Direct Answer
The transcript shows that Paul’s teaching was not only written or spoken but also demonstrated in his life. The Corinthians could imitate Paul because they had seen his conduct and practices firsthand, which gave concrete meaning to his instructions.
Support from Transcript
- Bercot quotes Paul: "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ." - He explains that the Corinthians "had visibly seen Paul live out his Christianity." - They had "literally watched Paul pray," so they knew what he meant in instructions about praying and head coverings. - They had "literally watched Paul baptize people," and had "seen other baptisms performed with his approval." - They had "personally shared communion with Paul and had eaten love feasts with him." - Because of this, Bercot says they knew "how often and in what manner these ordinances were kept."
Discussion Follow-ups
The transcript does not explicitly phrase this as "God’s intention," but it strongly emphasizes that apostolic teaching came through lived example as well as written instruction.