Why did Paul send Timothy to the Corinthians?
Paul sent Timothy to the Corinthians to bring them into remembrance of his ways in Christ, which he teaches everywhere in every assembly. Paul could not command them but besought them to follow him. Timothy had learned everything from Paul and would remind them to follow Paul's example.
Les explains that in 1 Corinthians 4:16-17, Paul beseeches the Corinthians to be followers of him, not commanding them. He sent Timothy, his beloved son, so Timothy might bring them into remembrance of Paul's ways in Christ, which Paul teaches everywhere in every assembly. Les points out that Timothy, like Barnabas, Silas, Titus, Epaphroditus, and all Paul's fellow laborers, had learned everything from Paul. Everything was going out from this one apostle, so Timothy could reliably remind them of Paul's ways.
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.
More Questions
What was Timothy supposed to remind the Corinthians of when he visited them?
Timothy's role when he came was to constantly remind the Corinthians of Paul's ways which are in Christ, as Paul teaches everywhere in every church.