SEV Biblia, Chapter 4:19
Pero ir presto a vosotros, si el Seor quisiere; y conocer, no las palabras de los que andan envanecidos, sino la virtud.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 1 Corinthians 4:19
Verse 19. But I will come to you shortly] God being my helper, I fully purpose to visit you; and then I shall put those proud men to the proof, not of their speech-eloquence, or pretensions to great knowledge and influence, but of their power-the authority they profess to have from God, and the evidences of that authority in the works they have performed. See the Introduction, sect. xi.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 19. But I will come to you shortly , etc.] This he said as threatening them, but not by way of prophecy; for it is not certain that he ever did come to them after this; but by way of promise, as it was then the real intention, inclination, and resolution of his mind, though with this condition, if the Lord will ; which is rightly put, and what the apostle had a continual regard unto, in all things he was concerned; (see Romans 1:10 Hebrews 6:3) and though it is not absolutely necessary that this should be expressed by us always in so many words; though should it, as the sentence is short and full, there would be no impropriety in it; yet this should always be the sense of our minds and conduct in all the affairs of life; (see James 4:13-15) and will know not the speech of them that are puffed up, but the power ; meaning chiefly the false teachers; and that his concern would be, not so much to observe their masterly language, the eloquence of their speech, the quaintness of their expressions, the cadency of their words, how nicely they were put together, and how fitly pronounced; but what life there was in their ministry, what power went forth with their words, and how effectual their preaching was to the, conversion of sinners, and the edifying of the church of God.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 14-21 - 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 woul 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 an practice. Christians may mistake and differ in their views, but Chris and Christian truth are the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever Whenever the gospel is effectual, it comes not in word only, but als in power, by the Holy Spirit, quickening dead sinners, deliverin persons from the slavery of sin and Satan, renewing them both inwardl 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 __________________________________________________________________
Greek Textus Receptus
ελευσομαι 2064 5695 V-FDI-1S δε 1161 CONJ ταχεως 5030 ADV προς 4314 PREP υμας 5209 P-2AP εαν 1437 COND ο 3588 T-NSM κυριος 2962 N-NSM θεληση 2309 5661 V-AAS-3S και 2532 CONJ γνωσομαι 1097 5695 V-FDI-1S ου 3756 PRT-N τον 3588 T-ASM λογον 3056 N-ASM των 3588 T-GPM πεφυσιωμενων 5448 5772 V-RPP-GPM αλλα 235 CONJ την 3588 T-ASF δυναμιν 1411 N-ASF
Robertson's NT Word Studies
4:19 {If the Lord will} (ean ho kurios qelesei). Third-class condition. See James #4:15; Ac 18:21; 1Co 16:7 for the use of this phrase. It should represent one's constant attitude, though not always to be spoken aloud. {But the power} (alla ten dunamin). The puffed up Judaizers did a deal of talking in Paul's absence. He will come and will know their real strength. II Corinthians gives many evidences of Paul's sensitiveness to their talk about his inconsistencies and cowardice (in particular chs. #2 Co 1; 2; 10; 11; 12; 13). He changed his plans to spare them, not from timidity. It will become plain later that Timothy failed on this mission and that Titus succeeded.
