I Corinthians

An Introduction

• It became necessary to build the "diolkos" in order to provide a quick passage for the boats between the Saronic Gulf and the Corinthian Bay. It was constructed during the 6th century B.C., probably during the tyranny of Periandros in Corinth. Its western end was reconstructed at the beginning of the 4th century B.C. It was used for the transport of small boats, mostly warships, up to the 9th century A.D. as is confirmed by various sources.

Corinth In Paul’s Day

3. Located between the Gulf of Corinth and the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea.

4. Safer travel than around the southern tip of Greece

1) Leading city of Greece (200,000 people)

2) Commercial center (40 miles west of Athens)

2 Letters to a city congregation with big problems

• Bustling metropolis• Lots of wealth• Varied life styles• Many nationalities• Many sailors on shore leave• Very immoral• 1st letter deals with “boomtown” immorality

on congregation.

Influence of Athens – cultural and learning center of Greece

• Greek philosophy and “wisdom” was popular and influential

• “too educated” for ordinary Christianity• Need something more challenging

The founding of the congregation

• Read Acts 18:1-17• Paul comes from Athens where he had little “success”• Happy to find Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth – a Jewish

couple, tentmakers• Began work on Sabbath days in Jewish synagogues• With arrival of Silas and Timothy, Paul had too much

“success” caused him to be ousted from the synagogue• Moves work to home next to synagogue (even the

synagogue ruler and director of public works join congregation) – hear, believe and are baptized

• 1½ years there became largest of mission congregations• Branched out to neighboring cities (Cenchrea)

Occasion and Contents

• Trouble leads to writing1) Cliques – explain and defend the Christian

ministry

2) Heathen ways reappearing: running to heathen judges to settle matters that Christians should be able to settle on their own, pagan friends and relatives threatened to draw them back to idol sacrifices

Occasion and Contents

• Trouble leads to writing3) Abusive of Christian liberty

a) sexual “freedom” b) roles of men and womenc) worship services

4) Misunderstanding spiritual gifts5) Questions about the bodily resurrection6) Concern about standing among sophisticated

pagan neighbors - prestige

Author• St. Paul - without question, about 55 AD from

Ephesus on 3rd missionary journey

• A visit to Corinth from Ephesus hadn’t resolved conflicts (2 Co 12:12,21; 13:1)

• A “lost” letter (5:9-11) didn’t resolve conflicts

• Corinthians send delegation to Paul by way of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus (16:17) with questions (cf 7:1, 8:1, 12:1, 16:1) – strong letter because previous letter and visit had no effect

I CorinthiansUnity in Christ Reflects Discipline

1. Introduction (1:1-9)2. Rebuke factionalism (1:10-4:21)3. Reject immorality (5:1-13)4. Flee selfishness (6:1-20)5. Respect mariage (7:1-40)6. Understand Liberty, love, and the law (8:1-10:33)7. Spiritual gifts use and abuse (11:1-14:40)8. Yes! To a bodily resurrection (15:1-58)9. Principles for Christian giving (16:1-4)10. Concluding encouragement (16:5-24)

Things you will learn

• Do not idealize Christians – idealize Christ

• Satan and our sinful nature are always chipping away at any Christian group

• Christianity affects our lives – the things we say and do

• Christians work and live together in harmony for Christ – not for self

1:1-9 – Introduction

• Verses 1-3 – Apostolic greeting

• Verse 1: a) How does Paul describe his “apostolic

authority?”

b) How does Paul confirm that he is writing by divine inspiration? (cf. 11:23)

c) Paul was called “immediately.” How do you know this and why is it important?

1:1-9 – Introduction

• Verses 1-3 – Apostolic greeting

• Verse 2: a) How does Paul describe the Corinthian

congregation? Our congregation?

b) How does Paul confirm that he is writing by divine inspiration? (cf. 11:23)

c) Paul was called “immediately.” How do you know this? and why is it important?

1:1-9 – Introduction

• Verses 1-3 – Apostolic greeting• Verse 3:

a) The word “grace” is primarily addressed to Gentile Christians. What thought does this convey?

b) The word “peace” is primarily addressed to Jewish Christians. What does this word convey?

c) In what way are “grace” and “peace” a cause and effect?

d) In what way is God “our Father?”e) What do you understand by the “Lord, Jesus

Christ?”

1:1-9 – Introduction

• Verses 4-9 – Prepare to Receive Christian Admonition

vs 4) What spiritual blessings have we received?

vs 5) How has the congregation been enriched spiritually?

vs 6) How is the congregation a demonstration of the Gospel’s power?

vs 7) What spiritual gifts do you need?

vs 8) Explain the promise given here.

vs 9) Who makes this promise come true? Why?

vs 9) What fellowship do we have with Jesus?

I CorinthiansUnity in Christ Reflects Discipline

• The setting is in place for Christian discipline (training)

• How many times is “Jesus Christ” mentioned in the 1st nine verses?

• How do you receive Christian discipline?– joyfully?– with resentment?– with excuses?– with contrition and repentance?