John Chrysostom

Then since he saw that the blow could not well be borne, he speedily heals it; saying, "I write not these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children." "For not as abashing you," saith he, "do I speak these things." The very thing which by his words he had done, this he says he had not done: rather he allows that he had done it, not however with an evil and spiteful mind. Why, this mode of soothing is the very best, if we should say what we have to say and add the apology from our motive. …

Homily on 1 Corinthians 13 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

I do not write this to shame you, he says, and not with an evil and hateful intention do I say this; but "as beloved children" (I admonish you), and not simply children, but "beloved." Forgive me, then, if I have said anything offensive, for this comes from love. And he did not say: I reproach, but "I admonish." Who would not endure a father's admonition?

Commentary on 1 Corinthians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

After censuring the Corinthians for rashly judging the apostles and presumptuously despising them, the Apostle now applies himself to correcting them. First, by oral advice; secondly, by examples (v. 16); thirdly, with the rod of correction (v. 18). …

Commentary on 1 Corinthians ↗