1 Corinthians 4:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} though {G1437} ye have {G2192} ten thousand {G3463} instructors {G3807} in {G1722} Christ {G5547}, yet {G235} have ye not {G3756} many {G4183} fathers {G3962}: for {G1063} in {G1722} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424} I {G1473} have begotten {G1080} you {G5209} through {G1223} the gospel {G2098}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For even if you have ten thousand trainers in connection with the Messiah, you do not have many fathers; for in connection with the Messiah Yeshua it was I who became your father by means of the Good News.

Berean Standard Bible

Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 4:15, the Apostle Paul powerfully asserts his unique spiritual paternity over the Corinthian believers, contrasting his foundational role in their spiritual birth through the gospel with the numerous other instructors they might encounter. This verse underscores the profound and intimate bond between Paul and the church he founded, emphasizing that while many can offer guidance, only he was instrumental in their regeneration into new life in Christ. It highlights the transformative power of the gospel as the divine instrument of spiritual new birth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's broader argument in 1 Corinthians concerning divisions, spiritual immaturity, and the nature of true apostolic ministry. Chapters 1-3 address the Corinthians' factions, rooted in their misguided allegiance to human leaders and their overvaluation of worldly wisdom. Paul contrasts this with the "foolishness" of the cross and the humble, suffering reality of true apostleship. Chapter 4 specifically sees Paul defending his ministry and the apostles' status, not as powerful or eloquent figures, but as "fools for Christ's sake" (1 Corinthians 4:10) and "servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Corinthians 4:1). Verse 15 serves as a poignant climax to this defense, establishing his unique, life-giving relationship with them, which transcends any other teaching relationship. He is not merely another teacher; he is their spiritual father.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a major Roman provincial capital, a bustling port city known for its wealth, diverse population, and a blend of Greek philosophical traditions, Roman administration, and various pagan cults, including the temple of Aphrodite. The Corinthian church was a relatively young community, founded by Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-18). The city's culture valued rhetoric, wisdom, and influential teachers, which likely contributed to the factions Paul addresses. In Greco-Roman society, a `paidagogos` (instructor/tutor) was often a slave responsible for escorting a child to school, overseeing their discipline, and moral training. This role was important but temporary and did not carry the authority, affection, or foundational identity associated with a biological father (`patēr`). Paul leverages this cultural understanding to highlight the depth and permanence of his spiritual relationship with them, contrasting it sharply with the more superficial or temporary role of other teachers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes in 1 Corinthians and Pauline theology. It powerfully articulates **Spiritual Paternity**, positioning Paul not just as an evangelist or teacher, but as the one who "begot" them into spiritual life, establishing a unique and foundational bond. This contrasts with the theme of **Spiritual Immaturity** prevalent in the Corinthian church, as Paul seeks to guide them from a childish reliance on human wisdom to a mature understanding of Christ. The verse also underscores the **Power and Efficacy of the Gospel**, emphasizing that spiritual regeneration is not achieved through human eloquence or wisdom but "through the gospel" (1 Corinthians 4:15), echoing Paul's earlier assertion that the gospel is "the power of God for salvation" [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel"). Finally, it speaks to **Apostolic Authority and Humility**, as Paul, despite his unique authority as their spiritual father, consistently models humility and suffering for Christ's sake, contrasting with the Corinthians' pride and self-sufficiency (as seen in [1 Corinthians 4:8-13](/1_corinthians/4-8-13 "1 Corinthians 4:8-13 - The Apostles' Suffering")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **instructors (Greek, _paidagōgós'_):** From the Greek `paidagōgós`, meaning a "boy-leader" or tutor. In ancient Greco-Roman culture, a `paidagōgós` was typically a trusted servant or slave who accompanied a child to school, supervised their conduct, and provided moral instruction. This role was crucial for discipline and training but was distinct from the child's biological father. Paul uses this term to describe the "ten thousand" other teachers in Corinth, implying their role was more supervisory and temporary, lacking the deep, life-giving bond of a father.
* **begotten (Greek, _gennáō'_):** From the Greek `gennáō`, meaning "to procreate," "to bear," or "to beget." This verb emphasizes the act of giving birth or bringing into existence. Paul's use of this word is profoundly significant, asserting that he was the instrument through whom the Corinthians received spiritual life. It is a powerful metaphor for spiritual regeneration, indicating a foundational, life-imparting relationship, not merely an educational one.
* **gospel (Greek, _euangélion'_):** From the Greek `euangélion`, meaning "a good message" or "good news." This refers to the core message of salvation through Jesus Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Paul explicitly states that he "begot" them "through the gospel," highlighting that their spiritual birth was not a result of his personal charisma or wisdom, but through the divine power inherent in the message of Christ. The gospel is the channel through which new life is imparted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ":** Paul acknowledges the abundance of teachers and guides within the Christian community in Corinth. The phrase "ten thousand" (Greek `mýrioi`) is a hyperbole, meaning "innumerably many" or "very many," emphasizing the sheer number of people who could offer instruction or guidance. These "instructors in Christ" are those who teach Christian doctrine or principles, but their relationship to the believers is primarily pedagogical.
* **"yet [have ye] not many fathers":** This clause presents a stark contrast. Despite the multitude of instructors, Paul asserts that true spiritual fathers are rare. The term "fathers" (`patḗr`) here refers to those who have been instrumental in the spiritual birth and foundational nurturing of believers. This highlights a qualitative difference between imparting knowledge and imparting life.
* **"for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel":** This is Paul's powerful declaration of his unique spiritual paternity. He explicitly states that he, and not others, was the one through whom they received spiritual life. The phrase "in Christ Jesus" signifies that this spiritual birth occurred within the sphere of Christ's redemptive work and identity. Crucially, this spiritual generation was accomplished "through the gospel," emphasizing that the message of Christ's death and resurrection was the divine instrument for their regeneration, not Paul's own power or wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in 1 Corinthians 4:15 to convey his message with clarity and impact. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as he sharply distinguishes between "ten thousand instructors" and "not many fathers." This juxtaposition highlights the qualitative difference between mere teaching and life-giving spiritual paternity. He uses **Hyperbole** with "ten thousand" (`mýrioi`) to emphasize the overwhelming number of teachers compared to the scarcity of true spiritual fathers, making his claim of unique paternity even more striking. Furthermore, the verse is built upon a central **Metaphor** of spiritual birth and family. Paul portrays himself as the "father" who has "begotten" the Corinthians, drawing on the deeply understood biological relationship to describe a profound spiritual reality. This metaphor underscores the intimacy, foundational nature, and life-imparting quality of his ministry to them, distinguishing it from the more functional and temporary role of an instructor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's assertion of spiritual fatherhood in 1 Corinthians 4:15 is a profound theological statement about the nature of spiritual regeneration and the role of apostolic ministry. It emphasizes that new life in Christ is not merely a matter of intellectual assent or moral instruction, but a supernatural birth, a divine act of creation mediated through the proclamation of the gospel. This spiritual paternity implies a deep, enduring bond of love, responsibility, and nurturing, akin to a natural parent-child relationship. It underscores the foundational nature of evangelism and discipleship, where the initial impartation of life through the gospel establishes a unique connection between the spiritual parent and child. This relationship is rooted "in Christ Jesus," signifying that all spiritual life and identity flow from union with Him.

* [John 3:3](/john/3-3 "John 3:3 - Born Again")
* [Galatians 4:19](/galatians/4-19 "Galatians 4:19 - Paul's Travail for the Galatians")
* [Philemon 1:10](/philemon/1-10 "Philemon 1:10 - Paul, Father to Onesimus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 4:15 offers rich insights for both believers and those engaged in ministry. For believers, it encourages a deep appreciation for those who were instrumental in their spiritual birth and foundational growth. While we may learn from many teachers, there is a unique debt of gratitude and respect owed to those God used to bring us into new life through the gospel. This verse challenges us to recognize the profound, life-altering impact of spiritual regeneration and to value the spiritual relationships that foster such growth. For those in ministry, Paul's example calls for a commitment that transcends mere instruction. It is a call to cultivate genuine, life-imparting relationships, to be spiritual parents who invest deeply, nurture, and guide others from spiritual infancy to maturity. It reminds us that the ultimate power lies not in our eloquence or wisdom, but in the gospel itself, which is the divine instrument for bringing about new life. Our role is to faithfully proclaim that life-giving message and then to shepherd those born through it with a father's or mother's heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who were the "spiritual parents" or foundational figures in your own journey of faith, and how has their influence shaped you?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, cultivate a "fatherly" or "motherly" heart in our interactions with newer believers, moving beyond mere instruction to genuine spiritual nurturing?**
* **How does Paul's emphasis on "through the gospel" challenge our understanding of where true spiritual power and transformation originate?**

### FAQ

**What is the difference between an "instructor" and a "father" in this context?**

Answer: Paul draws a crucial distinction between an "instructor" (`paidagōgós`) and a "father" (`patḗr`). An instructor, in the Greco-Roman world, was typically a tutor or disciplinarian, often a slave, who guided a child in their education and manners. This role was important but temporary and focused on external discipline and knowledge transfer. A "father," however, is the one who imparts life, establishing a foundational and permanent bond. Paul uses this metaphor to assert that while many teachers (instructors) might provide guidance or further instruction to the Corinthians, he was the unique instrument through whom they received spiritual life and were "begotten" into the family of God "through the gospel" [1 Corinthians 4:15](/1_corinthians/4-15 "1 Corinthians 4:15 - Paul, the Spiritual Father").

**How did Paul "beget" the Corinthians through the gospel?**

Answer: Paul "begot" the Corinthians through the gospel by being the primary evangelist who first proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ to them in Corinth. His preaching of the gospel was the means by which the Holy Spirit brought about their spiritual regeneration, leading them to faith and new life in Christ. This is not to say that Paul himself imparted life, but that he was the human instrument God used. The power resides in the gospel message itself, which is "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel"). Paul's role was to faithfully preach this message, and through it, the Corinthians were spiritually born.

**Does this verse mean only one person can be our spiritual father?**

Answer: While Paul emphasizes his unique role as the one who "begot" the Corinthians, implying a singular foundational spiritual parent, this does not preclude believers from having multiple spiritual mentors, teachers, or even "fathers" (or mothers) in different seasons of their spiritual journey. Paul is making a specific claim about their initial conversion and the establishment of the church in Corinth. He laid the foundation [1 Corinthians 3:10](/1_corinthians/3-10 "1 Corinthians 3:10 - Paul, the Wise Master Builder"). Other teachers built upon that foundation. The verse highlights the special, foundational bond with the one who led them to Christ, while acknowledging that many others can contribute to their ongoing growth and instruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 4:15, with Paul's declaration of spiritual paternity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Christ Jesus. Paul's ability to "beget" believers through the gospel is not a power inherent in himself, but a reflection of the life-giving power of Christ. It is Christ who is the "firstborn from the dead" [Colossians 1:18](/colossians/1-18 "Colossians 1:18 - Christ, the Head of the Body"), the source of all new creation and spiritual life. Believers are "born again" not of perishable seed but through the living and abiding word of God, which is the gospel of Christ [1 Peter 1:23](/1_peter/1-23 "1 Peter 1:23 - Born Again Through the Word"). Our adoption as children of God is "through Jesus Christ" [Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption Through Christ"), making God our ultimate Father. Paul, as a spiritual father, mirrors the profound truth that God, through Christ, brings dead souls to life, making them His own children. Thus, Paul's spiritual fatherhood is a testament to the transformative work of Christ, who is the true giver of life, and whose gospel is the means by which we are brought into His eternal family. Every spiritual birth, whether through Paul or any other gospel messenger, ultimately points to the regenerating power of the resurrected Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 4:19

¶ My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

1 Corinthians 3:10

According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.

1 Corinthians 9:23

And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with [you].

1 Corinthians 9:14

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.

1 Peter 1:23

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Philemon 1:19

I Paul have written [it] with mine own hand, I will repay [it]: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

Philemon 1:10

I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: