But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the {k} speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

(k) By words, he means their fancy and elaborate type of eloquence, which he contrasts with the power of the Holy Spirit.

People's New Testament

4:19 I will come to you shortly. If God permitted, he would soon follow, and would put to the test those puffed up (1Co 16:7,8).

Not the speech... but the power. He will confront these vain boasters, and see what power is behind their swelling words.

Wesley's Notes

4:19 I will know - He here shows his fatherly authority Not the big, empty speech of these vain boasters, but how much of the power of God attends them.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

19. Alford translates, "But come I will"; an emphatical negation of their supposition (1Co 4:18).

shortly-after Pentecost (1Co 16:8).

if the Lord will-a wise proviso (Jas 4:15). He does not seem to have been able to go as soon as he intended.

and will know-take cognizance of.

but the power-I care not for their high-sounding "speech," "but" what I desire to know is "their power," whether they be really powerful in the Spirit, or not. The predominant feature of Grecian character, a love for power of discourse, rather than that of godliness, showed itself at Corinth.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

4:14-21 In reproving for sin, we should distinguish between sinners and their sins. Reproofs that kindly and affectionately warn, are likely to reform. Though the apostle spoke with authority as a parent, he would rather beseech them in love. And as ministers are to set an example, others must follow them, as far as they follow Christ in faith and practice. Christians may mistake and differ in their views, but Christ and Christian truth are the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Whenever the gospel is effectual, it comes not in word only, but also in power, by the Holy Spirit, quickening dead sinners, delivering persons from the slavery of sin and Satan, renewing them both inwardly and outwardly, and comforting, strengthening, and establishing the saints, which cannot be done by the persuasive language of men, but by the power of God. And it is a happy temper, to have the spirit of love and meekness bear the rule, yet to maintain just authority.