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1 Corinthians 4:14,15
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warnyou…

Galatians 4:19
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,

1 Thessalonians 2:11
As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a fatherdoth his children,

be.

2 Kings 13:14-19
Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down unto him, and wept over his face, and said, O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof…

Psalm 81:10
Iam the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.

Matthew 9:28,29
And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord…

I speak as to my children—
Paul often uses familial language to express his deep affection and pastoral concern for the churches he founded. Referring to the Corinthians as "my children" indicates a spiritual fatherhood, similar to his relationship with Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2). This reflects the cultural context of the time, where teachers and leaders were seen as parental figures to their disciples. It also echoes the nurturing aspect of Paul's ministry, as he desires their growth and maturity in Christ, akin to a parent's desire for their child's well-being.

open wide your hearts also.
Paul's plea for the Corinthians to "open wide your hearts" is a call for vulnerability and receptivity. In the historical context, the Corinthian church had been influenced by false apostles, leading to strained relations with Paul. By urging them to open their hearts, Paul is asking for reconciliation and a restoration of trust. This mirrors the biblical theme of God desiring open-heartedness from His people, as seen in passages likePsalm 51:17, which speaks of a contrite heart. It also points to the New Testament teaching of love and unity within the body of Christ, as emphasized inJohn 13:34-35.

“ We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide. ” (2 Corinthians 6:11). Paul has already poured himself out; now he asks for reciprocity.

• Exchange is not about payment, but about relationship—he has loved them first (1 John 4:19).

• Scripture often highlights the balance of giving and receiving: “Give, and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38).

• Paul’s ministry to Corinth cost him hardship (2 Corinthians 6:4-10); the “fair” response is their trust and affection.

• Similar appeals appear inPhilippians 4:17, where Paul seeks “the fruit that increases to your account.”

Paul claims the gentle authority of a spiritual father.

• He first birthed them in the gospel (1 Corinthians 4:14-15).

• Like any parent, he corrects and comforts: “My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth” (Galatians 4:19).

• Father-language carries tenderness: “You know how we exhorted… each one of you, as a father does his own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

• The family tone removes any sense of manipulation; it invites trust (3John 4).

Now comes the simple request: match Paul’s openness with their own.

• To “open wide” means removing barriers—bitterness, suspicion, worldly influences (compare2 Corinthians 7:2-3).

• Genuine affection among believers is commanded: “Love one another with brotherly affection” (Romans 12:10).

• Opening the heart to Paul ultimately signals openness to Christ’s message (2 Corinthians 5:20-21).

• The call resonates with Jesus’ invitation: “Remain in My love” (John 15:9) and Peter’s urge: “Love one another deeply, from a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22).

Paul has emptied his heart for the Corinthians; fairness asks them to do the same. Speaking as a loving father, he urges them to tear down emotional walls and embrace him—and the gospel he carries—with full, unrestricted affection. Reciprocal, family-style love is the fitting response to Christ’s servants and to Christ Himself.