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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Corinthians 4:17–21.
Here, I. He tells them of his having sent Timothy to them, to bring them into remembrance of his ways in Christ, as he taught every where in every church (Co1 4:17) - to remind them of his ways in Christ, to refresh their memory as to his preaching and practice, what he taught, and how he lived among them. Note, Those who have had ever so good teaching are apt to forget, and need to have their memories refreshed. The same truth, taught over again, if it give no new light, may make new and quicker impression. He also lets them know that his teaching was the same every where, and in every church. He had not one doctrine for one place and people, and another for another. He kept close to his instructions. What he received of the Lord, that he delivered, Co1 11:23. This was the gospel revelation, which was the equal concern of all men, and did not very from itself. He therefore taught the same things in every church, and lived after the same manner in all times and places. Note, The truth of Christ is one and invariable. What one apostle taught every one taught. What one apostle taught at one time and in one place, he taught at all times and in all places. Christians may mistake and differ in their apprehensions, but Christ and Christian truth are the same yesterday, today, and for ever, Heb 13:8. To render their regard to Timothy the greater, he gives them his character. He was his beloved son, a spiritual child of his, as well as themselves. Note, Spiritual brotherhood should engage affection as well as what is common and natural. The children of one father should have one heart. But he adds, "He is faithful in the Lord - trustworthy, as one that feared the Lord. He will be faithful in the particular office he has now received of the Lord, the particular errand on which he comes; not only from me, but from Christ. He knows what I have taught, and what my conversation has been in all places, and, you may depend upon it, he will make a faithful report." Note, It is a great commendation of any minister that he is faithful in the Lord, faithful to his soul, to his light, to his trust from God; this must go a great way in procuring regard to his message with those that fear God.
II.He rebukes the vanity of those who imagined he would not come to them, by letting them know this was his purpose, though he had sent Timothy: "I will come to you shortly, though some of you are so vain as to think I will not." But he adds, if the Lord will. It seems, as to the common events of life, apostles knew no more than other men, nor were they in these points under inspiration. For, had the apostle certainly known the mind of God in this matter, he would not have expressed himself with this certainty. But he sets a good example to us in it. Note, All our purposes must be formed with a dependence on Providence, and a reserve for the overruling purposes of God. If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this and that, Jam 4:15.
III.He lets them know what would follow upon his coming to them:
I will know, not the speech of those that are puffed up, but the power, Co1 4:19. He would bring the great pretenders among them to a trial, would know what they were, not by their rhetoric or philosophy, but by the authority and efficacy of what they taught, whether they could confirm it by miraculous operations, and whether it was accompanied with divine influences and saving effects on the minds of men. For, adds he, the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. It is not set up, nor propagated, nor established, in the hearts of men, by plausible reasonings nor florid discourses, but by the external power of the Holy Spirit in miraculous operations at first, and the powerful influence of divine truth on the minds and manners of men. Note, It is a good way in the general to judge of a preacher's doctrine, to see whether the effects of it upon men's hearts to be truly divine. That is most likely to come from God which in its own nature is most fit, and in event is found to produce most likeness to God, to spread piety and virtue, to change men's hearts and mend their manners.
IV.He puts it to their choice how he should come among them, whether with a rod or in love and the spirit of meekness (Co1 4:21); that is, according as they were they would find him. If they continued perverse among themselves and with him, it would be necessary to come with a rod; that is, to exert his apostolical power in chastising them, by making some examples, and inflicting some diseases and corporal punishments, or by other censures for their faults. Note, Stubborn offenders must be used with severity. In families, in Christian communities, paternal pity and tenderness, Christian love and compassion, will sometimes force the use of the rod. But this is far from being desirable, if it may be prevented. And therefore the apostle adds that it was in their own option whether he should come with a rod or in a quite different disposition and manner: Or in love and the spirit of meekness. As much as if he had said, "Take warning, cease your unchristian feuds, rectify the abuses among you, and return to your duty, and you shall find me as gentle and benign as you can with. It will be a force upon my inclination to proceed with severity. I had rather come and display the tenderness of a father among you than assert his authority. Do but your duty, and you have no reason to avoid my presence." Note, It is a happy temper in a minister to have the spirit of love and meekness predominant, and yet to maintain his just authority.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Some of the Corinthians were angry that Paul had not come to them, not because they wanted him to but because they were proud and imagined that Paul thought they were unworthy of a visit. In fact, Paul wanted to go but had more important things to do.
"Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming unto you." For there he glances both at them and at certain others, casting down their highmindedness: since the love of preeminence is in fault, when men abuse the absence of their teacher for their own self-will. For when he addresses himself unto the people, observe how he does it by way of appeal to their sense of shame; when unto the originators of the mischief, his manner is more vehement. Thus unto the former he saith, "We are the offscouring of all:" and soothing them he saith, "Not to shame you I write these things;" but to the latter, "Now as though I were not coming to you, some are puffed up;" shewing that their self-will argued a childish turn of mind. For so boys in the absence of their master wax more negligent.
This then is one thing here indicated; and another is that his presence was sufficient for their correction. For as the presence of a lion makes all living creatures shrink away, so also does that of Paul the corrupters of the Church.
It is clear from this that what was being said was that Paul and his companions were weak, while the Corinthians were strong.
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Summary
In 1 Corinthians 4:18, the Apostle Paul addresses a specific group within the Corinthian church who had become arrogantly self-important, presuming that his delayed or uncertain visit meant he would not personally confront their spiritual pride and divisive behavior. This verse serves as a direct challenge to their inflated sense of spiritual superiority and sets the stage for Paul's imminent arrival and the demonstration of true spiritual authority, which is rooted in God's power, not human boasting.
Context
Literary Context
Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 4:18 is embedded within a broader argument concerning apostolic authority, spiritual leadership, and the pervasive problem of division and arrogance within the Corinthian church. Chapters 1 Corinthians 1-3 lay the groundwork by exposing the Corinthians' carnal divisions based on human wisdom and allegiances to different leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas). Chapter 1 Corinthians 4 then presents Paul's defense of his own apostolic ministry, emphasizing that apostles are merely "servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God" (1 Corinthians 4:1). He contrasts his humble, suffering ministry with the Corinthians' self-congratulatory pride, culminating in the sharp rebuke of their "puffed up" attitude in this verse, which directly precedes his declaration of an imminent visit to test their "power" rather than mere "words" (1 Corinthians 4:19).
Historical & Cultural Context
The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub known for its wealth, diverse philosophical schools, and a culture that highly valued rhetoric, eloquence, and social status. Many Corinthians, including some believers, brought these worldly values into the church, leading to a competitive spirit where spiritual gifts were flaunted, and leaders were evaluated based on their oratorical skill or perceived worldly success rather than their faithful stewardship of the gospel. This environment fostered a climate where individuals could easily become "puffed up" with intellectual or spiritual pride, viewing themselves as superior and challenging the authority of those, like Paul, who did not conform to their worldly standards of power or prestige. Paul, as a humble tentmaker who often suffered for the gospel, did not fit the mold of a celebrated orator or philosopher, making him an easy target for those who sought to undermine his authority in his absence.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Corinthians. Foremost is the theme of spiritual pride and arrogance, which Paul frequently contrasts with genuine humility and love. The "puffed up" attitude is a recurring motif, seen also in discussions about knowledge (1 Corinthians 8:1), and even in the context of the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:17-34). Another crucial theme is the nature of true spiritual authority and leadership. Paul consistently redefines leadership not as a position of worldly power or honor, but as humble servanthood, suffering, and stewardship of God's truth, as exemplified by himself and the other apostles (1 Corinthians 4:9-13). Finally, the verse highlights the theme of apostolic accountability and discipline, as Paul's impending visit signals that their actions will not go unchecked, but will be met with a demonstration of God's power and a call to repentance.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This indefinite pronoun (G5100) indicates that Paul is referring to a specific, though unnamed, group within the Corinthian church. It suggests that not everyone was "puffed up," but a significant or influential faction had adopted this arrogant posture. The use of "some" implies a targeted critique rather than a sweeping condemnation of the entire community, allowing for a distinction between those who were genuinely humble and those who were causing problems.
This verb (G5448) literally means "to inflate" or "to swell," as if with air. Figuratively, it denotes arrogance, conceit, or being haughty. Paul uses this vivid metaphor to describe an unhealthy, empty self-importance that is not based on substance but on an inflated ego. It contrasts sharply with genuine spiritual growth, which is characterized by humility and love. This "puffed up" state is a recurring concern for Paul in this epistle, consistently linked to a lack of love and a misunderstanding of true spiritual maturity.
This primary verb (G2064) signifies "to come or go" in a variety of applications, both literal and figurative. Here, it refers to Paul's physical presence and visit to Corinth. The "puffed up" individuals presumed Paul would "not come," perhaps believing he was afraid, unwilling, or unable to confront them directly. This presumption emboldened their arrogance, making Paul's declaration of his intent to visit a direct challenge to their false sense of security and a promise of impending accountability.
Verse Breakdown
"Now some are puffed up,"
This opening clause immediately identifies the core problem in Corinth: a faction within the church has become arrogant and conceited. The term "puffed up" vividly portrays their inflated sense of self-importance, likely stemming from a misunderstanding of spiritual gifts, knowledge, or their perceived status within the community. This pride was a root cause of the divisions and challenges to Paul's authority.
"as though I would not come to you."
This second clause reveals the specific nature of their arrogance: they believed Paul would not visit them. This presumption might have been based on his previous delays or their misinterpretation of his pastoral approach. They likely thought his absence meant he was either unwilling or unable to exercise his apostolic authority and confront their ungodly behavior directly. Their "puffed up" state was emboldened by this false sense of security, assuming they would escape personal accountability from their spiritual father.
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in 1 Corinthians 4:18. The most prominent is Metaphor, specifically in the phrase "puffed up" (physióō). This vivid image of being inflated like a balloon effectively conveys the emptiness and superficiality of their pride, suggesting a lack of true spiritual substance. There is also a strong element of Irony at play; those who are "puffed up" with worldly wisdom and self-importance are, in Paul's view, spiritually weak and immature. They boast of their "wisdom" but lack the true power of God. Finally, the verse functions as a form of Anticipation or Foreshadowing, as Paul's statement about their presumption of his non-arrival directly sets up his powerful declaration in the very next verse that he will indeed come, and not just with words, but with a demonstration of God's power.
Theological and Thematic Connections
1 Corinthians 4:18 underscores the profound theological truth that spiritual maturity is characterized by humility, not by an inflated sense of self-importance or a reliance on human wisdom and status. The "puffed up" attitude in Corinth was a direct affront to the gospel's message of Christ's humble servanthood and the Spirit's work in empowering weakness, not human strength. Paul's challenge to their presumption highlights the necessity of accountability within the body of Christ and the reality of divine judgment that begins in the household of God. True spiritual authority, as exemplified by Paul, is not about lording over others but about faithfully stewarding God's mysteries and nurturing the church in love, even if it requires confrontation. This verse serves as a crucial reminder that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble, a principle foundational to Christian living.
Reflection and Application
The warning against being "puffed up" in 1 Corinthians 4:18 remains profoundly relevant for believers and churches today. Spiritual pride, whether stemming from knowledge, gifts, ministry success, or perceived theological superiority, is a dangerous snare that hinders genuine spiritual growth, fosters division, and quenches the Spirit's work. This verse calls us to a radical self-assessment: are we living with a humble awareness of our dependence on God, or are we subtly, or even overtly, boasting in ourselves and our accomplishments? It reminds us that true spiritual power is found not in human eloquence or worldly status, but in the humble demonstration of God's Spirit and power, often through weakness and suffering. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of accountability within the Christian community, reminding us that presuming immunity from correction or challenging legitimate spiritual authority can lead to spiritual stagnation and a distorted view of God's grace.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were some in Corinth "puffed up"?
Some in Corinth were "puffed up" primarily due to a misunderstanding of true spiritual wisdom and authority, influenced by the city's prevailing culture that valued rhetoric, philosophy, and social status. They had begun to boast in human leaders and worldly wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:18-25), forming factions around different apostles (1 Corinthians 3:3-4). This led to a competitive spirit where individuals might have been proud of their perceived spiritual gifts, knowledge, or eloquence, viewing themselves as superior to others or even to Paul, who did not conform to their worldly standards of success. Paul explicitly states that "knowledge puffs up, but love builds up" (1 Corinthians 8:1), indicating that their pride was often rooted in an intellectual arrogance divorced from genuine love.
What does Paul mean by "as though I would not come to you"?
Paul means that the "puffed up" individuals in Corinth were operating under the false assumption that he would not actually visit them, or that he was afraid to confront them directly. His previous delays in visiting Corinth might have led them to believe he was hesitant or unable to exercise his apostolic authority in person. This presumption emboldened their arrogance and allowed them to continue in their divisive and ungodly behaviors without fear of immediate accountability. Paul's statement here is a direct challenge to that presumption, setting the stage for his firm declaration in 1 Corinthians 4:19 that he will indeed come, and his visit will reveal the true spiritual substance (the "power") of their claims, not just their empty words.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
1 Corinthians 4:18, with its indictment of those "puffed up" and presuming Paul's absence, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the stark contrast between human pride and the humble, self-emptying nature of Christ's incarnation and ministry. While the Corinthians boasted in worldly wisdom and status, Christ "made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). He did not come as a conquering king initially, but as the Lamb of God to suffer and die for the sins of the world. The arrogance Paul confronts in Corinth is the antithesis of the humility exemplified by Jesus, who taught His disciples that "whosoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12). Furthermore, the Corinthian presumption of Paul's non-arrival and lack of accountability foreshadows the world's (and even some within the church's) skepticism regarding Christ's promised return and ultimate judgment. Just as Paul promised to come and test their "power" (1 Corinthians 4:19), so too will Christ return, not merely with words, but with the full demonstration of His divine power and authority, to judge the living and the dead (Acts 17:31). The "puffed up" will be humbled before Him, while those who have embraced His humble way will be exalted.