Because of this I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every assembly.
Parallel Translations
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Because of this I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every assembly.
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For this cause have I sent vnto you Timotheus which is my deare sonne and faithfull in the Lorde which shall put you in remembraunce of my wayes which I have in Christ even as I teache every where in all congregacions.
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For this cause haue I sent vnto you Timotheus, which is my beloued sonne, and faithfull in the Lord, which shall put you in remembrance of my wayes in Christ as I teache euery where in euery Church.
Cross-references (26)
Passages linked to 1 Corinthians 4:17 in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, ordered by reader-vote popularity; verse text shown in World English Bible.
- 1 Corinthians 16:10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
- 1 Timothy 1:2 to Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 7:17 Only, as the Lord has distributed to each man, as God has called each, so let him walk. So I command in all the assemblies.
- 2 Timothy 1:2 to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 14:33 for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace, as in all the assemblies of the saints.
- 1 Corinthians 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise.
- 1 Corinthians 7:25 Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who has obtained mercy from the Lord to be trustworthy.
- 1 Corinthians 11:2 Now I praise you, brothers, that you remember me in all things, and hold firm the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:2-3 and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith, that no one would be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task.
- 2 Timothy 3:10 But you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness,
- Revelation 2:10 Don’t be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.
- Numbers 12:7 My servant Moses is not so. He is faithful in all my house.
- Proverbs 13:17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
- Matthew 24:45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season?
- Matthew 25:21 “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
- Matthew 25:23 “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
- 1 Corinthians 4:15 For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, you don’t have many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the Good News.
- 1 Corinthians 11:16 But if any man seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither do God’s assemblies.
- Ephesians 6:21 But that you also may know my affairs, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things.
- Philippians 2:19 But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered up when I know how you are doing.
- Colossians 1:7 even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on your behalf,
- Colossians 4:9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here.
- 2 Timothy 2:2 The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same things to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
- Revelation 2:13 “I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. You hold firmly to my name, and didn’t deny my faith in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
- 1 Corinthians 4:2 Here, moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
- Acts 19:21-22 Now after these things had ended, Paul determined in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” Having sent into Macedonia two of those who served him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this verse (22 sources)
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain 17. For this cause. The meaning is: “That you…
17. For this cause. The meaning is: “That you may know what my manner of life is, and whether I am worthy to be imitated, listen to what Timothy has to say, who will be prepared to be a faithful witness of these things. Now as there are two things that secure credit to a man’s testimony — a knowledge of the things which he relates, and fidelity — he lets them know that Timothy possesses both of these things. For in calling him his dearly beloved son, he intimates that he knew him intimately, and was acquainted with all his affairs; and farther, he speaks of him as faithful in the Lord He gives also two things in charge to Timothy — first, to recall to the recollection of the Corinthians those things which they should of themselves have had in remembrance, and in this he tacitly reproves them; and secondly, to testify to them, how uniform and steady his manner of teaching was in every place. Now it is probable that he had been assailed by the calumnies of the false apostles, as though he assumed more authority over the Corinthians than he did over others, or as though he conducted himself in a very different way in other places; for it is not without good reason that he wishes this to be testified to them. It is then the part of a prudent minister so to regulate his procedure, and to observe such a method of instruction, that no such objection may be brought against him, but he shall be prepared to answer on the same ground as Paul does.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain What way and rule I follow everywhere in teaching…
What way and rule I follow everywhere in teaching the Churches.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain 17 For this cause have I sent unto you…
17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
Ver. 17. For this cause] That ye may be followers of me, and know what I do.
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Of my ways which be in Christ] It is of excellent use to know what good men, especially ministers, do, as well as what they say. Ministers’ lives should be a transcript of their sermons, or as so many sermons on the life of Christ.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain This Timothy Paul found at Lystra, Act 16:1. His…
This Timothy Paul found at Lystra, Act 16:1. His father was a Greek, his mother a Jewess, therefore Paul circumcised him; her name was Eunice, the daughter of Lois, 2Ti 1:5. Paul took him along with him in his travels. He was ordained by the imposition of the hands of the presbytery, 1Ti 4:14; 2Ti 1:6. Paul calls him his beloved son, either because he was his spiritual son, or because he was by him instructed in the gospel: he calls him his own son in the faith, 1Ti 1:2.
Faithful in the Lord, because he was faithful in the work of the Lord, in the business of the ministry.
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Who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church; he (saith the apostle) shall bring to your remembrance my ways in the Lord, he shall acquaint you with both what doctrine I have preached and what course of life I have lived; how I have preached to every church, what rules I have given for the ordering of every church, and how I have walked before and toward them.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain No sooner had St. Paul planted a church in…
No sooner had St. Paul planted a church in Corinth, but, by the envy and malice of Satan, most notorious disorders, and scandalous abuses, were cast into it. To obviate which great and growing mischief, he writes them his mind in this epistle. But lest this method should prove ineffectual, because writing at a distance is not so moving as conferring face to face, he sends Timotheus unto them, to excite and persuade them to their duty, by bringing to their remembrance his ways which were in Christ, both what he had formerly taught, and did yet continue to teach in every church: I have sent unto you Timotheus, my beloved Son, and faithful in the Lord.
Here note, 1. The messenger sent to them, described by his name, Timotheus, or Timothy; by his relation, his beloved Son; that is, his son in the faith, his spiritual son, possibly converted, undoubtedly instructed by him in the principles of Christianity.
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He is farther described by his zeal and diligence in the work of the gospel: faithful in the Lord, that is, faithful in the work of the Lord.
A noble character of a gospel minister: faithful to God, faithful to souls, faithful in his intentions, faithful in his endeavours, faithful in all the administrations of Christ’s house; faithful and affectionate towards the poor of the flock, remembering that all souls are rated at one value in his Master’s book; faithful in public preaching, faithful in private inspection. Happy are the people who have such faithful persons for their spiritual guides and pastors.
Note, 2. The message and errand Timothy was sent upon, namely, to acquaint the Corinthians with St. Paul’s doctrine and practice, and to excite and persuade them to their duty, by bringing his ways to their remembrance.
Where observe, That St. Paul had led so holy and unblamable a conversation in every place where he had lived, that he is neither afraid nor ashamed that his course of life should be discovered and made known to all the world. A great example for our imitation, to walk before God and our people with such care and caution, with such heedfulness nad circumspection, that we need not blush, when either our doctrine or practice are published before all the churches of Jesus Christ. Timothy shall acquaint you with my ways, and with what I teach everywhere in every church.
William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain Here, I. He tells them of his having sent…
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.
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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.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus,....…
For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus,.... This is an instance of his care of them, concern for them and respect unto them; that he not only writes unto them, giving his best advice and counsel, promising to come unto them; but in the mean while sends Timothy to them, whose character is here given as one dear to him, and in all things trusty and faithful:
who is my beloved son; so, in his epistles to him, he often styles him his son, his own son in the faith, his dearly beloved son; not that he was the instrument of his conversion, for he was a disciple of Christ before the apostle was acquainted with him; see Act 16:1 but either because of his age, he being younger than he; or because of his great affection for him; and chiefly because, as a son with a father, he served him in the Gospel, Phi 2:22 and since he was so familiar with him, and so much loved by him, it might reasonably be thought he full well knew his ways and methods of doctrine and practice.
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And faithful in the Lord; a faithful steward of the mysteries of grace; faithful in the Gospel of Christ, and to the souls of men; a faithful minister of the Lord's; one who had been tried, proved, and found faithful, and therefore might be trusted to, and depended upon:
who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways; his way of preaching, and the doctrines he taught; and what should be the manner of life and conversation agreeably thereunto, and to his own; and all those rules and orders he gave for the discipline and management of the affairs of churches; all which he had formerly delivered to them, though they, through length of time, and the ministry of the false teachers among them, had greatly forgotten them: wherefore Timothy is sent, not to teach them new ways, nor, indeed, to teach at all, whose youth they might be tempted to despise; but only to put them in mind of what the apostle had formerly taught them: and which are recommended by their being such ways,
which be in Christ; the doctrines he had preached among them, the sum and substance of them were Christ, and him crucified; the ordinances he had delivered to them were what he had received from Christ; and all the rules and methods he had proposed to them for the regulation of their conduct, and the management of their ecclesiastical affairs, were such as were agreeably to the mind of Christ, and tended to his glory; he took no step, nor proposed any to be taken, but in Christ, and for the good of his interest: and he adds,
as I teach everywhere, in every church; the faith he delivered everywhere was one and the same; the Son of God, preached by him, was not yea and nay; the trumpet he blew always gave a certain sound; the rules prescribed by him, and orders he laid down, for the conduct of life, and government of churches, were exactly alike in all places; he taught no doctrines at Corinth, nor enjoined the observance of any rule, but what all other churches were taught and directed to; his plan of doctrine and discipline was the same everywhere.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain My beloved son - Elsewhere he styles him "brother,"…
My beloved son - Elsewhere he styles him "brother," 2 Cor. i, 1; but here paternal affection takes place. As I teach - No less by example than precept.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain Verse 17. For this cause] That you imitate me,…
Verse 17. For this cause] That you imitate me, and know in what this consists.
I sent unto you Timotheus] The same person to whom he wrote the two epistles that are still extant under his name, and whom he calls here his beloved son, one of his most intimate disciples; and whom he had been the means of bringing to God through Christ.
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My ways which be in Christ] This person will also inform you of the manner in which I regulate all the Churches; and show to you, that what I require of you is no other than what I require of all the Churches of Christ which I have formed, as I follow the same plan of discipline in every place. See the Introduction, sect. iii.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Joseph Benson 1811 · Public Domain 1Co 4:17. For this cause — That you may…
1Co 4:17. For this cause — That you may be better able to trace my steps, and may be animated to do it with the greater care; I have sent unto you Timotheus, my beloved son — One whom I love with an entire fatherly affection, as if he were my son, 2Ti 1:2. Elsewhere he styles him brother, but here paternal affection takes place. And faithful in the Lord — In the Lord’s work, (Php 2:20,) and by his assistance; who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways — My Christian course of life for your imitation, 1Co 4:16. As I teach everywhere — According to the constant tenor of my preaching. With regard to Paul’s sending Timothy to Corinth, the case seems to have been this: the great success with which the apostle preached at Ephesus having induced him to remain a while longer there, after he heard of the dissensions in Corinth, he judged it proper to send Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia, (of which mention is made Act 19:22,) to learn how matters stood at Corinth. And if, on the information they received, they should judge their presence would be of use in composing the disagreements among the Corinthians, they were to go forward and attempt it, by putting them in remembrance of the apostle’s doctrine and practice. Yet it appears from 1Co 16:10, where he says, if Timothy come, that he was uncertain whether he went to Corinth or not.
Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain For this cause - In order to remind you…
For this cause - In order to remind you of my doctrines and my manner of life. Since I am hindered from coming myself, I have sent a fellow laborer as my messenger, well acquainted with my views and feelings, that he might do what I would do if I were present.
Have I sent unto you Timotheus - Timothy, the companion and fellow laborer of Paul. This was probably when Paul was at Ephesus. He sent Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia, probably with instruction to go to Corinth if convenient. Yet it was not quite certain that Timothy would come to them, for in 1Co 16:10, he expresses a doubt whether he would. Paul was probably deeply engaged in Asia, and did not think it proper then for him to leave his field of labor. He probably supposed also, that Timothy, as his ambassador, would be able to settle the difficulties in Corinth as well as if he were himself present.
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My beloved son - In the gospel. See Act 16:1-3; 1Ti 1:2. He supposed, therefore, that they would listen to him with great respect.
And faithful in the Lord - A true Christian and a faithful servant of Christ; and who is, therefore, worthy of your confidence.
Of my ways - My doctrine, my teaching, my mode of life.
Which be in Christ - That is, my Christian life; my ministry; or my conduct as a Christian and a follower of the Saviour.
As I teach everywhere ... - This was designed probably to show them that he taught them no new or special doctrines; he wished them simply to conform to the common rules of the churches, and to be like their Christian brethren everywhere. The Christian church is founded every where on the same doctrines; is bound to obey the same laws; and is suited to produce and cherish the same spirit. The same spirit that was required in Ephesus or Antioch, was required at Corinth; the same spirit that was required at Corinth, at Ephesus, or at Antioch, is required now.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain For this came--that ye may the better "be followers…
For this came--that ye may the better "be followers of me" (Co1 4:16), through his admonitions.
sent . . . Timotheus-- (Co1 16:10; Act 19:21-22). "Paul purposed . . . when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem. So he sent into Macedonia Timotheus and Erastus." Here it is not expressly said that he sent Timothy into Achaia (of which Corinth was the capital), but it is implied, for he sent him with Erastus before him. As he therefore purposed to go into Achaia himself, there is every probability they were to go thither also. They are said only to have been sent into Macedonia, because it was the country to which they went immediately from Ephesus. The undesignedness of the coincidence establishes the genuineness of both the Epistle and the history. In both, Timothy's journey is closely connected with Paul's own (compare Co1 4:19). Erastus is not specified in the Epistle, probably because it was Timothy who was charged with Paul's orders, and possibly Erastus was a Corinthian, who, in accompanying Timothy, was only returning home. The seeming discrepancy at least shows that the passages were not taken from one another [PALEY, Horæ Paulinæ].
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son--that is, converted by me (compare Co1 4:14-15; Act 14:6-7; with Act 16:1-2; Ti1 1:2, Ti1 1:18; Ti2 1:2). Translate, "My son, beloved and faithful in the Lord."
bring you into remembrance--Timothy, from his spiritual connection with Paul, as converted by him, was best suited to remind them of the apostle's walk and teaching (Ti2 3:10), which they in some respects, though not altogether (Co1 11:2), had forgotten.
as I teach . . . in every church--an argument implying that what the Spirit directed Paul to teach "everywhere" else, must be necessary at Corinth also (Co1 7:17).
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain 17. For this cause—To keep my model of Christianity…
17. For this cause—To keep my model of Christianity fresh before you. For as I imitate Christ so Timothy imitates me, and so do you imitate Timothy. Thereby, through me and Timothy, you shall be shaped to the true Christ-model.
Bring… into remembrance—You learned it once, when I was with you; but, alas! through my absence and your sinfulness you have too much forgotten it.
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My ways—My style of Christian character as an example; and my methods of promoting the conversion and sanctification of souls.
As I teach—In doctrine and morals, of which the future chapters of this epistle are an example for later ages.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain 17–21. Mission of Timothy, to be followed, if ineffectual,…
17–21. Mission of Timothy, to be followed, if ineffectual, by strong measures on the part of St Paul himself
17. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus] Literally, I sent, i.e. before this epistle was written, see note on ch. 1Co_16:10. St Paul’s affection for the gentle and somewhat timid Timothy is a remarkable trait in his character. From almost the beginning to the end of his ministry he had, not even excepting St Luke, no more trustworthy, affectionate, and faithful friend, nor one who more thoroughly understood his mind. Cf. Php_2:19-20; Php_2:22; 1Th_3:2; 1Ti_1:3; 2Ti_3:10. It may be also valuable to remark how the common life of the believer and his Lord is ever present with St Paul. If Timothy is ‘faithful and beloved,’ it is ‘in the Lord;’ if St Paul has ‘ways,’ they are ‘in Christ.’ For Timothy’s parentage and connexion with the Apostle, see 2Ti_1:5, and Act_16:1. It will be observed that the statement here undesignedly made is in precise agreement with Act_19:22. See Paley, Horae Paulinae, in loc.
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my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord] rather, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, implying that Timothy owed his conversion to the Apostle, cf. 1Ti_1:2; 1Ti_1:18; 2Ti_1:2; where the same word is used which is here translated ‘son.’
who shall bring you into remembrance] A delicate hint that they had forgotten them.
my ways which be in Christ] An equally delicate hint that they are not St Paul’s ways only.
as I teach every where in every church] An additional reason why they should not be set aside at Corinth.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain (17) For this cause.—When St. Paul contemplated a visit…
(17) For this cause.—When St. Paul contemplated a visit to the churches in Macedonia and Achaia he sent Timothy and Erastus in advance (Act_19:21-22). It is to this fact allusion is here made—from 1Co_16:10, we see that the Apostle did not calculate on Timothy’s arrival in Corinth until after this letter had reached them. The rumours of the existence of factions in Corinth had reached St. Paul before Timothy had departed, and were the cause of his desire that before himself visiting Corinth Timothy should do so, and bring the Corinthians to a better frame of mind before the Apostle’s arrival. After Timothy’s departure from Ephesus the Apostle heard from the household of Chloe how very much worse than he had imagined from the previous rumours was the state of affairs at Corinth. It would not do to let such a condition of things continue to grow and intensify until Timothy should arrive there, delayed as he would be in visiting other places in Macedonia and Achaia en route. Nor, indeed, would it be safe to leave one of Timothy’s nervous (1Co_16:10) and gentle temperament (perhaps the result of his having been brought up and educated entirely by women, 2Ti_1:5) to deal with such a state of anarchy as the Apostle now knew to exist in Corinth. Further, the letter from Corinth had arrived since Timothy had left, and it required an immediate answer. Such reason, doubtless, influenced St. Paul in sending this letter to Corinth at once so as to anticipate the arrival of Timothy there. That you might return to the dutiful position of sons, I sent you one who is a son—a beloved and a faithful spiritual child—who will not be an addition to the too numerous instructors already at Corinth, but will, by what he says, and by his own example, remind you of my teaching (see 2Ti_3:10), which he fully understands, and which never varies, being the same to every church. The emphatic use of the word “my son” here in reference to Timothy, taken in connection with the clear expression in 1Co_4:15 of what was involved in that spiritual relationship, shows that St. Paul had converted Timothy to the faith (Act_16:1). In the Second Epistle to the Corinthians St. Paul speaks of Timothy as his “brother” (2Co_1:1).
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain For this cause. Because, as your spiritual father, I…
For this cause. Because, as your spiritual father, I naturally take the deepest interest in your well being. Have I sent; rather, I sent. Timothy had started before this letter was despatched, (Act_19:22) but he did not reach Corinth till after its arrival, because he had been unable to go by sea, and had to travel round by Macedonia. St. Paul, on hearing the grave news from Corinth, seems to have countermanded him, (1Co_16:10, "If Timotheus come but was uncertain whether the messenger would reach him in time. The necessity for despatching Titus had been more immediate. My beloved son, and faithful in the Lord; rather, who is my beloved and faithful child (teknon) in the Lord. St. Paul had converted him, and felt towards him all the love of a father. (1Ti_1:2; 1Th_3:2; Php_2:20-22) Shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ. The expression shows all St. Paul"s delicacy. He is not sending the youthful Timothy as an authoritative teacher, since the Corinthians, fond of high pretension and soaring oratory, might scorn to show any submission to a shy and shrinking youth; but he is only sending him because, as his closest companion, Timothy would be best able to explain to them his plans and wishes in the organization of Churches.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus.
1Co_4:17-20
For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus.
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The visitation
I. The visitor.
1. Known.
2. Beloved in Christ.
3. Tried.
II. His worn;.
1. To remind--
2. Of old truths.
3. In Christ.
III. The design. To secure unity. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
Pride rebuked
I. Pride is a fruitful source of mischief in the Church.
II. Often exhibits itself in reflections upon Gods ministers.
1. Their motives are impugned.
2. Forbearance is regarded as weakness.
3. Delay as want of purpose.
III. Must be fairly met--
1. In the Spirit of Christ.
2. In dependence upon the will of God.
IV. Must be wisely--
1. Discriminated.
2. Rebuked. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
The disciplinary office of the Christian minister
I. Its requirements--
1. Firmness, and sincerity of purpose (1Co_4:18).
2. Submission to the will of God (1Co_4:19).
3. Wise discernment (1Co_4:20).
II. Its means.
1. In harmony with the kingdom of God.
2. Especially the Word of God.
3. Accompanied with power.
III. Its christian character. It is--
1. Forbearing.
2. Discriminating.
3. Kind. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
The worthless, the subordinate, and the vital in personal Christianity
Note--
1. The spirit that should regulate all our purposes.
2. The liability of the best men to disappointments. The words suggest--
I. The worthless. They said that Paul would not venture to visit Corinth again. And when they heard that he was sending Timothy instead they boasted, maybe, that Paul was afraid to come himself. They were puffed up with the idea that they knew more about Pauls feeling and intention than their fellow-members. They were inflated with the spirit of vanity. Now there has always been, and still is, a great deal of this in professors of religion. What is called the Christian world seems to be as rife with puffs as the world of commerce, literature, or politics. Some are puffed up on account of--
1. The superior contributions they are able to make to the cause of charity and religion. Having more of this worlds goods than others, their names stand pre-eminent on subscription lists, are emblazoned in reports, and are loudly trumpeted on platforms. The more they give the more they are praised, and the more they are praised the more they are puffed up.
2. Their superior intellectual endowments. Not a few in our churches imagine themselves as possessing mental faculties and furniture far superior to the majority, and they are puffed up. But the very fact that they are puffed up on this ground proves the inferiority of their mental endowments. As a rule, the higher they are the more humble they will be.
3. The extensive popularity they have obtained. Those who are acquainted to any extent with the tastes and sentiments of the populace will scarcely be disposed to render great honour to the man who will attract the greatest numbers. The most miserable prints have the largest circulation, the most empty talkers attract the largest audiences.
4. The supposed superiority of the Church or sect to which they belong. Such people are constantly glorifying our Church, our denomination, our body. He who is impressed with the greatness of the universe, still more with the greatness of God, could hardly consider any human institution great.
5. The assumption that they and their community are the special favourites of heaven. This puffing-up spirit is the canker of religion; it gnaws like a worm at the root, and when we look for the harvest it is dust and bitterness.
II. The subordinate. What is the subordinate? The word. The kingdom of God is not in word. Take the word here as representing profession in religion.
1. There should be a word or profession, but this is not religion. A profession of true religion is important in itself inasmuch as it is--
(1) A duty. Whosoever shall confess Me before men, &c. But it is a duty only where the reality exists. The man who has not religion sins and acts in violation of duty, and his profession is hypocrisy.
(2) An aid to religion itself. It is possible, it may be, for religion to exist in the soul, where there is no public profession of it. It may be like a seed germinating under the soil, but in this state it must be very weak as well as uninfluential. The man who has the real thing in him, however weak, and makes a declaration of it, strengthens and develops it thereby.
2. The word, therefore, or confession of religion, is of value, but its value is subordinate. Nicodemus was a disciple, though a secret one. Profession without possession is a sin and a hindrance. Profession with possession is a duty and a help.
III. The vital. The kingdom of God is--
1. A power. It is the power--
(1) Of truth over the intellect.
(2) Of love over the heart.
(3) Of right over the conscience.
2. A reigning power, kingdom.
3. The Divine power. (D. Thomas, D. D.)
But I will come unto you shortly if the Lord will.--
Human purposes
1. Are suspended on the Divine purposes.
2. Should be entertained in submission to the Divine will.
3. Should be committed to the direction of the Divine Providence. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
And will know, not the speech of them that are puffed up, but the power.--
A boaster may be known
1. By his prating.
2. By his lack of power. (J. Lyth, D. D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain 17. For this cause I sent Timotheus. Timothy, Paul's…
17. For this cause I sent Timotheus. Timothy, Paul's “son in the gospel” (Acts 16:1–3), had already been sent onward toward Corinth (1 Cor. 16:10), but going round by land would not arrive until after this letter, if it went across by sea. Of my ways in Christ. Timothy will revive their remembrance of Paul's life, conduct and teachings, so that they can the better “follow” him.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
J. W. McGarvey 1914 · Public Domain For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy,…
For this cause have I sent unto you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who shall put you in remembrance of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every church . [To aid you in imitating me, I have sent Timothy. He can tell you how I teach, not accommodating the gospel to the prejudices and foibles of any locality; and he can, as my spiritual son, aid you by his own manner of life to remember mine. Paul knew that as soon as they heard of this sending of Timothy, his enemies would conclude that he had sent a messenger because he was afraid to face the church himself. Instantly, therefore, he proceeds to counteract this conclusion.]
J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain son Gr.
son Gr.
teknon, child, "born one."
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 my beloved and faithful child in the Lord
my beloved and faithful child in the Lord
"whom I love and whom I teach about the Lord as if he were my own child"
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Now
This word indicates that Paul is shifting his topic to rebuking the arrogant behavior of the Corinthian believers.
translationWords
send
Timothy
beloved
faithful
children
lord
church
arrogant
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 4:17 Timothy, Paul’s child in the faith and one…
4:17 Timothy, Paul’s child in the faith and one of his closest associates, was with Paul when he first preached the Good News in Corinth (see 2 Cor 1:19). Paul sent him to faithfully communicate what it means to follow Christ Jesus.
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.