The apostle was "a steward of the mysteries of God," which required faithfulness. He was firm toward the assembly in their allowance of evil, but underneath there was deep compassion. Were they not God's people? Stray they might, but grace came in to meet their need and also to sustain the apostle, the vessel used to meet their need.
They were set against the apostle and he answered, "I know nothing by myself." Don't judge anything before the time, for all will come out then, and He that judges me is the Lord. "Then shall every man have praise of God."
Paul and Apollos transferred the failure in the assembly upon themselves to teach the saints not to be puffed up, one against another. How many things the dear saints at Corinth had to learn. Surely it is the Holy Spirit which led the apostle's pen as he wrote, all for our benefit. "Who maketh thee to differ from another?" Have you something that you have not received? Why then do you glory?
Paul told the saints that he wished that it was time to reign so that he could reign with them. This was no time to reign as kings but to humble themselves. The apostle was made a spectacle to the world and suffered many privations.
Corinth might have had many instructors, but only one father. "Be ye followers of me," Paul said, "I will come to you shortly... and know, not the speech, but the power." The kingdom of God is in power. Would they have the apostle come with a rod, or in the spirit of meekness?