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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadWilliam Burkitt Notes and Observations - 1 Corinthians 4:17 - 4:17
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No sooner had St. Paul planted a church in Corinth, but, by the envy and malice of Satan, most notorious disorders, and scandalous abuses, were cast into it. To obviate which great and growing mischief, he writes them his mind in this epistle. But lest this method should prove ineffectual, because writing at a distance is not so moving as conferring face to face, he sends Timotheus unto them, to excite and persuade them to their duty, by bringing to their remembrance his ways which were in Christ, both what he had formerly taught, and did yet continue to teach in every church: I have sent unto you Timotheus, my beloved Son, and faithful in the Lord.
Here note, 1. The messenger sent to them, described by his name, Timotheus, or Timothy; by his relation, his beloved Son; that is, his son in the faith, his spiritual son, possibly converted, undoubtedly instructed by him in the principles of Christianity.
He is farther described by his zeal and diligence in the work of the gospel: faithful in the Lord, that is, faithful in the work of the Lord.
A noble character of a gospel minister: faithful to God, faithful to souls, faithful in his intentions, faithful in his endeavours, faithful in all the administrations of Christ's house; faithful and affectionate towards the poor of the flock, remembering that all souls are rated at one value in his Master's book; faithful in public preaching, faithful in private inspection. Happy are the people who have such faithful persons for their spiritual guides and pastors.
Note, 2. The message and errand Timothy was sent upon, namely, to acquaint the Corinthians with St. Paul's doctrine and practice, and to excite and persuade them to their duty, by bringing his ways to their remembrance.
Where observe, That St. Paul had led so holy and unblamable a conversation in every place where he had lived, that he is neither afraid nor ashamed that his course of life should be discovered and made known to all the world. A great example for our imitation, to walk before God and our people with such care and caution, with such heedfulness nad circumspection, that we need not blush, when either our doctrine or practice are published before all the churches of Jesus Christ. Timothy shall acquaint you with my ways, and with what I teach everywhere in every church.