In verse 1, Paul continues the thought at the end of chapter 3. He, Apollos and others who teach in the name of Christ are not to be followed as Christ is followed. And yet, there is a respect due those teachers, as they are to be regarded as "servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God". It's clear then in verse 3 that Paul requires this treatment not out of any selfish desire on his part, but rather because having respect for the apostles, or teachers, shows that the Corinthians have respect for God. It's never about what Paul wants from people, but rather that he usually seems to know what is best for them.
We see further evidence of Paul's all-out commitment to the cause of the Gospel in verses 8-13, describing himself as a man condemned to die in the arena, a fool, weak, dishonored, hungry and thirsty, in rags and brutally treated, homeless, cursed, persecuted, slandered, and finally, scum of the earth and refuse of the world. Not a pretty picture, and honestly, pretty strange language. Perhaps Paul is showing his willingness to endure any hardship for the sake of the Gospel of Christ.
Verse 15 is another head scratcher at first, when Paul indicates the Corinthians have had 10,000 guardians in Christ, but few fathers. Paul is positioning himself as a higher authority, a true spiritual father to this church, which apparently is long on mediocre teachers, but short on true apostolic influence. Finally, Paul concludes with a tough sounding speech about how he plans to visit them again soon, and talks about coming with either a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit. You can almost hear the parental tone, "we can either do this the easy way or the hard way. It's up to you."
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