1Cor 4:21 | RWP | e4.org | With a rod ( εν ραβδω ). The so-called instrumental use of εν like the Hebrew ( ). The shepherd leaned on his rod, staff, walking stick. The paedagogue had his rod also. Shall I come? ( ελθω; ). Deliberative subjunctive. Paul gives them the choice. They can have him as their spiritual father or as their paedagogue with a rod.

‏ 1 Corinthians 4:21

With a rod ( εν ραβδω ). The so-called instrumental use of εν like the Hebrew (1Sa 17:43). The shepherd leaned on his rod, staff, walking stick. The paedagogue had his rod also.

Shall I come? ( ελθω; ). Deliberative subjunctive. Paul gives them the choice. They can have him as their spiritual father or as their paedagogue with a rod.