doing a job, he was not just “winning souls”, he was getting children.
As an aside, we should compare verse 16 with Matthew 23:9 where Jesus says “do not call anyone father ...”. This should be a warning against literalistic readings of Scripture, everything needs to be read in context. In Matt 23 Jesus is warning against the attitude of self-aggrandizement. Paul here is speaking for a deep concern and care of leaders over their flock.
4:16,17
“Therefore I urge you to imitate me”. Paul points to himself as an example. None of us are perfect, but even so there should be at least some things in our life that we can point to as an illustration of the work of God. So Paul is sending Timothy, someone he trusts, to help instruct the church. Note that he will teach them about Paul’s way of life. We are to be living examples of the life of Christ. Moreover, Paul taught the same things to all the churches he was involved in
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