4:21 {12} What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and [in] the {l} spirit of meekness?
(12) A passing over to another part of this epistle, in which he reprehends most sharply a very odious offence, showing the use of ecclesiastical correction.
(l) Acting meekly towards you.
4:21 What will ye? When he comes, how shall he come?
With a rod? Will it be necessary to rebuke and exert his apostolic authority?
Or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? Or will the condition of the church be such that only love and gentleness will be called for?
4:21 With a rod - That is, with severity.
4:14-21 In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and differ in their views, but Christ and Christian truth are the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Whenever the gospel is effectual, it comes not in word only, but also in power, by the Holy Spirit, quickening dead sinners, delivering persons from the slavery of sin and Satan, renewing them both inwardly and outwardly, and comforting, strengthening, and establishing the saints, which cannot be done by the persuasive language of men, but by the power of God. And it is a happy temper, to have the spirit of love and meekness bear the rule, yet to maintain just authority.
