1 Corinthians 4:18-21, Rebellion or Submission
1 Corinthians 4:18-21 (KJV) 18 Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. 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. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 21 What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
The Apostle Paul has made plans to visit the church in Corinth. When he comes, he will not hesitate to single out and mark those who are prideful, sowing discord through inciting factions, full of empty talk but void of the spirit’s power. The Lord has granted him such spiritual wisdom to restore the peace and harmony of the church. He speaks with authority, carrying out his divine mandate. And his response toward the rebellious will be with chastisement and toward the humble and submissive, he will come in love and a spirit of gentleness. [William MacDonald]
The woman who was caught committing adultery by the scribes and Pharisees was brought to Jesus. Should she be stoned according to Mosaic Law, asked the scribes and Pharisees? Our Lord did not answer but wrote on the ground. When they pressed Him for an answer, He gave a most gracious answer, “He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” Our Lord gave an opportunity for the woman to repent. She is not sentenced by our Lord immediately as advised by the scribes and Pharisees, condemned without recourse. Indeed our Lord, the Judge of judges, is gracious to her. Who are the scribes and Pharisees to condemn her when even God is gracious to give her an opportunity to repent! Truly, this woman was restored in a spirit of meekness by our Lord. The people who heard our Lord are made to realize their own sinfulness, “And they who heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last.” Praise the Lord!
Likewise, the Apostle Paul writes to provoke self-searching and self-examination among the Corinthian church members, giving opportunity for the wayward to know the error of their ways and repent. Thank God for protecting His flock. Amen.