1 Corinthians 4:19

But I wil come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will knowe, not the speach of them which are puffed vp, but the power. 1 Corinthians 4:19 (KJV)

In this verse Paul concludes a section of his first letter to the Corinthians that deals directly with pride and arrogance within the church. The surrounding passage, 1 Corinthians 4:14‑21, shows Paul writing not to shame the believers but to address them as beloved children, urging them to follow his example in Christ. He reminds them that although they have “ten thousand instructors in Christ,” they have few true fathers, and he claims a paternal relationship through the gospel. To reinforce his teaching, Paul sends Timothy, whom he calls his beloved son and faithful minister, to remind the Corinthians of his ways in Christ.

Verse 19 records Paul’s intention to visit the Corinthians “shortly, if the Lord will.” He declares that his purpose is to discern not the “speech of them which are puffed up,” but the genuine power of God at work among them. The emphasis is on the reality of God’s power rather than empty boasting or eloquent words. This aligns with the next verse, which states that “the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.”

verse 21: whether he should come with a rod of discipline or in love, “in the spirit of meekness.” The contrast underscores his desire for a humble, Spirit‑filled response from the believers rather than a punitive one.

The passage calls the Corinthians to heed Paul’s authority, to remain humble, and to seek the tangible manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s power in their lives. It warns against reliance on boastful speech and urges believers to experience the real, transformative power of God’s kingdom. By focusing on humility and the Spirit’s power, the community is invited to embody the true character of Christ rather than the empty confidence of those who are puffed up.