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Chapter 15

Unity, Freedom, and Christ’s Return: Paul’s Letters to

Thessalonica and Corinth

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Key Topics/Themes

1 Thessalonians Nearness of the eschaton Warnings against attempting to calculate date of

the Parousia 1 Corinthians

Paul’s aims to heal divisions in the church Specific instructions concerning doctrine, ethics,

and church order

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Key Topics (continued)

2 Corinthians Overcoming apostolic opponents Paul’s reconciliation with the Corinthian church

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Introduction

Paul’s early letters dominated by eschatology Paul battling opponents within and outside

his churches

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First Letter to the Thessalonians

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Basic Information

Oldest surviving Christian document Appears to be primarily Gentile church Church must prepare for Parousia by

refraining from sexual sin

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The Parousia and the Resurrection Concern at Thessalonica over eternal destiny

of dead Christians Describes Parousia using typical apocalyptic

language Warnings against attempts to calculate the

“dates and times” Day of the Lord will come “like a thief in the

night”

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Role of the Spirit

Presence of the Spirit in the church a sign of the impending End

Warning not to “stifle inspiration” in the church

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First Letter to the Corinthians

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Introduction

Paul spends a year and a half in Corinth 1 Cor. not Paul’s first letter to Corinth 2 Cor. likely a composite letter Letters reveal two-way correspondence

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The City and Its People

Large, prosperous, libertine Aphrodite the patron goddess Church members from various backgrounds Resulting strife in Corinthian church Paul’s challenge: to bring unity

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Topics of Concern

Organization: Chs. 1-6: overcoming factions in the church Chs. 7-15: answers to specific questions

Paul’s eschatological urgency

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The Necessity of Christian Unity

(Chapters 1-6) Church divided into cliques Avoiding competitiveness and cultivating

divine wisdom The limits of Christian freedom Discouragement from lawsuits between

Christians

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Answering Letters from the Congregation (Chapters 7-15) Marriage, divorce, and celibacy A problem of conscience Regulating behavior in church

The importance of women in church The communion meal Need to regulate gifts of the Spirit to foster unity

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Answering Letters (continued)

The hymn to love (agapē) Speaking in tongues a less important spiritual gift

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Answering Letters (continued)

The eschatological hope: resurrection of the dead

The historical reality of Jesus’ resurrection Closing remarks: importance of taking up a

collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem

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Second Letter to the Corinthians Chs. 10-13 written before chs. 1-9 The “severe” letter (chs. 10-13): Paul’s

defense of his apostolic authority The letter of reconciliation (chs. 1-9)

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Summary

1 Thessalonians: overcoming misconceptions about the Parousia

1 Corinthians: overcoming church conflict to unite the church

2 Corinthians: God operates through “weak” human vessels

Paul and readers standing at the turning point of two ages