What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 4:18? Some of you • Paul singles out “some,” indicating a specific faction within the Corinthian church rather than the whole body (see 1 Corinthians 1:11–12, where he names the party spirit). • This wording reassures the faithful majority while lovingly confronting the few who are straying (compare Galatians 6:1). • It also highlights personal accountability: every believer must examine his or her own walk (2 Corinthians 13:5). have become arrogant • “Arrogant” echoes Paul’s earlier warning: “so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of one against the other” (1 Corinthians 4:6). • Pride is a recurring Corinthian problem—“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). • Scripture consistently links arrogance with impending discipline: “Pride goes before destruction” (Proverbs 16:18) and “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). • By naming their sin, Paul invites repentance before stronger correction arrives (Hebrews 12:5–6). as if I were not coming to you • The arrogance stems from assuming Paul will stay away and thus not hold them accountable. He counters in the next verse: “But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing” (1 Corinthians 4:19). • His physical presence carries apostolic authority—“For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when I am present I need not be severe” (2 Corinthians 13:10). • Paul models Christ-like shepherding: gentle by letter, firm in person if necessary (1 Thessalonians 2:11–12). • The phrase also reminds us that Jesus Himself is coming again; living as though He were not returning is the root of much spiritual complacency (Matthew 24:45–51). summary Paul exposes a proud minority in Corinth who presume they can act without accountability. By pledging an imminent visit, he confronts their arrogance and reasserts godly authority. The verse urges believers today to reject pride, welcome correction, and live in constant awareness that both faithful leaders and the Lord Himself are truly coming. |
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