1 Corinthians 4:17

King James Version (KJV)

For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

For this cause - That you imitate me, and know in what this consists.

I sent unto you Timotheus - The same person to whom he wrote the two epistles that are still extant under his name, and whom he calls here his beloved son, one of his most intimate disciples; and whom he had been the means of bringing to God through Christ.

My ways which be in Christ - This person will also inform you of the manner in which I regulate all the Churches; and show to you, that what I require of you is no other than what I require of all the Churches of Christ which I have formed, as I follow the same plan of discipline in every place. See the Introduction, Section 3.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

For this cause - In order to remind you of my doctrines and my manner of life. Since I am hindered from coming myself, I have sent a fellow laborer as my messenger, well acquainted with my views and feelings, that he might do what I would do if I were present.

Have I sent unto you Timotheus - Timothy, the companion and fellow laborer of Paul. This was probably when Paul was at Ephesus. He sent Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia, probably with instruction to go to Corinth if convenient. Yet it was not quite certain that Timothy would come to them, for in 1 Corinthians 16:10, he expresses a doubt whether he would. Paul was probably deeply engaged in Asia, and did not think it proper then for him to leave his field of labor. He probably supposed also, that Timothy, as his ambassador, would be able to settle the difficulties in Corinth as well as if he were himself present.

My beloved son - In the gospel. See Acts 16:1-3; 1 Timothy 1:2. He supposed, therefore, that they would listen to him with great respect.

And faithful in the Lord - A true Christian and a faithful servant of Christ; and who is, therefore, worthy of your confidence.

Of my ways - My doctrine, my teaching, my mode of life.

Which be in Christ - That is, my Christian life; my ministry; or my conduct as a Christian and a follower of the Saviour.

As I teach everywhere … - This was designed probably to show them that he taught them no new or special doctrines; he wished them simply to conform to the common rules of the churches, and to be like their Christian brethren everywhere. The Christian church is founded every where on the same doctrines; is bound to obey the same laws; and is suited to produce and cherish the same spirit. The same spirit that was required in Ephesus or Antioch, was required at Corinth; the same spirit that was required at Corinth, at Ephesus, or at Antioch, is required now.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and differ in their views, but Christ and Christian truth are the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Whenever the gospel is effectual, it comes not in word only, but also in power, by the Holy Spirit, quickening dead sinners, delivering persons from the slavery of sin and Satan, renewing them both inwardly and outwardly, and comforting, strengthening, and establishing the saints, which cannot be done by the persuasive language of men, but by the power of God. And it is a happy temper, to have the spirit of love and meekness bear the rule, yet to maintain just authority.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

17. I sent. In letter writing the Greeks sometimes used the past tense to describe present action, because the action, when the letter would be read by the recipient, would be in the past. According to ch. 16:10 Timothy was probably on his way but had not yet arrived, nor apparently was he expected to arrive ahead of the letter. The letter was doubtless sent in order to advise the church to welcome the apostle’s representative fittingly, and to give heed to his counsel and instruction as though it came from Paul himself.

Timotheus. Or, “Timothy” (see Acts 16:1; 19:22; Phil. 2:19; 1 Thess. 3:2; 1 Tim. 1:2). Timothy was a trusted associate upon whom Paul relied in his work of caring for the churches that he had established.

My beloved son. Literally, “my beloved child.” Paul saw in the young man Timothy one who could be developed into a useful worker for God, so he chose him to be one of his traveling companions and helpers (see Acts 16:1-4; 1 Tim. 1:2; AA 184, 185, 202, 203; GW 440). The apostle had addressed the Corinthians as “sons,” literally, “children” (1 Cor. 4:14); therefore it was quite appropriate to send one to represent him who had been begotten in Christ through the agency of his preaching, even as they. As a close companion of the apostle in his journeys and his evangelistic work, Timothy was well qualified to review Paul’s teachings and call to their minds his manner of life.

In every church. The message of Paul was the same wherever he preached. He had not taught the Corinthians anything different from what he had taught the Ephesians or the Beroeans. His public preaching and his personal conduct were the same everywhere. He desired the church at Corinth to be in harmony with all the other churches. Christ prayed for unity among His followers (see John 17:21-23), and doctrinal unanimity contributes to such unity (see Rom. 15:5, 6; 1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:3-6; Phil. 2:2; 1T 210).

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Ellen G. White
The Upward Look, 15.5

We draw from God's promises all that peace, that comfort, that hope that will develop in us the fruits of peace, joy, and faith. And by bringing these promises into our own life we bring them always into the lives of others. Then let us appropriate these promises to ourselves.... They are like the precious flowers in the garden of God. They are to awaken our hope and expectation, and lead us to a firm faith and reliance upon God. They are to strengthen us in trouble and teach us precious lessons of trust in God. He in these precious promises draws back from eternity and gives us a glimpse of the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Let us then be quiet in God. Let us calmly trust in Him and praise Him that He has shown us such revelations of His will and purposes that we shall not build our hopes in this life but keep the eye upward to the inheritance of light and see and sense the amazing love of Jesus.—Letter 27, January 1, 1886, to Dr. and Mrs. J. H. Kellogg. UL 15.5

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1 Corinthians 4:17