1 Corinthians 4:21

Paul asks whether he should come to discipline them or in gentleness—the choice depends on their response. It matters because how we receive correction shapes the form of pastoral care we need.

Cross-references · 13

• 2 Cor 13:2I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, I write to those who have sinned before now, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;
• 2 Cor 13:10For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down.
• 1 Th 2:7But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children.
• 2 Cor 12:20–21For I am afraid that by any means, when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don’t desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, riots;
• 2 Cor 2:3And I wrote this very thing to you, so that, when I came, I wouldn’t have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy would be shared by all of you.
• Jas 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
• 2 Cor 1:23But I call God for a witness to my soul, that I didn’t come to Corinth to spare you.
• 2 Cor 10:1–2Now I Paul, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.
• 2 Cor 2:1But I determined this for myself, that I would not come to you again in sorrow.
• 2 Cor 10:6and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience will be made full.
• 2 Cor 10:8For though I should boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down) I will not be disappointed,
• 1 Cor 5:5are to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
• 2 Cor 3:10For most certainly that which has been made glorious has not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasses.

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