1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 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 (1 Cor. 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... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

4:14-21 It is not to shame you that I write these things, but to warn you as my beloved children. You may have thousands of tutors in Christ, but you have not many fathers; for, in Christ Jesus, through the good news, I begat you. So then, I urge you, show yourselves imitators of me. That is why I send to you Timothy, who is my beloved child and faithful in the Lord, for he will bring back to your memory my ways in Christ--exactly the same things as I teach everywhere and in every Church.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:20

For the kingdom of God ,.... By "the kingdom of God" is not meant the kingdom of heaven, or the ultimate glory and happiness of the saints; though that is a kingdom prepared by God, which he gives to his children, calls them to by his grace, and will give them an abundant entrance into, when time shall be no more with them; and though that is not attained to "in", or "by word", by mere talk and profession; not everyone that says Lord, Lord, shall enter into it; or that professes the name of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 4:20

For the kingdom of God - The religion of the Lord Jesus is not in word - in human eloquence, excellence of speech, or even in doctrines; but in power, εν δυναμει , in the mighty energy of the Holy Spirit; enlightening, quickening, converting, and sanctifying believers; and all his genuine apostles are enabled, on all necessary occasions, to demonstrate the truth of their calling by miracles; for this the original word often means. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 4:20

Verse 20 20.For the kingdom of God is not in word As the Lord governs the Church by his word, as with a scepter, the administration of the gospel is often called the kingdom of God Here, then, we are to understand by the kingdom of God whatever tends in this direction, and is appointed for this purpose — that God may reign among us. He says that this kingdom does not consist in word, for how small an affair is it for any one to have skill to prate eloquently, while he has nothing but empty... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

The practical steps which he intends to take with reference to these party divisions. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

Warnings of tenderness. From mood to mood, yet in all, St. Paul had the same dominant zeal and affection in behalf of his converts. Rebuke was not with him a pleasure to which the natural man ministered, but a very painful duty that proceeded from conscience and kept sensibility unalloyed by animal passion. Herein he is distinguished from men who love authority because it is a signal of personal eminence and a means to make others feel their inferiority. A really superior round never likes... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

Spiritual parentage. I. A VERY TENDER RELATIONSHIP . Paul notices: 1. The way in which the relationship is formed. ( 1 Corinthians 4:15 .) The spiritual father He finds them "strangers to the covenant of promise," strangers to Christ, strangers to the Church; but under the preaching of the truth they are led by the Spirit to lay hold of salvation: they become in Christ "new creatures," are "born again;" and he who has been the instrument employed in their conversion... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

The father and his children. The apostle has used sharp words, but they have been dictated by love. He has written as a father who desires the correction and not the shame of his children. I. SPIRITUAL FATHERHOOD . 1. How constituted. "For in Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel." Conversion is the beginning of a new life, the birth by which we enter on spiritual being. This change is wrought by the agency of the Holy Spirit, on the basis of Christ's redemptive work;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:16-21

Six subjects worth reflection. "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me," etc. There are six noteworthy subjects in these verses. I. A REMARKABLE REQUEST . "Be ye followers of me." Were Paul an ordinary man, such an exhortation would resound with arrogance; but he was a man of preeminent excellence, Christly in spirit, deportment, and ministry. There were three reasons why they should imitate him. 1. He was a follower of Christ. There was no living man who had followed... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:17-21

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:20

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 4:20

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Corinthians 4:20

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:16-21

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