I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
Paul does not write to shame his readers but to warn them with the affectionate care of a father for his beloved sons. The warning is given as he recounts the hardships endured by himself, his fellow workers, and the apostles, including his manual labor, which underscores the earnest care behind his appeal. His fatherly bond rests on having brought them to faith in Christ through the gospel, by which he became their father in Christ.
The warning serves as instruction that clearly defines the position of a steward for ministers of Christ and physicians. It is to be made diligent study with self-examination of where one stands. It enforces great accountability in stewardship, keeping the Master's means and property in order and handling His property with a conscience clear toward God and fellow men. This excludes mean actions in dealing with fellow stewards and any effort to make one's own course appear as superior wisdom.
Paul does not write to shame his readers but to warn them with the affectionate care of a father for his beloved sons. The warning is given as he recounts the hardships endured by himself, his fellow workers, and the apostles, including his manual labor, which underscores the earnest care behind his appeal. His fatherly bond rests on having brought them to faith in Christ through the gospel, by which he became their father in Christ.
The warning serves as instruction that clearly defines the position of a steward for ministers of Christ and physicians. It is to be made diligent study with self-examination of where one stands. It enforces great accountability in stewardship, keeping the Master's means and property in order and handling His property with a conscience clear toward God and fellow men. This excludes mean actions in dealing with fellow stewards and any effort to make one's own course appear as superior wisdom.