1 Corinthians 4:14

¶ I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn [you].

I write {G1125} not {G3756} these things {G5023} to shame {G1788} you {G5209}, but {G235} as {G5613} my {G3450} beloved {G27} sons {G5043} I warn {G3560} you.

I am not writing you this to make you feel ashamed, but, as my dear children, to confront you and get you to change.

I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.

I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.

Commentary

In 1 Corinthians 4:14, the Apostle Paul clarifies his intent behind the strong words he has just written to the church in Corinth. He assures them that his purpose is not to humiliate them, but to offer loving correction, much like a father would admonish his own children. This verse sets a compassionate tone for his preceding criticisms, emphasizing his deep spiritual connection to the Corinthian believers.

Context

This verse comes at the conclusion of a section where Paul addresses significant issues within the Corinthian church, including their pride, factionalism, and misplaced allegiances to various leaders (e.g., Paul, Apollos, Cephas). He has used sharp rhetoric and rhetorical questions, even pointing out their spiritual immaturity and arrogance (see 1 Corinthians 4:8-13). Verse 14 serves as a crucial clarification of his pastoral motive, softening the tone and emphasizing his underlying love and concern for their spiritual well-being and growth in the Lord.

Key Themes

  • Pastoral Love and Admonition: Paul's primary motivation is love, not condemnation or shame. He seeks to guide and correct them for their benefit, reflecting a true spiritual father's heart. This theme of loving correction is consistent with Paul's ministry, where truth is always spoken in love (Ephesians 4:15).
  • Spiritual Parenthood: Paul views the Corinthians as his "beloved sons," highlighting the deep bond and responsibility he feels towards them, having fathered them in the gospel. This spiritual relationship grants him the authority and obligation to warn and instruct them.
  • Correction for Growth: The "warning" is not punitive but formative. It's intended to spur them towards repentance, humility, and spiritual maturity, aligning with God's desire for His children to grow in grace and knowledge.

Linguistic Insight

The Greek word translated "warn" is noutheteō (νουθετέω). This term signifies more than just a casual warning; it implies an earnest admonition, instruction, or correction, often with the intent to improve behavior or understanding. It carries the nuance of "putting sense into someone's mind," often through gentle persuasion or firm instruction, rather than harsh scolding. It's about bringing someone back to the right path, much like a parent teaches a child for their own good.

Paul's Relationship with the Corinthians

Paul's description of the Corinthians as his "beloved sons" is a powerful expression of his deep affection and the unique spiritual bond he shared with them. He was the one who first brought the gospel to Corinth, establishing the church there during his missionary journeys (see Acts 18:1-11). This spiritual paternity gave him a unique authority and responsibility to guide and correct them, even when his words were difficult. His desire was always for their spiritual well-being and maturity, not their humiliation or destruction.

Practical Application

  • Motives in Correction: For believers, this verse teaches us the importance of our motives when offering correction or challenging others. Our words, especially those of admonition, should always be rooted in love and a genuine desire for the other person's growth and well-being, not to shame, condemn, or assert superiority.
  • Receiving Correction: It also provides a model for receiving correction. When someone, especially a spiritual leader, mentor, or trusted friend, offers a "warning" or admonition, we should consider their underlying motive of love and willingness to help us grow, rather than immediately becoming defensive or resentful.
  • Spiritual Mentorship: The concept of spiritual fatherhood or motherhood is vital in the church today. Mature believers are called to invest in and guide younger believers, often requiring loving, yet firm, admonition to help them navigate challenges and grow in their faith, much like a parent guides a child toward maturity (Titus 2:3-5).
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Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:11

    As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father [doth] his children,

  • 3 John 1:4

    I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:15

    ¶ But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for [it were] better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:15

    For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet [have ye] not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:14

    Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].

  • 2 Corinthians 12:19

    Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but [we do] all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

  • Colossians 1:28

    Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
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