Why did Paul write 1 Corinthians before coming to Corinth?
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians as a preparatory letter before visiting the Corinthian congregation. He wanted to prepare them for his coming so he could appeal to them in love and meekness rather than arrive with a rod, wrath, and anger. The letter set the stage for a gentle visit rather than harsh measures.
Les explains Paul's question in chapter 4, verse 21: "What will ye? Shall I come unto you with a rod?" or "shall I come in love and in the spirit of meekness?" Les teaches that Paul would choose love and meekness because it was not Paul's nature to take harsh measures unless he absolutely had to. This letter, then, was preparatory to his coming to the congregation in Corinth so that he could 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?