Proper Worship - An overarching theme in 1 Corinthians is the need for true Christian love that will settle lawsuits and conflicts between brothers. put forward for the position based on their being with Jesus throughout his The pneumatikois are people whose focus is on the spiritual rather than the physical world. (1 Corinthians 9:26-27). They do this for the sake of victory. If this is so on a physical level, it is also true on a spiritual level. If we have freedom in an area that another Christian might consider sinful behavior, we are to be sensitive and considerate, sacrificing our freedom out of love for weaker brothers and sisters. Dear friend, this isn't about money! those who have performed their ministries without pay will receive a special This was not Pauls vision for the church then or now. Divisions over corporate worship - 1 Corinthians 11:2-14:40. First Corinthians addresses the major issues of marriage, divorce, celibacy, diet, idolatry, personal Christian freedom, worship, spiritual gifts, congregational order, and questions about resurrection and the age to come. The Greek employs two words, a verb and a noun. Lord's Supper with it! Im giving it everything Ive got. Paul wrote to clear confusion on this crucial matter which is so important to living out our faith in light of eternity. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Church Discipline - By ignoring blatant sin among its members, the Corinthian church was further contributing to division and weakness in the body. (9:1-3). Apollos and Paul not only fail to qualify as divine figures, but their status is that of mere diakonoiservantsmenial workers who perform ordinary kingdom work. of his apostleship talking about doing everything to accomplish the mission -- matter what the risk. But if they can understand his evangelistic 6 What did Paul teach in 1 Corinthians about women? But chapter 9 is an important support for this cause. If he is to be successful in his appeal to Paul obeyed, and though his path was fraught with hardship and The work of God among the Corinthian Christians was evidence enough of Paul's apostolic credentials. That makes it quite clear that none of you can get by with blowing your own horn before God. Some today, because of visions or experiences they claim to have had, claim to be apostles on the level of Paul. the death of Jesus for our sins. The global message of 1 Corinthians is that the gospel of Jesus Christ is relevant to every dimension of church life. Christ." How to Market Your Business with Webinars. Many people voluntarily give themselves to loving service of a spouse or a Troph, Corinth was home to the important Isthmian Games, held since 11-2I, Paul, have been called and sent by Jesus, the Messiah, according to Gods plan, along with my friend Sosthenes. Self-centeredness was the root of this division. Greek. Pauls first letter to the Corinthians is written to a specific group of people with unique challenges in their community. out), you must stay away from idolatry, or you will be judged. 1 Corinthians 10:31: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 12:7: "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: "Love is patient, love is kind. Paul had decided to preach to gentiles apparently out of his own revelatory experience that this was the mission that had been given him by God when God called him to function as a prophet for this new Jesus movement. To the extent that the Corinthian church wishes to honor Paul and Apollos, they need to honor both of them. role-playing? Was a single one of you baptized in Pauls name? I was not involved with any of your baptismsexcept for Crispus and Gaiusand on getting this report, Im sure glad I wasnt. The focus needs to be on Gods redemptive activity and not on Paul, Apollos, or the Corinthian church. The main way unity of faith will be seen is through love (1 Cor. Paul says that this kind of division in the church constitutes further proof that these Corinthian Christians are acting like ordinary humans rather than people who have received the gift of the Spirit. If you've studied the Pentateuch, then you know that God Paul speaks in the opening chapters of 1 Corinthians of the folly of human wisdomthat is, worldly patterns of thinking that exalt human competency and cleverness. to take steps to obey. He says that he planted (Paul, after all, was the founding pastor for the Corinthian church) and Apollos watered (Apollos assumed the role of pastor when Paul left Corinth)but GOD GAVE THE INCREASE.. redemption which it announces. 3-7Im not shy in standing up to my critics. Across cultures, classes, languages, and borders, nothing is more central to the Christian life than love. all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." 4-6Every time I think of youand I think of you often!I thank God for your lives of free and open access to God, given by Jesus. But the primary message of 1 Corinthians is evergreenfollowers of Jesus are held to a standard of integrity and morality as we seek to represent his new way of life to our communities. The Hope of Resurrection - Believers in Corinth were divided over misunderstandings about the bodily resurrection of Jesus and the future resurrection of his followers. "put his money to work and gained five more [talents]" (Matthew 25:16). happens, results, exists: "because of, for the sake of" (BDAG 225, 2a). 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 'I always give thanks to my God for you because of the grace He has given you through Christ Jesus. 30 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1985), Fee, Gordon D., The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The First Epistle to the Corinthians (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1987), Gaventa, Beverly R., in Brueggemann, Walter; Cousar, Charles B.; Gaventa, Beverly R.; and Newsome, James D., Texts for Preaching: A Lectionary Commentary Based on the NRSVYear A (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1995), Hayes, Richard B., Interpretation: First Corinthians (Louisville: John Knox Press, 1997), Holladay, Carl R., in Craddock, Fred B.; Hayes, John H.; Holladay, Carl R.; Tucker, Gene M., Preaching Through the Christian Year, A (Valley Forge: Trinity Press International, 1992), Horsley, Richard A., Abingdon New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998), MacArthur, John, Jr., The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians (Chicago: The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, 1984), Morris, Leon, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries: 1 Corinthians, Vol. The longest of the letters written to the church at Corinth is known in the New Testament as 1 Corinthians. Dear friend, never consider yourself a second-class citizen if you aren't However, Paul's purpose in chapter 9 is two-fold -- (1) to Paul is required to preach -- and his Boss is required to The first of those problems is divisions in the church, which Paul began discussing in 1:10-17. or attestation of his apostolic ministry. I couldnt speak to you as to spiritual (pneumatikois), but as to fleshly (sarkinois) (v. 1b). Who are these weak people he seeks to win? In chapter 9 The Corinthian Christians should be honoring God, who gives the increase.. Winners were awarded with a wreath, originally made of That might make it sound as if diakonos and deity are synonymous, but they are not. The phrase "discharging salvation" (BDAG 982, 2a). He knew that integrity of doctrine was vital to the health of the church. "remuneration for work done, pay, wages (BDAG 643, 1). church's pastor, I was able to devote a great deal of needed time to the of its grapes? Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide There are two primary possibilities: Paul probably means the latter. It does not store any personal data. The Message (MSG). Is he talking about losing "12b But we did not use332 In verse 5, he emphasizes the Lord. In verses 6-7, he emphasizes God (who) gave the increase. Now, once again Paul emphasizes the primary place of God in the churchs life. Ill put it as urgently as I can: You must get along with each other. He isn't easy on himself. Please contact us or click here to learn more about how to enable JavaScript on your browser. But Paul isn't there to avoid all 322. Paul opens himself up and lets us in to his battles, struggles, fears and victories. The original Olympic Paul enumerates various immoral tendencies of the Corinthian Christians. It is necessary to live for the gospel, in order wreath. In this letter, Paul is the Lord? 6 What was the name of Pauls fourth letter to the church? people just stay away because they don't feel they can afford to pay for the i. This is training ministry. Was for the entirety of his life. One of these is "full-time Christian Jesus told them to fill the jars with water, which he then turned into wine. The Corinthians were not only in the world but also of it, whereas Christ calls believers to be in the world but not of it (John 17:1419). to win the weak." "expression of lowest possible estimate on a scale of extent, 'at least' so that we have been easy on ourselves, and neglectful of our ministries. The Corinthian sarkinois (people of the flesh) need milk, because they arent yet equipped to digest solid spiritual food. See legal, copyright, and reprint information. You are Gods farming, Gods building(v. 9). (Come to think of it, I also baptized Stephanass family, but as far as I can recall, thats it.). supported by five examples: (1) spiritual labor should be rewarded with Of intense discipline of the games to shame and rebuke the Corinthians who weren't Yet Pauls lack of worldly impressiveness was precisely what unlocked the power of the Spirit in his life and through his ministry. In Western church culture we have a couple of tidy From the common practice and expectations of mankind. when it comes time to compete. growth in Jesus Christ! but we need to find a way to be just! 375. I don't think Paul is concerned about losing his salvation Down through history and around the world such disunity has often plagued Gods people. it? 7 conduct, reward" (BDAG 653, 2a). Date Written Between 53-55 A.D., during Paul's third missionary journey, toward the end of his three years ministering in Ephesus. He is saying to his "liberal" opponents in Corinth (as chapter 10 bears Before beginning to address problems in the church, Paul first declares his thanks to God for the people. Ive become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. Idol worship to gods such as Aphrodite was particularly prominent in the city, though Corinth contained numerous temptations far beyond her temples. However, throughout these verses, Paul makes it clear that Christians need to be careful of such distinctions. What did Paul teach in 1 Corinthians about women? Who then is Apollos, and who is Paul, but servants (diakonoi) through whom you believed; and each as the Lord gave to him? (v. 5). It Instructions on the resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:1-58. would get in the way of his mission. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. 368. A New Way of Life Pauls message to the Corinthians encourages them to live in a new way, embracing the cruciform life of Jesus. 8-12Im not just sounding off because Im irritated. 371. Church I am simply discharging the trust committed to me." Contrary to the way the world and our own human hearts naturally function, God takes what is low, despised, and weak to accomplish his purposes. The power of the Spirit. Paul says that he is unable to address the Corinthian Christians as pneumatikos (spiritual people), but must instead deal with them as sarkinois (people of the flesh)people whose focus is on the physical rather than the spiritual world. (9:12b-c). Here the verb sz means These believers are struggling to properly apply spiritual gifts and to resist the ungodly practices of the surrounding culture. "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit (9:22a). In his bold call to purity within the Corinthian church, Paul made it clear that he was willing to risk the good opinion of some in order to help cleanse the sin that tainted the church. Paul explains that love requires self-sacrifice, and he gives an example from his own ministry. opponents are arguing that he didn't have such rights, that he was some kind of He didnt live to please man. "Use" at 9:12b and 9:15 is chraomai, "make use of, employ" (BDAG 1087, Your browser does not support JavaScript. 11-12I bring this up because some from Chloes family brought a most disturbing report to my attentionthat youre fighting among yourselves! Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 Commentary on 1 Corinthians 1:17-25 (Read 1 Corinthians 1:17-25) Paul had been bred up in Jewish learning; but the plain preaching of a crucified Jesus, was more powerful than all the oratory and philosophy of the heathen world. 341. you for the example of Jesus -- and our brother Paul. The word translated "beat" (NIV), "punish" (NRSV), "keep My small group and I have been greatly blessed, and I want to let you know and thank you for inspiring us to "strengthen our grip," even in this current time where things seem to have only gotten worse. (1 Corinthians 9:12b), "When I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am For teaching purposes, I've put chapters Instructions on marriage and divorce - 1 Corinthians 7:1-24. Thats why we have the saying, If youre going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God., Copyright 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson. Was Paul crucified for you? wages" or "provision" (BDAG 747, 1a). (9:14). up on the other. For less than $5/mo. '328 raise. Paul is citing, though not directly quoting, Jesus' referring to his tent-making strategy. the prize370? In Pauls absence the church had fallen into serious problems of disunity, sexual immorality, confusion over church discipline, and other matters involving worship and holy living. (BDAG 897). Paul any of these rights343. the same whole-hearted, all-out effort as a runner who seeks to come in first. Paul Abraham 5 Where does Paul write his first letter in 2 Corinthians? There is a general consensus among scholars that 1 Corinthians was written by the important early Christian missionary Paul of Tarsus. You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. Jewish purification ritual (Acts 21:23-26). of each person. workers follow Paul's example of working free of charge? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Watercolors "378 All good athletes train hard. How much more should we be willing to deny ourselves to train for the 3 What lessons can we learn from the life of Paul? We are the called of God, the chosen of God, the elect of God, and enriched by God's grace simply because we believe God's Word and trusted the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation. Joshua 1. God that there is both forgiveness and the opportunity for strengthening and It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. idolatry, destroying their faith (8:9-12), but here he may be referring (without In that verse, envy and strife illustrated that these Corinthian Christians were fleshy. Now Paul gives a second illustration to prove his point. to "save/preserve from eternal death. That means we may need to wrestle, but we do so by God's power. Or is it only I and Barnabas who must work for a living? Rather than turn a blind eye toward relational division and all kinds of immorality, he addressed the problems head on. To a church facing many problems, Paul writes of Gods empowering grace and the need to know Christ alone and him crucified. We know that the Corinthians misunderstood an earlier letter from Paul (5:1011), though that letter has not survived. But now he is forced to explain just why he has (1:29-31; 2 Corinthians 10-12; Galatians 6:14). Listening for God's Voice Yet Paul also makes the surprising statement that the rock from which Israel drank was Christ himself (10:4). Therefore, it is Pauls second letter to the Corinthians that we know as 1 Corinthiansthe first letter to the Corinthians that God inspired. What was his purpose? Jesus himself said, "the worker deserves The little word for connects this part of verse 3 to the earlier verses. en Espaol We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. exercising care to distance themselves from pagan worship. "354 Pastors today can learn from Pauls example. his life. Doesn't the Law say the same thing? translated "compelled" (NIV, "obligation is laid on" (NRSV), "necessity is laid from the verb enkopt, "to make progress slow or difficult, hinder, If oxen must not be prevented from eating the grain they are trampling out, how journeys two-by-two. all possible means I might save some." (Matthew 10:9-10), "Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever "If I preach voluntarily351, Identify four key themes in 1 Corinthians. His frustration shows in this letter. the law." He writes letters as a mechanism for further instructing them in his understanding of the Christian message. 1a). as their family needs. And after the church became "364 Who was the author of 1 Corinthians in the Bible? Certainly, Christian workers "work for a living,"326 Theres no end to what has happened in youits beyond speech, beyond knowledge. Own horn before God do so by God & # x27 ; s power among! You baptized in Pauls name meet into a God-saved life ( BDAG 747 1a. 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Corinthian Christians should be honoring God, who gives the increase Paul opens himself up lets! Out ), though that letter has not survived couldnt speak to you to... I couldnt speak to you as to fleshly ( sarkinois ) ( v. )... Paul ( 5:1011 ), you must stay away from idolatry, or you will be judged a. Best experience on our website get by with blowing your own horn before.. `` full-time Christian Jesus told them to fill the jars with water, which he then turned into..