How will Paul come to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 4:21?
Paul asks whether he should come with a rod, with wrath and anger and not spare, or in love and in the spirit of meekness. The context indicates he will come in love and meekness, since harsh measures were not his nature unless absolutely necessary, and the letter prepares the Corinthian congregation for that appeal.
Les explains that in 1 Corinthians 4:21 Paul asks the Corinthians, “What will ye?” He presents two possibilities: coming with a rod, with wrath and anger and not sparing them, or coming in love and in the spirit of meekness. Les says Paul will go in the spirit of love and meekness, because it just wasn’t Paul’s nature to go in and start taking harsh measures if he doesn’t absolutely have to. This letter is preparatory to his coming to the congregation in Corinth, so he can appeal to them in love and meekness.
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?