Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 4:19
But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
19. if the Lord will ] See Jas 4:13-15, who “justly derides that rashness among men, in that they plan what they shall do ten years hence, when they are not certain that they shall live another hour.” Calvin in loc. The Roman Catholic commentator, Estius, makes a similar observation.
not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power ] The power that is derived from Christ, which He Himself possessed to influence the heart of man. Such seems to be the more usual meaning of the word in St Paul’s Epistles. Cf. Rom 1:16; 1Co 2:4, &c. It includes, no doubt, the power of working miracles, for with one or two exceptions, the miracles of the gospel were manifestations of Christ’s power to deliver humanity from the dominion of evil and its consequences.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
But I will come – It is from no fear of them that I am kept away; and to convince them of this I will come to them speedily.
If the Lord will – If the Lord permit; if by his providence he allows me to go. Paul regarded the entering on a journey as dependent on the will of God; and felt that God had all in his hand. No purpose should be formed without a reference to his will; no plan without feeling that he can easily frustrate it and disappoint us; see Jam 4:15.
And will know – I will examine; I will put to the test; I will fully understand,
Not the speech … – Not their vain and empty boasting; not their confident assertions, and their self-complacent views.
But the power – Their real power. I will put their power to the proof: I will see whether they are able to effect what they affirm; whether they have more real power than I have. I will enter fully into the work of discipline, and will ascertain whether they have such authority in the church, such a power of party and of combination, that they can resist me, and oppose my administration of the discipline which the church needs. A passage, says Bloomfield, which cannot, in nerve and rigor, or dignity and composed confidence, be easily paralleled, even in Demosthenes himself.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 19. But I will come to you shortly] God being my helper, I fully purpose to visit you; and then I shall put those proud men to the proof, not of their speech – eloquence, or pretensions to great knowledge and influence, but of their power – the authority they profess to have from God, and the evidences of that authority in the works they have performed. See the Introduction, sect. xi.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
But I will come to you shortly: Paul intended in his journey to Rome to pass through Macedonia and Achaia, but he knew that God could hinder him, and therefore he adds, if the Lord will: neither did Paul go to them so soon as he intended, but had time before he went to write another Epistle, as we shall afterwards find. All Christians are bound, when they promise or resolve upon any journeys, to understand, if God will, and to have in their thoughts the power of God to hinder them, and to speak with submission to his pleasure, who counteth their steps and telleth their wanderings, and ordereth their steps; though they be not strictly bound at all times to use this form of speech.
And will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power: and when I come, then I shall understand these teachers of yours, who so vilify me; I shall not regard so much their fine words and philosophical reasonings, as what there is of spiritual life and power in them; either in their doctrine or life, how conducive it is to the ends of the gospel, and how consonant to the truth of the gospel, what good they do amongst you, what manner of lives they live: these are the things that my eyes shall be upon, and which I shall regard.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
19. ALFORDtranslates, “But come I will”; an emphatical negation oftheir supposition (1Co 4:18).
shortlyafter Pentecost(1Co 16:8).
if the Lord willa wiseproviso (Jas 4:15). He does notseem to have been able to go as soon as he intended.
and will knowtakecognizance of.
but the powerI carenot for their high-sounding “speech,” “but” whatI desire to know is “their power,” whether they be reallypowerful in the Spirit, or not. The predominant feature of Greciancharacter, a love for power of discourse, rather than that ofgodliness, showed itself at Corinth.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
But I will come to you shortly,…. This he said as threatening them, but not by way of prophecy; for it is not certain that he ever did come to them after this; but by way of promise, as it was then the real intention, inclination, and resolution of his mind, though with this condition,
if the Lord will; which is rightly put, and what the apostle had a continual regard unto, in all things he was concerned; see Ro 1:10 and though it is not absolutely necessary that this should be expressed by us always in so many words; though should it, as the sentence is short and full, there would be no impropriety in it; yet this should always be the sense of our minds and conduct in all the affairs of life; see Jas 4:13
and will know not the speech of them that are puffed up, but the power; meaning chiefly the false teachers; and that his concern would be, not so much to observe their masterly language, the eloquence of their speech, the quaintness of their expressions, the cadency of their words, how nicely they were put together, and how fitly pronounced; but what life there was in their ministry, what power went forth with their words, and how effectual their preaching was to the, conversion of sinners, and the edifying of the church of God.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
If the Lord will ( ). Third-class condition. See James 1Cor 4:15; Acts 18:21; 1Cor 16:7 for the use of this phrase. It should represent one’s constant attitude, though not always to be spoken aloud.
But the power ( ). The puffed up Judaizers did a deal of talking in Paul’s absence. He will come and will know their real strength. II Corinthians gives many evidences of Paul’s sensitiveness to their talk about his inconsistencies and cowardice (in particular chs. 1Cor 4:2; 1Cor 4:2; 1Cor 4:10; 1Cor 4:11; 1Cor 4:12; 1Cor 4:13). He changed his plans to spare them, not from timidity. It will become plain later that Timothy failed on this mission and that Titus succeeded.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “But I will come to you shortly.” (elusomai de tacheos pros humas) “but I will come to you very soon (of my own accord) or because I will to do so.” This indicates the serious integrity of Paul’s announced interest in the Corinth brethren.
2) “If the Lord will.” lean ho kurios thelese) “if the Master wills.” Paul believed in the overriding leadership and will of God that should prevail in his and everyones life, Eph 5:17; Jas 4:15 advises, ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” Act 18:21.
3) “And will know.” (kai gnosomai) “and will know, or take into consideration – “
4) “Not the speech of them that are puffed up.” (ou ton logon ton pephusiomenon) “not the speech or words of the ones being “ballooned” or puff-adder-like.”
5) “But the power.” (alla ten dunamin) “but the power, or power-source.” Paul seemed to be certain that the power or dynamics of these puff-adder, pouting, hissing, carnal church members was of the devil. He would not even recognize such an attitude as having any place in Christian deportment.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
19. But I will come shortly. “They are in a mistake,” says he, “in raising their crests during my absence, as though this were to be of long duration, for they shall in a short time perceive how vain their confidence has been.” He has it not, however, so much in view to terrify them, as though he would on his arrival thunder forth against them, but rather presses and bears down upon their consciences, for, however they might disguise it, they were aware that he was furnished with divine influence.
The clause, if the Lord will, intimates, that we ought not to promise anything to others as to the future, or to determine with ourselves, without adding this limitation in so far as the Lord will permit Hence James with good reason derides the rashness of mankind (Jas 4:15) in planning what they are to do ten years afterwards, while they have not security for living even a single hour. We are not, it is true, bound by a constant necessity to the use of such forms of expression, but it is the better way to accustom ourselves carefully to them, that we may exercise our minds from time to time in this consideration — that all our plans must be in subjection to the will of God.
And I will know not the speech By speech you must understand that prating in which the false apostles delighted themselves, for they excelled in a kind of dexterity and gracefulness of speech, while they were destitute of the zeal and efficacy of the Spirit. By the term power, he means that spiritual efficacy, with which those are endowed who dispense the word of the Lord with earnestness. (264) The meaning, therefore, is: “I shall see whether they have so much occasion for being puffed up; and I shall not judge of them by their mere outward talkativeness, in which they place the sum-total (265) of their glory, and on the ground of which they claim for themselves every honor. If they wish to have any honor from me, they must bring forward that power which distinguishes the true servants of Christ from the merely pretended: otherwise I shall despise them, with all their show. It is to no purpose, therefore, that they confide in their eloquence, for I shall reckon it nothing better than smoke.”
(264) “ D’vn bon zele, et pure affection;” — “With a right zeal and a pure affection.”
(265) “ Proram et puppim;” — “Prow and stern.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
19. I will come Emphatic will, if not defiant.
Lord will A reverent proviso qualifying the defiance. See Jas 4:15.
Will know By direct issue and full experiment.
Not the speech of them Which is all we have thus far had.
Power Their efficiency in refuting my gospel and impeaching my apostolic authority to preach it.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
1Co 4:19 . ] the contrast emphatically put first: come, however, I will .
] Comp Phi 2:24 ; 2Ti 4:9 . As to how long he thought of still remaining in Ephesus, see 1Co 16:8 .
] to be understood not of Christ, but of God . See the critical remarks on Rom 15:32 . Comp Rom 1:10 ; Jas 4:15 .
] what and how the boasters speak ( ), Paul will, on his approaching visit, leave wholly without notice; but as regards the amount of energy put forth by them in producing results for the kingdom of God, of that he will take knowledge .
.] namely, their power of working for the advancement of the . . , 1Co 4:20 . To explain it as referring to the power of miracles (Chrysostom, Theophylact; not Grotius), or to the power of their virtues (Theodoret, Pelagius, Justin), is contrary to the context. Comp what Paul says of himself in 1Th 1:5 . This practically effective might , which has for its primary condition the true power of the Spirit (of which de Wette understands it; we may recall Paul himself, Luther, etc.), was what the boasters seemed to have, but they let the matter rest at words , which were altogether lacking in the strength to effect anything. How wholly otherwise it was with Paul himself! Comp 1Co 2:4 ; 2Co 6:7 .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
Ver. 19. Not the speech of them which are puffed up ] Dicta factis deficientibus, erubescunt. Malo autem miserandum quam erubescendum, saith Tertullian, either add practice, or leave profession for shame.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
19. ] is prefixed, for emphasis, being the matter in doubt: as we say, ‘Come I will.’
] How soon, see ch. 1Co 16:8 .
] I will inform myself of not the words of those who are puffed up ( those I care not for), but their power : whether they are really mighty in the Spirit, or not. This general reference of . must be kept, and not narrowed, as Chrys., Theophyl., to [the] power of working miracles : or “quantum apud vos sua scientia et doctrina quam jactant profecerint,” Est.; or virtuous lives (Theodoret, al.), or energy in the work of the gospel (Meyer): he leaves it general and indefinite.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
shortly = quickly.
if. App-118.
will. Greek. thelo. App-102.
know. i.e. find out and expose. App-132.
speech = word. App-121.
power. App-172.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
19.] is prefixed, for emphasis, being the matter in doubt: as we say, Come I will.
] How soon, see ch. 1Co 16:8.
] I will inform myself of-not the words of those who are puffed up (those I care not for), but their power: whether they are really mighty in the Spirit, or not. This general reference of . must be kept, and not narrowed, as Chrys., Theophyl., to [the] power of working miracles: or quantum apud vos sua scientia et doctrina quam jactant profecerint, Est.; or virtuous lives (Theodoret, al.), or energy in the work of the gospel (Meyer): he leaves it general and indefinite.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
1Co 4:19. , I will come) Paul writes to the churches everywhere about his coming to them, and thus keeps them in the discharge of their duty.- , if the Lord will) He wisely adds this condition. Afterwards some things occurred to prevent his immediately going to them.-, will take cognizance) A word used in courts of law. Here, and at 1Co 4:21, the man, who was such an outcast abroad in the world, shows his paternal authority, see 1Co 4:9-10.- , not the speech) big, but empty.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
1Co 4:19
1Co 4:19
But I will come to you shortly,-[It was from no fear of them that he was kept away; and to convince them of this] he firmly asserts that he would come to them soon.
if the Lord will;-[With Paul this expression was far more than a mere form. It was a recognition both of the providential and spiritual government of the Lord. He recognized that the accomplishment of any purpose depended on his will and felt that his life was in his hands.]
and I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power.-He would know not the eloquence and pretensions of the false teachers, but would test their power. They claimed to be greater than Paul, and denied that he was an apostle sent of God. The test that ones apostleship was from God, and that God approved him, was manifested in Gods presence in enabling him to work miracles. Paul proposed to test their power as to whether the presence of God was with them.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
I: 1Co 14:5, Act 19:21, 2Co 1:15, 2Co 1:17, 2Co 1:23, 2Co 2:1, 2Co 2:2
if: Act 18:21, Rom 15:32, Heb 6:3, Jam 4:15
not: 1Co 4:18, 2Co 13:1-4
but: 1Co 2:6
Reciprocal: Rom 1:10 – by the will 1Co 4:6 – be puffed 1Co 5:6 – glorying 1Co 11:34 – when 1Co 16:3 – when 1Co 16:7 – if 2Co 10:2 – that I 2Co 10:9 – terrify 2Co 10:11 – such 2Co 12:14 – the third 2Co 13:2 – told Gal 4:20 – to be
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Co 4:19. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will (see 1Co 16:7-8); and this caveat he might well put in, for he had found already that his own plans were liable to be overruled by the plans of a Higher than he, at whose absolute disposal he desired ever to be.
and I will know, not the word of them which are puffed up (their swelling pretensions), but the power.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Vv. 19, 20. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will; and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. 20. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
The is again adversative: But this malicious forecast will be falsified. The , I will know, is the language of a judge proceeding to make an examination. This term has already a threatening solemnity; it gives a forewarning of the judgment about to follow (1Co 4:21).
Paul contrasts the word, here the fine discourses, the eloquent tirades, the profound deductions, which called forth the plaudits of the hearers, with the power; by which he designates the effectual virtue of the Divine Spirit which brings back souls to themselves, makes them contrite, leads them to Christ, and begets them to a new life. Paul will find out whether, with this abundance of talk which makes itself heard in the assemblies (chap. 14), there is found or there is lacking the creative breath of the Spirit. He is at home in this field; he will not be deceived like those poor dupes who have been misled at Corinth.
Them that are puffed up: all those self-inflated creatures, under whose eyes scandals are passing which they cannot or will not repress, who have only an insipid Christianity, and to whom applies the figure of salt without savour. Chap. 5, 1Co 4:2 in particular will show clearly what was already in the apostle’s mind.
Fuente: Godet Commentary (Luke, John, Romans and 1 Corinthians)
But I will come to you shortly [as he did], if the Lord will [Jam 4:15]; and I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power. [I will test not their rhetorical ability, but their power, whether they can stand against that which I possess as an apostle.]
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
19. I will come unto you quickly, if the Lord will, and I will not know the word of those who are puffed up, but the dynamite:
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
4:19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the {k} speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
(k) By words, he means their fancy and elaborate type of eloquence, which he contrasts with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
However, Paul did plan to return if God allowed him to do so. Evidently he was not able to return for some time. In 2 Corinthians he responded to criticism from within the church to the effect that he had promised to come but did not (2Co 1:15-18).
Paul knew that all the pretension to superior wisdom in the church was a result to viewing things from a worldly perspective; there was no reality behind it.