Bible Strands
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.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian believers to correct their factionalism and spiritual immaturity. He writes this in the immediate context of warning them as beloved children and preparing them to imitate his apostolic conduct.
The words — παιδαγωγοὺς (paidagōgous) means "guardians" or "tutors," referring to those who supervise but do not impart spiritual life. μυρίους (myrious) translates literally as "ten thousand," stressing a vast number of potential overseers or teachers.
The thread — The contrast between many human instructors and one gospel origin runs through 1 Corinthians 3:10, where Paul distinguishes himself as the foundation-layer from other builders. It parallels Galatians 4:19, which depicts Paul's labor until Christ forms believers, and aligns with 1 Corinthians 9:14 on the gospel sustaining its preachers.
Why it lands — The text states that numerous guardians cannot replace the singular fatherhood established through gospel proclamation. It requires readers to identify the true source of their faith and submit their conduct to that foundational instruction rather than to a plurality of human authorities.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 3:10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds.
- Galatians 4:19 My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,
- 1 Corinthians 9:14 In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
- 1 Corinthians 9:23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.
- 1 Peter 1:23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
- Acts 18:4 Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike.
- Romans 15:20 In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.
- 1 Corinthians 3:6 I planted the seed and Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.
- 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 9:18 What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.