1 Corinthians 4:19 – “But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have.”

Extended Explanation

Paul is addressing the arrogance of certain individuals in the Corinthian church. Some of them had become prideful and dismissive of Paul’s authority, believing they could live as they pleased without being held accountable. They boasted in their own wisdom and influence, but Paul makes it clear that he plans to visit them soon.

However, Paul also submits to God’s will, saying “if the Lord is willing.” This shows his trust in God’s timing rather than his own plans. He does not assume that he controls his own future—he understands that everything happens according to God’s plan.

Paul then warns that when he arrives, he will test whether these arrogant people have real spiritual power or if they are just full of empty talk. Words alone mean nothing in God’s kingdom—true authority comes from the power of God at work in a person’s life. Paul is challenging those who are boastful to prove that their faith is genuine by demonstrating real spiritual power, not just eloquent speech.

Historical Context

At this time, the Corinthian church was filled with division and spiritual pride. Some believers were aligning themselves with different leaders (1 Corinthians 1:12), while others were questioning Paul’s authority. Since Paul was away from Corinth, certain people had taken advantage of his absence, acting as though he had no real influence. They were boasting in their own wisdom, likely claiming to be more knowledgeable or spiritually superior.

Paul is responding with a firm warning: he will come and see for himself. He is not afraid to confront those who are causing problems. But his test will not be based on human wisdom or impressive speech—it will be based on whether or not these people have the true power of God in their lives.

Paul’s statement “if the Lord is willing” also reflects a common biblical theme. In ancient times, believers recognized that their plans were always subject to God’s will. Even though Paul intends to visit Corinth, he acknowledges that only God determines the future.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key theological truths:

1. God’s will is sovereign over human plans – Paul wants to visit Corinth, but he knows that ultimately, it depends on whether God allows it. This reflects the biblical principle that we should always submit our plans to God (James 4:13-15).

2. True spiritual power comes from God, not human ability – The Corinthians were impressed by eloquent speakers and philosophical arguments, but Paul reminds them that real power comes from God. Words alone mean nothing unless they are backed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

3. Arrogance leads to self-deception – The people who opposed Paul were boasting, but their confidence was misplaced. Pride often blinds people to their true spiritual condition.

4. Accountability is necessary in the church – Paul is not going to let arrogance and false teaching go unchecked. Spiritual leaders have a responsibility to correct and discipline when necessary.

Literary Analysis

This verse is structured with both a promise and a challenge:

• “But I will come to you very soon” – Paul is asserting his authority. He is not afraid of the arrogant people in the church.
• “If the Lord is willing” – This phrase shows Paul’s dependence on God’s will, demonstrating humility.
• “Then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have” – Paul contrasts mere words with real power. He is making it clear that talk is cheap—what matters is whether these people actually have spiritual authority from God.

Paul’s approach is not just about correcting false teaching but exposing the difference between human pride and divine power.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• James 4:13-15 – “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’” (Paul’s statement about God’s will reflects this biblical principle.)
• 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 – “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” (Paul contrasts mere words with true spiritual power.)
• Matthew 7:21-23 – Jesus warns that not everyone who claims to follow Him actually knows Him, saying that only those who do the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of heaven.
• 2 Timothy 3:5 – “Having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (Some people claim to be spiritual, but they lack real power from God.)
• Luke 12:47-48 – Jesus teaches that those who know the truth but do not act on it will be held accountable.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a strong reminder that Christianity is not just about words—it’s about real, life-changing power from God. Many people today talk about faith, but their lives show no evidence of God’s power. Paul’s warning applies to us as well: Are we just talking, or is God truly at work in our lives?

It also challenges us to submit our plans to God. Like Paul, we should always acknowledge that our future is in God’s hands. Instead of boasting about what we will do, we should humbly say, “If the Lord is willing.”

Additionally, this verse reminds us of the importance of accountability. Just as Paul was willing to confront arrogance in the Corinthian church, the church today needs strong spiritual leadership to address pride, false teaching, and hypocrisy.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

At first glance, this verse may seem like a harsh warning, but it actually reflects God’s love in several ways.

• God loves His people enough to correct them – Just as a good parent disciplines their child, God holds His children accountable. He does not let them continue in sin without warning them.
• God desires true transformation, not just empty words – God does not want His people to just talk about faith—He wants them to experience real, life-changing power through His Spirit.
• God’s will is always best – Paul’s dependence on God’s will shows that God’s plans are always higher than ours. Trusting in God’s will brings peace and security.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus frequently confronted religious leaders who were arrogant and full of empty words. He warned against people who talked about God but had no true relationship with Him.

• Matthew 23:27-28 – Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, calling them “whitewashed tombs” because they looked good on the outside but were spiritually dead on the inside.
• John 7:16-17 – Jesus says that His teaching comes from God, not from human wisdom, reinforcing the idea that true authority comes from God’s power.
• Mark 1:22 – When Jesus taught, people were amazed because He spoke “as one who had authority.” His words were not empty—He demonstrated real power.

Paul, as an apostle of Christ, was following Jesus’ example by confronting pride and exposing false confidence. True spiritual leadership always points people away from human boasting and toward God’s power.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there areas in your life where you rely more on words than on God’s power?
2. How do you respond when confronted with spiritual correction? Are you open to accountability?
3. Why is it important to acknowledge “if the Lord is willing” in our plans?
4. How can you tell the difference between human arrogance and true spiritual power?
5. What steps can you take to ensure that your faith is not just words, but a real demonstration of God’s power?

Paul’s message is clear: The kingdom of God is not about empty talk—it is about the power of God at work in the lives of His people. May we seek to live with humility, faithfulness, and true spiritual power that comes from God alone.