1 Corinthians 4:15
Verse
Context
Sermons
Leonard Ravenhill
Norman Grubb
Willie Mullan
Thomas Watson
St. Augustine
Charles FinneySummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For though ye have ten thousand instructers - Μυριους παιδαγωγους, Myriads of leaders, that is, an indefinite multitude; for so the word is often used. The παιδαγωγος, from which we have our word pedagogue, which we improperly apply to a school master, was among the Greeks, the person or servant who attended a child, had the general care of him, and who led him to school for the purpose of being instructed by the διδασκαλος, or teacher. It seems there were many at Corinth who offered their services to instruct this people, and who were not well affected towards the apostle. Not many fathers - Many offer to instruct you who have no parental feeling for you; and how can they? you are not their spiritual children, yon stand in this relation to me alone; for in Christ Jesus - by the power and unction of his Spirit, I have begotten you - I was the means of bringing you into a state of salvation, so that you have been born again: ye are my children alone in the Gospel. Schoettgen produces a good illustration of this from Shemoth Rabba, sect. 46, fol. 140. "A girl who had lost her parents was educated by a guardian, who was a good and faithful man, and took great care of her; when she was grown up, he purposed to bestow her in marriage; the scribe came, and beginning to write the contract, said, What is thy name? The maid answered, N. The scribe proceeded, What is the name of thy father? The maid was silent. Her guardian said, Why art thou silent? The maid replied, Because I know no other father but thee; for he who educates a child well, is more properly the father than he who begot it." This is the same kind of sentiment which I have already quoted from Terence, Rom 16:13. Natura tu illi pater es, consiliis ego. Adelphi, Act i., scene 2, ver. 47. Thou art his father by nature, I by instruction.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
ten thousand--implying that the Corinthians had more of them than was desirable. instructors--tutors who had the care of rearing, but had not the rights, or peculiar affection, of the father, who alone had begotten them spiritually. in Christ--Paul admits that these "instructors" were not mere legalists, but evangelical teachers. He uses, however, a stronger phrase of himself in begetting them spiritually, "In Christ Jesus," implying both the Saviour's office and person. As Paul was the means of spiritually regenerating them, and yet "baptized none of them save Crispus, Gaius, and the household of Stephanas," regeneration cannot be inseparably in and by baptism (Co1 1:14-17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ,.... Or "schoolmasters"; by whom he means the false teachers, whom, for argument sake, he admits to be instructors in Christ, or ministers of his, as in Co2 11:23 and who were many, and of whose number the Corinthians boasted; though they were not so numerous as here supposed; for the expression is hyperbolical: perhaps some reference may be had to the multitude of schoolmasters, tutors, and governors, and who also were called "fathers", which those that were Jews of this church at Corinth had before they believed in Christ; as the members of the great sanhedrim, the great number of doctors, wise men, Scribes and Pharisees, who pretended to instruct them: now though it should be allowed, that the present teachers among them were instrumental in instructing them further in the knowledge of Christ; or as the Arabic version reads it, "in the love of Christ"; yet they had no hand in their conversion; the apostle first preached the Gospel to them, and ministerially laid Christ the foundation among them, and directed them unto him, and was the minister by whom they believed; these teachers at most and best built on his foundation, and that only wood, hay, and stubble; and whereas they were only a sort of schoolmasters, and not fathers, they taught with mercenary views, and for lucre's sake, and with severity, as such men do; and not with such a single eye to their good, and with that tenderness and affection a parent has, and in which relation he stood to them: yet have ye not many fathers; as it is in nature, so it is in grace; how many masters and instructors soever a child may have, whether together or successively, he has but one father; and so how many after instructors, either nominally or really, believers may have to lead them on, or who pretend to lead them on to a further knowledge of Christ; yet have they but one spiritual father, who has been the happy instrument and means of their conversion, as the Apostle Paul was to the Corinthians; for in Christ Jesus have I begotten you through the Gospel; which is to be understood of regeneration, a being born again, and from above; of being quickened when dead in trespasses and sins; of having Christ formed in the soul; of being made a partaker of the divine nature, and a new creature; which the apostle ascribes to himself, not as the efficient cause thereof, for regeneration is not of men but of God; not of the will of the flesh, of a man's own free will and power, nor of the will of any other man, or minister; but of the sovereign will, grace, and mercy of God, Father, Son, and Spirit. The Father of Christ beget us again according to his abundant mercy; and the Son quickens whom he will; and we are born again of water and of the Spirit, of the grace of the Spirit; hence the washing of regeneration, and renewing work are ascribed to him: but the apostle speaks this of himself, only as the instrument or means, which God made use of in doing this work upon the hearts of his people; and which the other phrases show: for he is said to do it "in Christ"; he preached Christ unto them, and salvation by him, and the necessity of faith in him; he directed them to him to believe in him, and was the means of bringing of them to the faith of Christ; and it was the power and grace of Christ accompanying his ministry, which made it an effectual means of their regeneration and conversion: and which were brought about "through the Gospel"; not through the preaching of the law; for though by that is the knowledge of sin, and convictions may be wrought by such means; yet these leave nothing but a sense of wrath and damnation; nor is the law any other than a killing letter: no regeneration, no quickening grace, no faith nor holiness come this way, but through the preaching of the Gospel; in and through which, as a vehicle, the Spirit of God conveys himself into the heart, as a spirit of regeneration and faith; and God of his own will and rich mercy, by the word of truth, by the Gospel of grace and truth, which came by Christ, so called in distinction from the law which came by Moses, begets us again as his new creatures; which shows the usefulness of the Gospel ministry, and in what account Gospel ministers are to be had, who are spiritual fathers, or the instruments of the conversion of men.
1 Corinthians 4:15
Paul’s Fatherly Warning
14I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.15Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.16Therefore I urge you to imitate me.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Galatians - Prayer Meeting (Cd Quality)
By Leonard Ravenhill7.6K41:26Prayer MeetingPSA 51:6ISA 53:51CO 4:15GAL 4:16GAL 4:19HEB 1:3In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the preaching of the Apostle Paul and his ability to confound intellectuals with the message of the Resurrection. The speaker emphasizes the power of personal experience in strengthening one's faith and resisting arguments. They express a desire for the courage, faith, and love demonstrated by Paul. The speaker also mentions their own experiences in preaching and the importance of speaking the truth, even if it makes one unpopular.
Apostleship - Part 1
By Norman Grubb4.6K27:43Apostleship1CO 4:15PHP 3:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of missions and the willingness to face opposition and even death for the sake of spreading the word of God. He refers to the apostles as being set forth at the point of death and making a spectacle of themselves to angels and men. The speaker also discusses the concept of being established as a father in the faith, combining authority and intercession. He highlights the need for a revolution of consciousness and the importance of questioning and discarding the alternatives of the flesh in order to fully operate in the spirit.
(Steps Towards Spiritual Perfection) - Paul's Sel
By A.W. Tozer3.6K51:04Spiritual PerfectionJHN 3:161CO 4:151CO 5:32CO 4:7GAL 6:17JAS 1:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of self-distrust and the ways in which God teaches it to His people. He emphasizes that relying on our own goodness and virtues is dangerous because we are unstable. The preacher mentions four valid ways in which God teaches self-distrust: through whole inspiration, through violent temptation, through other means not understood by us, and through the work of God's hand. He uses the analogy of a moon thinking it shines on its own, when in reality it is the sun that shines. The sermon encourages listeners to recognize their need for God's guidance and to trust in His ways rather than their own.
(John) the Visitation of Nicodemus Regeneration
By Willie Mullan2.0K1:06:10RegenerationMAT 4:6MAT 28:19MRK 1:9JHN 3:16ACT 2:381CO 4:15JAS 1:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning away from darkness and evil and stepping into the light of God's love. He explains that God's love was necessary to give humanity Jesus Christ, who went to the cross and paid the price for the sins of the world. It is crucial for individuals to trust in Jesus and believe in him for eternal life. The preacher also warns that those who do not believe in Jesus will not see life but will face the wrath of God. The sermon is based on the teachings of John the Baptist and the Gospel of John.
Dearly Beloved
By Thomas Watson0PSA 51:6ECC 9:10MAT 10:16ACT 17:11ROM 12:121CO 4:15GAL 6:1COL 3:51TH 2:81PE 5:10Thomas Watson preaches passionately about the ardent affections of a holy gospel-minister towards his people, emphasizing the importance of laboring with love and kindness. He highlights the need for ministers to have both their heads filled with labor and their hearts filled with love, mirroring the affectionate and sacrificial love of the apostle Paul towards his spiritual children. Watson urges the congregation to treasure his twenty directions for their souls, including advice on holiness, self-examination, fellowship, and serving God with all their might, while constantly keeping thoughts on eternity to promote holiness and despise worldly comforts and sufferings.
Exposition on Psalm 29
By St. Augustine01CO 4:15St. Augustine preaches about the perfection of the Church in this world as it battles against the devil, emphasizing the importance of bringing glory and honor to the Lord through our works and worship, and the transformative power of the Voice of the Lord in the lives of believers. He highlights how the Voice of the Lord humbles the proud, breaks down earthly nobility, and moves the faith of the Gentiles, ultimately perfecting those who overcome trials and tribulations.
Lecture Xii. - How to Preach the Gospel.
By Charles Finney0Preaching The GospelWinning SoulsPRO 11:30ISA 55:6DAN 12:3MAT 28:19ACT 26:20ROM 10:141CO 4:152TI 4:2JAS 5:191PE 3:15Charles Finney emphasizes the responsibility of individuals in preaching the Gospel and winning souls, asserting that conversion is a collaborative effort between God, truth, and man. He argues that effective preaching must be practical, direct, and tailored to the needs of the congregation, while also addressing the importance of making the Gospel relatable and urgent. Finney highlights the necessity for ministers to engage with their audience, anticipate objections, and ensure that their preaching is both doctrinal and applicable to everyday life. He warns against the dangers of controversy and the need for a balanced approach to doctrine, urging preachers to focus on the present obligation of repentance. Ultimately, he calls for a revival of passionate, heartfelt preaching that aims to convert sinners and promote holiness.
Fruit Unto God
By G.W. North0FruitfulnessSpiritual ParenthoodGEN 1:28MAT 28:19JHN 15:5ROM 9:3ROM 12:11CO 4:15GAL 4:191TH 2:19HEB 2:131PE 2:2G.W. North emphasizes the divine mandate of fruitfulness and multiplication in both the physical and spiritual realms, asserting that this principle is essential for the Church. He draws parallels between the apostle Paul's deep longing for spiritual offspring and the sacrificial love of Christ, highlighting that true ministry involves a passionate desire to bear God's children. North illustrates how early Church leaders like Paul, John, and Peter viewed their relationships with believers not merely as converts but as spiritual children, born out of love and commitment to Christ. He stresses that being a servant is commendable, but the ultimate calling is to be the Bride of Christ, which entails a fruitful union that produces spiritual offspring. The sermon concludes with a call for believers to embrace their identity as the Bride, yielding to God’s desire for fruitfulness in their lives.
Spiritual Fathers and Sons
By Albert Zehr0PRO 4:5MAL 4:6MAT 20:261CO 4:15REV 2:6Albert Zehr preaches about the importance of bridging the generational gap within families and the church to experience God's blessings. He emphasizes the cry for spiritual fathers and mothers, highlighting the need for understanding, love, and guidance for the younger generation. Through heartfelt prayers and blessings, the sermon portrays the deep longing for connection and healing between generations. The dilemma of fatherlessness, generational disconnect, and the need for intergenerational healing are addressed, urging for restoration and renewal in relationships. Practical steps, models of fathering, and the significance of spiritual mothers are discussed to foster unity, understanding, and mutual respect among different generations.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For though ye have ten thousand instructers - Μυριους παιδαγωγους, Myriads of leaders, that is, an indefinite multitude; for so the word is often used. The παιδαγωγος, from which we have our word pedagogue, which we improperly apply to a school master, was among the Greeks, the person or servant who attended a child, had the general care of him, and who led him to school for the purpose of being instructed by the διδασκαλος, or teacher. It seems there were many at Corinth who offered their services to instruct this people, and who were not well affected towards the apostle. Not many fathers - Many offer to instruct you who have no parental feeling for you; and how can they? you are not their spiritual children, yon stand in this relation to me alone; for in Christ Jesus - by the power and unction of his Spirit, I have begotten you - I was the means of bringing you into a state of salvation, so that you have been born again: ye are my children alone in the Gospel. Schoettgen produces a good illustration of this from Shemoth Rabba, sect. 46, fol. 140. "A girl who had lost her parents was educated by a guardian, who was a good and faithful man, and took great care of her; when she was grown up, he purposed to bestow her in marriage; the scribe came, and beginning to write the contract, said, What is thy name? The maid answered, N. The scribe proceeded, What is the name of thy father? The maid was silent. Her guardian said, Why art thou silent? The maid replied, Because I know no other father but thee; for he who educates a child well, is more properly the father than he who begot it." This is the same kind of sentiment which I have already quoted from Terence, Rom 16:13. Natura tu illi pater es, consiliis ego. Adelphi, Act i., scene 2, ver. 47. Thou art his father by nature, I by instruction.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
ten thousand--implying that the Corinthians had more of them than was desirable. instructors--tutors who had the care of rearing, but had not the rights, or peculiar affection, of the father, who alone had begotten them spiritually. in Christ--Paul admits that these "instructors" were not mere legalists, but evangelical teachers. He uses, however, a stronger phrase of himself in begetting them spiritually, "In Christ Jesus," implying both the Saviour's office and person. As Paul was the means of spiritually regenerating them, and yet "baptized none of them save Crispus, Gaius, and the household of Stephanas," regeneration cannot be inseparably in and by baptism (Co1 1:14-17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ,.... Or "schoolmasters"; by whom he means the false teachers, whom, for argument sake, he admits to be instructors in Christ, or ministers of his, as in Co2 11:23 and who were many, and of whose number the Corinthians boasted; though they were not so numerous as here supposed; for the expression is hyperbolical: perhaps some reference may be had to the multitude of schoolmasters, tutors, and governors, and who also were called "fathers", which those that were Jews of this church at Corinth had before they believed in Christ; as the members of the great sanhedrim, the great number of doctors, wise men, Scribes and Pharisees, who pretended to instruct them: now though it should be allowed, that the present teachers among them were instrumental in instructing them further in the knowledge of Christ; or as the Arabic version reads it, "in the love of Christ"; yet they had no hand in their conversion; the apostle first preached the Gospel to them, and ministerially laid Christ the foundation among them, and directed them unto him, and was the minister by whom they believed; these teachers at most and best built on his foundation, and that only wood, hay, and stubble; and whereas they were only a sort of schoolmasters, and not fathers, they taught with mercenary views, and for lucre's sake, and with severity, as such men do; and not with such a single eye to their good, and with that tenderness and affection a parent has, and in which relation he stood to them: yet have ye not many fathers; as it is in nature, so it is in grace; how many masters and instructors soever a child may have, whether together or successively, he has but one father; and so how many after instructors, either nominally or really, believers may have to lead them on, or who pretend to lead them on to a further knowledge of Christ; yet have they but one spiritual father, who has been the happy instrument and means of their conversion, as the Apostle Paul was to the Corinthians; for in Christ Jesus have I begotten you through the Gospel; which is to be understood of regeneration, a being born again, and from above; of being quickened when dead in trespasses and sins; of having Christ formed in the soul; of being made a partaker of the divine nature, and a new creature; which the apostle ascribes to himself, not as the efficient cause thereof, for regeneration is not of men but of God; not of the will of the flesh, of a man's own free will and power, nor of the will of any other man, or minister; but of the sovereign will, grace, and mercy of God, Father, Son, and Spirit. The Father of Christ beget us again according to his abundant mercy; and the Son quickens whom he will; and we are born again of water and of the Spirit, of the grace of the Spirit; hence the washing of regeneration, and renewing work are ascribed to him: but the apostle speaks this of himself, only as the instrument or means, which God made use of in doing this work upon the hearts of his people; and which the other phrases show: for he is said to do it "in Christ"; he preached Christ unto them, and salvation by him, and the necessity of faith in him; he directed them to him to believe in him, and was the means of bringing of them to the faith of Christ; and it was the power and grace of Christ accompanying his ministry, which made it an effectual means of their regeneration and conversion: and which were brought about "through the Gospel"; not through the preaching of the law; for though by that is the knowledge of sin, and convictions may be wrought by such means; yet these leave nothing but a sense of wrath and damnation; nor is the law any other than a killing letter: no regeneration, no quickening grace, no faith nor holiness come this way, but through the preaching of the Gospel; in and through which, as a vehicle, the Spirit of God conveys himself into the heart, as a spirit of regeneration and faith; and God of his own will and rich mercy, by the word of truth, by the Gospel of grace and truth, which came by Christ, so called in distinction from the law which came by Moses, begets us again as his new creatures; which shows the usefulness of the Gospel ministry, and in what account Gospel ministers are to be had, who are spiritual fathers, or the instruments of the conversion of men.