1 CORINTHIANS 4:15 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.”
Even if you had ten thousand tutors in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel — the distinction between 'tutors' (paidagōgos, slave-escorts for wealthy boys) and 'fathers' (patēr) is crucial. Tutors abound; fathers are unique. Paul's paternal authority derives from his role in the Corinthians' spiritual birth (through the gospel he preached). They cannot transfer allegiance to Apollos and remain Paul's children; the paternal bond is singular.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 4:15
“For though,” says he, “you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, you have not many fathers.” He is not here setting forth his dignity, but the exceeding greatness of his love. Thus neither did he wound the other teachers: since he adds the clause, “in Christ:” but rather soothed them, designating not as parasites but as tutors those among them who were zealous and patient of labor: and also manifested his own anxious care of them. On this account he said not, “Yet not many…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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