1 Corinthians 4:15
What is written? (ESV)
For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
What does it say?
Although you’ve had many, many tutors in Christ, you don’t have many fathers. That has been my [Paul’s] role in Christ Jesus through the gospel word.
What is its immediate context?
In his letter to the church in Corinth, Paul is calling them back to what they have learned and away from the arrogance and divisions that have crept in. In these first four chapters, he emphasizes the need for them to rely upon the word of God that he had shared with them as the foundation to solve these issues.
How 1 Corinthians 4:15 is applied across Bible answers
Will Jesus reign 1000 years (Revelation 20:5-6)?
The Greek word for "countless" is literally "ten thousand" (still rendered such in the KJV). Obviously, their "guides in Christ" could literally be counted (and are not literally ten thousand). Paul simply means that they have benefited from many helping them toward Christ.
Will there be a literal one thousand year reign (Revelation 20:6)?
The Greek word for "countless" is literally "ten thousand" (still rendered such in the KJV). Obviously, their "guides in Christ" could literally be counted (and are not literally ten thousand). Paul simply means that they had a lot!
