1Cor 4:17-21 | RWP | e4.org | Have I sent ( επεμψα ). First aorist active indicative. Probably Timothy had already gone as seems clear from . Apparently Timothy came back to Ephesus and was sent on to Macedonia before the uproar in Ephesus ( ). Probably also Titus was then despatched to Corinth, also before the uproar. In every church ( εν παση εκκλησια ). Paul expects his teachings and practices to be followed in every church ( ). Note his language here "my ways those in Christ Jesus." Timothy as Paul's spokesman will remind ( αναμνησε ) the Corinthians of Paul's teachings.

‏ 1 Corinthians 4:17-21

Have I sent ( επεμψα ). First aorist active indicative. Probably Timothy had already gone as seems clear from 16:10f. Apparently Timothy came back to Ephesus and was sent on to Macedonia before the uproar in Ephesus (Ac 19:22). Probably also Titus was then despatched to Corinth, also before the uproar.

In every church ( εν παση εκκλησια ). Paul expects his teachings and practices to be followed in every church (1Co 14:33). Note his language here "my ways those in Christ Jesus." Timothy as Paul's spokesman

will remind ( αναμνησε ) the Corinthians of Paul's teachings.

Some are puffed up ( εφυσιωθησαν ). First aorist (effective) passive indicative of φυσιοω which see on verse 6.

As though I were not coming to you ( ως μη ερχομενου μου προς υμας ). Genitive absolute with particle (assuming it as so) with μη as negative.

If the Lord will ( εαν ο κυριος θεληση ). Third-class condition. See James 4:15; Ac 18:21; 1Co 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 ( αλλα την δυναμιν ). 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. 2 Co 1; 2; 10; 11; 12; 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.

With a rod ( εν ραβδω ). The so-called instrumental use of εν like the Hebrew (1Sa 17:43). The shepherd leaned on his rod, staff, walking stick. The paedagogue had his rod also.

Shall I come? ( ελθω; ). Deliberative subjunctive. Paul gives them the choice. They can have him as their spiritual father or as their paedagogue with a rod.