1 Corinthians 4:15, Begotten You Through the Gospel
1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many father: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Many in the church in Corinth were saved under the ministry of the Apostle Paul. He is a spiritual father to them. However, it seemed they have forgotten what God has done for them through this man.
The church in Corinth began after God saved men and women through the preaching of the gospel by the Apostle Paul. The Corinthian church over time has forgotten the source of their blessings and he is reminding them not to be ungrateful. He is as a father to them. Honour has not been accorded as it should be.
Acts 18:1-11 After these things Paul departed from Athens and came to Corinth; 2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; because that (Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. 3 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. 5 And when — Silas and Timothy were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. 7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. 8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. 9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: 10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
The Apostle Paul spoke with a taint of sadness. Like the natural father whose grown up children who may have benefited in their lifetime from the help and nurture of others who may be friends or close relatives. But the father is the one who has imparted life to them. And the Apostle Paul painstakingly took time over a period of year and six months to teach them the doctrines of life. Having been blessed, it seemed they have forgotten their father. He reminded them not to be ungrateful. Just like children who disregard their parents after they are grown up. Parents who have sacrificed much to bring them to what they are today. I met one who is so sad that he sought to end his life. He was restrained by a Christian woman who brought him to a destitute home.
May God help us not to forget those who have begotten us. Amen.