ACC ~ 1 Corinthians 4 v21b

LOVE HIDDEN IN THE ROD. ORIGEN: The rod does not mean that there is no love, but love is hidden behind its blows and is not perceived by the one who is on the receiving end. COMMENTARY ON 1 CORINTHIANS 2.23.6-8.

FIRST THE ROD, THEN GENTLENESS. AMBROSE: Paul mentioned a rod first, that he might afterward comfort them with the spirit of meekness. SYNAGOGUE AT CALLINICUM 41.4.

THE POWER OF THE SPIRIT. SEVERIAN OF GABALA: By “rod” Paul meant the compelling power of the Spirit, which he had used against Elymas and which God had used against him.PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH.