1 Corinthians 4:17
For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
For
G1223
διὰ
For
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 29
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἔπεμψα
have I sent
G3992
ἔπεμψα
have I sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
3 of 29
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
ὃς
who
G3739
ὃς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 29
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
14 of 29
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ὃς
who
G3739
ὃς
who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
15 of 29
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
τὰς
which
G3588
τὰς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδούς
ways
G3598
ὁδούς
ways
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
19 of 29
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
τὰς
which
G3588
τὰς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 16:10Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.1 Timothy 1:2Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.1 Corinthians 7:17But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.2 Timothy 1:2To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.1 Corinthians 14:33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.1 Corinthians 16:1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.Revelation 2:10Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.1 Corinthians 7:25Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.1 Corinthians 11:2Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.Revelation 2:13I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Historical Context
Timothy was Paul's trusted delegate (Phil 2:19-24; 1 Thess 3:2, 6), converted during Paul's first missionary journey and circumcised to facilitate Jewish ministry (Acts 16:1-3). His youth made him vulnerable to disdain (1 Tim 4:12), but his proven character commended him. This letter likely preceded Timothy's visit (1 Cor 16:10-11), preparing the Corinthians to receive his reminder of Paul's consistent teaching across all churches—no special "Corinthian gospel."
Questions for Reflection
- Who could you send to represent you to a church or community—whose life so embodies your values that they could 'remind' others of your ways in Christ?
- Are your 'ways in Christ' consistent 'in every church' (context), or do you adapt your convictions and lifestyle depending on audience?
- How seriously do you receive faithful teachers and delegates sent by spiritual leaders, even if they're young or less charismatic than others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord. Dia touto (διὰ τοῦτο, "for this reason") connects Timothy's mission to the imitation mandate (v. 16). Teknon mou agapēton (τέκνον μου ἀγαπητόν, "my beloved child") echoes Paul's description of the Corinthians (v. 14) but with added pistos en Kyriō (πιστὸς ἐν Κυρίῳ, "faithful in the Lord")—Timothy exemplifies the Christ-imitation Paul commands. As Paul's spiritual son (Acts 16:1-3; Phil 2:19-22; 1 Tim 1:2), Timothy embodies apostolic teaching and lifestyle.
Who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. The verb anamimnēskō (ἀναμιμνήσκω, "to remind/recall to memory") indicates Timothy's role: not innovating but reinforcing Paul's existing teaching. Tas hodous mou tas en Christō (τὰς ὁδούς μου τὰς ἐν Χριστῷ, "my ways in Christ")—Paul's lifestyle, methodology, and doctrine consistently embody Christ. The phrase en pasē ekklēsia (ἐν πάσῃ ἐκκλησίᾳ, "in every church") stresses consistency—Paul doesn't tailor the gospel to local preferences but proclaims the same message universally.