CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>1 Corinthians 4:15 Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/1_corinthians/4-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/46_1Co_04_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="1 Corinthians 4:15 - Paul Warns his Children" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/1_corinthians/4-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/1_corinthians/4-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/">1 Corinthians</a> > <a href="/1_corinthians/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-14.htm" title="1 Corinthians 4:14">◄</a> 1 Corinthians 4:15 <a href="/1_corinthians/4-16.htm" title="1 Corinthians 4:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/4.htm">New International Version</a> Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For if you should have ten thousand guardians in Christ, yet not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/4.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/1_corinthians/4.htm">New King James Version</a> For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. <a href="/nasb_/1_corinthians/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. <a href="/nasb77/1_corinthians/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. <a href="/lsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. <a href="/amp/1_corinthians/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For even if you were to have ten thousand teachers [to guide you] in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers [who led you to Christ and assumed responsibility for you], for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the good news [of salvation]. <a href="/csb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> For you may have countless instructors in Christ, but you don’t have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. <a href="/hcsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> For you can have 10,000 instructors in Christ, but you can&#8217t have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. <a href="/asv/1_corinthians/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> For though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel. <a href="/cev/1_corinthians/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Ten thousand people may teach you about Christ, but I am your only father. You became my children when I told you about Christ Jesus, <a href="/erv/1_corinthians/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> For though ye should have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel. <a href="/gwt/1_corinthians/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You may have countless Christian guardians, but you don't have many [spiritual] fathers. I became your father in the Christian life by telling you the Good News about Christ Jesus. <a href="/gnt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> For even if you have ten thousand guardians in your Christian life, you have only one father. For in your life in union with Christ Jesus I have become your father by bringing the Good News to you. <a href="/isv/1_corinthians/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> You may have 10,000 mentors who work for the Messiah, but not many fathers. For in the Messiah Jesus I became your father through the gospel. <a href="/msb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. <a href="/net/1_corinthians/4.htm">NET Bible</a> For though you may have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, because I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. <a href="/nheb/1_corinthians/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the Good News. <a href="/wbt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For even if you were to have ten thousand spiritual instructors--for all that you could not have several fathers. It is I who in Christ Jesus became your father through the Good News. <a href="/web/1_corinthians/4.htm">World English Bible</a> For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, you don’t have many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the Good News. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/1_corinthians/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for if a myriad of child-conductors you may have in Christ, yet not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus, through the good news, I begot you; <a href="/blb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> For if you should have ten thousand guardians in Christ, yet not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. <a href="/ylt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for if a myriad of child-conductors ye may have in Christ, yet not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus, through the good news, I -- I did beget you; <a href="/slt/1_corinthians/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For if ye have ten thousand preceptors in Christ, but not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus by the good news I begat you.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, by the gospel, I have begotten you. <a href="/cpdv/1_corinthians/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, but not so many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, through the Gospel, I have begotten you. <a href="/nabre/1_corinthians/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Even if you should have countless guides to Christ, yet you do not have many fathers, for I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. <a href="/nrsvce/1_corinthians/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> For though you might have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers. Indeed, in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/1_corinthians/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you will have not many fathers: for in Jesus Christ I have begotten you through the gospel. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/1_corinthians/4.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For if you should have 10,000 instructors in The Messiah, however, there are not many fathers, for in Yeshua The Messiah I have begotten you by The Gospel.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/1_corinthians/4.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet you have not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. <a href="/godbey/1_corinthians/4.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> For if you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, but you have not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. <a href="/haweis/1_corinthians/4.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> For though ye may have ten thousand teachers in Christ, yet not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus through the Gospel I have begotten you. <a href="/mace/1_corinthians/4.htm">Mace New Testament</a> for though you may have ten thousand christian preceptors, you cannot have many fathers; since it was I that first instructed you in the gospel of Christ Jesus: <a href="/wey/1_corinthians/4.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> For even if you were to have ten thousand spiritual instructors--for all that you could not have several fathers. It is I who in Christ Jesus became your father through the Good News. <a href="/worrell/1_corinthians/4.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> For, though ye have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet ye have not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the Gospel. <a href="/worsley/1_corinthians/4.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> for if ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet ye have not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you by the gospel. <a href="/parallel/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-wZWoK_LZU?start=766" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/1_corinthians/4.htm">Paul Warns his Children</a> 14I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children. 15<a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">Even</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echēte (V-PSA-2P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">you have</a> <a href="/greek/3463.htm" title="3463: myrious (Adj-AMP) -- Plural of an apparently primary word; ten thousand; by extension, innumerably many.">ten thousand</a> <a href="/greek/3807.htm" title="3807: paidagōgous (N-AMP) -- A boy's guardian or tutor, a slave who had charge of the life and morals of the boys of a family, not strictly a teacher. ">guardians</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christō (N-DMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise."></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">you do not</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollous (Adj-AMP) -- Much, many; often. ">have many</a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: pateras (N-AMP) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">fathers;</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">for</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/5547.htm" title="5547: Christō (N-DMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsou (N-DMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: egō (PPro-N1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">I</a> <a href="/greek/1080.htm" title="1080: egennēsa (V-AIA-1S) -- From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate.">became your father</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou."></a> <a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">through</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2098.htm" title="2098: euangeliou (N-GNS) -- From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.">gospel.</a> 16Therefore I urge you to imitate me.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_thessalonians/2-11.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:11-12</a> For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children— / encouraging you, comforting you, and urging you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. <a href="/galatians/4-19.htm">Galatians 4:19</a> My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, <a href="/philippians/2-22.htm">Philippians 2:22</a> But you know Timothy’s proven worth, that as a child with his father he has served with me to advance the gospel. <a href="/1_timothy/1-2.htm">1 Timothy 1:2</a> To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. <a href="/2_timothy/1-2.htm">2 Timothy 1:2</a> To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. <a href="/titus/1-4.htm">Titus 1:4</a> To Titus, my true child in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. <a href="/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10</a> I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whose father I became while I was in chains. <a href="/1_peter/5-13.htm">1 Peter 5:13</a> The church in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, as does my son Mark. <a href="/john/13-13.htm">John 13:13-15</a> You call Me Teacher and Lord, and rightly so, because I am. / So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. / I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you. <a href="/acts/18-11.htm">Acts 18:11</a> So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching the word of God among the Corinthians. <a href="/acts/20-31.htm">Acts 20:31</a> Therefore be alert and remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-2.htm">2 Corinthians 11:2</a> I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ. <a href="/hebrews/12-9.htm">Hebrews 12:9</a> Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live? <a href="/matthew/23-9.htm">Matthew 23:9</a> And do not call anyone on earth your father, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. <a href="/proverbs/4-1.htm">Proverbs 4:1</a> Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have you not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.ye have.<a href="/2_timothy/4-3.htm">2 Timothy 4:3</a> For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;for.<a href="/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6,10</a> I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase… <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1,2</a> Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? … <a href="/acts/18-4.htm">Acts 18:4-11</a> And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/7-29.htm">Begat</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-22.htm">Beget</a> <a href="/acts/13-33.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/nahum/3-4.htm">Countless</a> <a href="/romans/15-8.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-8.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Gospel</a> <a href="/isaiah/49-23.htm">Guardians</a> <a href="/acts/8-31.htm">Guides</a> <a href="/matthew/23-10.htm">Instructors</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/18-24.htm">Myriad</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-5.htm">News</a> <a href="/romans/6-13.htm">Several</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-1.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-21.htm">Teachers</a> <a href="/acts/25-6.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/romans/11-4.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/galatians/4-2.htm">Tutors</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/1-18.htm">Begat</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Beget</a> <a href="/philemon/1-10.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-12.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-17.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-23.htm">Countless</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-1.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-30.htm">Glad</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-6.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">Gospel</a> <a href="/galatians/4-2.htm">Guardians</a> <a href="/job/12-17.htm">Guides</a> <a href="/galatians/6-6.htm">Instructors</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-17.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-8.htm">Myriad</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">News</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-21.htm">Several</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-11.htm">Spiritual</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">Teachers</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-19.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-8.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-14.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/galatians/4-2.htm">Tutors</a><div class="vheading2">1 Corinthians 4</div>1. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-1.htm">In what account the apostles ought to be regarded.</a> 7. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">We have nothing which we have not received.</a> 9. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-9.htm">The apostles spectacles to the world, angels, and men;</a> 13. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-13.htm">the filth and offscouring of the world;</a> 15. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">yet our fathers in Christ;</a> 16. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-16.htm">whom we ought to follow.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_corinthians/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ Paul uses hyperbole to emphasize the abundance of teachers or guides available to the Corinthians. In the Greco-Roman world, a "guardian" or "tutor" (Greek: paidagogos) was often a slave entrusted with the care and moral guidance of a child. This metaphor highlights the role of these guides as temporary and limited in authority. The term "in Christ" signifies that these guardians are believers, yet their role is distinct from that of a spiritual father. This phrase underscores the importance of discerning true spiritual leadership and authority within the church.you do not have many fathers Paul contrasts the multitude of guardians with the scarcity of spiritual fathers. In Jewish and early Christian contexts, a "father" was someone who played a foundational role in one's spiritual life, akin to a mentor or primary teacher. This reflects the unique and intimate relationship Paul had with the Corinthian church, as he was instrumental in their initial conversion and spiritual formation. The concept of spiritual fatherhood is rooted in the Old Testament, where figures like Abraham are seen as patriarchs of faith (<a href="/isaiah/51-2.htm">Isaiah 51:2</a>).for in Christ Jesus I became your father Paul asserts his role as a spiritual father through his ministry and the preaching of the gospel. The phrase "in Christ Jesus" indicates that this fatherhood is not based on personal merit but on his union with Christ and the authority given to him as an apostle. This reflects the transformative power of the gospel, which creates new spiritual relationships and communities. Paul's fatherhood is characterized by love, guidance, and correction, as seen throughout his letters to the Corinthians.through the gospel The gospel is the means by which Paul became a spiritual father to the Corinthians. This highlights the centrality of the gospel message in establishing and nurturing faith. The gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, is the foundation of Christian belief and community. Paul's emphasis on the gospel aligns with his broader theological framework, where the message of Christ crucified is the power and wisdom of God (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-18.htm">1 Corinthians 1:18-24</a>). This underscores the transformative and life-giving nature of the gospel, which brings believers into a new family under God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the letter to the Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth with a paternal tone, emphasizing his role in their spiritual formation. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a> A diverse and often troubled congregation in the city of Corinth, known for its moral and doctrinal challenges, to whom Paul writes to correct and instruct. 3. <a href="/topical/g/guardians_in_christ.htm">Guardians in Christ</a> Refers to the many teachers or instructors the Corinthians might have, highlighting the difference between a teacher and a spiritual father. 4. <a href="/topical/c/christ_jesus.htm">Christ Jesus</a> Central to Paul's message, Jesus is the foundation of the gospel and the means through which Paul claims his spiritual fatherhood over the Corinthians. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_gospel.htm">The Gospel</a> The good news of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, which Paul preached to the Corinthians, leading to their spiritual birth.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_fatherhood.htm">Spiritual Fatherhood</a> Paul emphasizes the unique role of a spiritual father, which goes beyond mere instruction to include nurturing and personal investment in spiritual growth. <a href="/topical/v/value_of_the_gospel.htm">Value of the Gospel</a> The gospel is the means by which spiritual fatherhood is established. It is through the message of Christ that believers are born again and nurtured. <a href="/topical/r/role_of_teachers_and_mentors.htm">Role of Teachers and Mentors</a> While many may teach, few take on the responsibility of a spiritual father. This calls for discernment in choosing mentors who genuinely care for our spiritual well-being. <a href="/topical/i/importance_of_spiritual_heritage.htm">Importance of Spiritual Heritage</a> Recognizing and honoring those who have played a significant role in our spiritual journey is crucial. It encourages gratitude and continuity in faith. <a href="/topical/r/responsibility_of_spiritual_leaders.htm">Responsibility of Spiritual Leaders</a> Those in leadership should strive to emulate Paul's example, investing personally in the lives of those they lead, aiming for their maturity in Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_corinthians_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 4</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_spiritual_father's_role.htm">What defines a spiritual father's role?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_systemic_racism.htm">What defines a spiritual father's role?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_testing_boost_faith_biblically.htm">How can we effectively preach the gospel today?</a> <a href="/q/how_is_'call_no_man_father'_reconciled.htm">(Matthew 23:9) How is “call no man father” reconciled with traditions that use fatherly titles for clergy? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_corinthians/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) For.--The reason why he has a right to address them as a father would his children. They may have had since their conversion a host of instructors, but they could have only one father who begot them in Jesus Christ. That father was Paul. "I have begotten you." I, emphatic as opposed to "many." The word rendered "instructors" originally signified the slave who led the child to school, but subsequently had the larger meaning, which we attach to the word pedagogue. (See <a href="/context/galatians/3-24.htm" title="Why the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.">Galatians 3:24-25</a>.) There is a contrast implied between the harsh severity of a pedagogue and the loving tenderness of a father.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/1_corinthians/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 15. - Ten thousand; never so many. The word in Greek is used indefinitely, but here implies a touch of impatience at the itch of teaching which seems to have prevailed at Corinth. Tutors; rather, pedagogues, in a technical sense. We have no exact equivalent in English to the paidagogos, the slave who led boys to school. The word also occurs in <a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Galatians 3:24, 25</a>. The father loves most, and has the nearer and dearer claim. In Christ. So he says, "The Law was our paidagogos to Christ." These guides or guardians were such "in Christ," i.e. in the sphere of Christian life. Not many fathers. St. Paul felt a yearning desire that his unique claim as the founder of their Church should not be so ungratefully overlooked, as though it were of no importance (comp. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-6.htm">1 Corinthians 3:6</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/9-1.htm">1 Corinthians 9:1, 2</a>; <a href="/acts/18-11.htm">Acts 18:11</a>). I have begotten you. The word is here only used in a secondary and metaphoric sense, as in <a href="/philemon/1-10.htm">Philemon 1:10</a>; <a href="/galatians/4-19.htm">Galatians 4:19</a>. In the highest sense we are only begotten by the will of God, by that Word of truth (<a href="/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18</a>), to which he alludes in the words "through the gospel." The "second birth" is, however a doctrine more dwelt on by St. John (John 3:3; <a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9</a>; <a href="/1_john/5-1.htm">1 John 5:1</a>, etc.) than by St. Paul, who, as Mr. Beet observes, only refers to it in <a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a>. <a href="/commentaries/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Even γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. if ἐὰν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. you have ἔχητε (echēte) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. ten thousand μυρίους (myrious) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3463.htm">Strong's 3463: </a> Plural of an apparently primary word; ten thousand; by extension, innumerably many. guardians παιδαγωγοὺς (paidagōgous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3807.htm">Strong's 3807: </a> A boy's guardian or tutor, a slave who had charge of the life and morals of the boys of a family, not strictly a teacher. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Christ, Χριστῷ (Christō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. [you do] not οὐ (ou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. [have] many πολλοὺς (pollous) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. fathers; πατέρας (pateras) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. for γὰρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Christ Χριστῷ (Christō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. Jesus Ἰησοῦ (Iēsou) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. I ἐγὼ (egō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. became your father ἐγέννησα (egennēsa) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1080.htm">Strong's 1080: </a> From a variation of genos; to procreate; figuratively, to regenerate. through διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. gospel. εὐαγγελίου (euangeliou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2098.htm">Strong's 2098: </a> From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 4:15 For though you have ten thousand tutors (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-14.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Corinthians 4:14"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 4:14" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_corinthians/4-16.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Corinthians 4:16"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Corinthians 4:16" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>