1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 During Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, he receives a delegation from the church in Corinth. In response to their report and questions, he writes 1 Corinthians (A.D. 55)

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 Background of Corinthian letters – Paul founded church on 2 nd mission tour – His 2 nd longest ministry was there (18 months) – Paul wrote a “lost letter,” instructing them not to associate with professing believers who were sexually immoral (1 Corinthians 5:9) – Paul received a letter with questions about the “lost letter” (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:1, 8:1, 12:1, 16:1) – Paul’s response is 1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 – Paul makes a short visit to Corinth (2 Corinthians 2:1-4) – Paul writes a “severe letter” (2 Corinthians 2:4) – Paul writes 2 Corinthians – Paul visits Corinth on his way to Jerusalem (Acts 20:1-4)

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D Corinthians, A.D. 55 – Written from Ephesus (1 Cor.16:8) – Reasons: Key problem: divisions in the church Sin issue: Incestuous church member Sin issue: Lawsuits among believers To answer their questions (1 Cor. 7:1)

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D Corinthians, A.D. 55 – Reasons: To answer their questions (1 Cor. 7:1) –Concerning marriage –Concerning meat offered to idols –Concerning women in public worship –Concerning the Lord’s Supper –Concerning spiritual gifts –Concerning the resurrection –Concerning the collection

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D Corinthians, A.D. 55 – Key word: “Correction” – Key verses: 6:19-20 – What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify god in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D major sections: Correcting the reported problems, chapters 1-6 Answering their questions, chapters 7-16 – Section 1, Correction, chapters 1-6 Note, with all their problems, Paul calls them “sanctified” and “saints” (1:2), he acknowledges the work of grace Jesus has accomplished among them (1:4-7), and he is confident that God is in the process of preserving them (1:8-9)

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 – Paul addresses corporate sin #1, their primary problem: factions/pride in the church (chapters 1-4) The four divisions: followers of –Paul –Apollos –Peter –Christ The root cause: dependence upon “human wisdom” (cf. 1:17- 2:16)

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 Solution: –Return to the “foolishness” by which they were saved (cf. 1:17, 18, 21, 23, 27; 2:1-5) –Grow out of spiritual immaturity (3:1-3) –Adopt a correct view of spiritual leaders (3:5-4:7) –Follow the example of Paul (4:8-21, esp. 4:15-16)

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 – Paul rebukes corporate sin #2, their toleration of sexual immorality (chapter 5) The sin: a church member was “living with” his step-mother Their sin: They are proud of their broad-minded response to this! Paul’s admonition: Expel the immoral member

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 Paul rebukes corporate sin #3, taking fellow believers before secular courts (chapter 6) – Paul’s admonition: Christians should arbitrate between disputing Christians. Because we will judge angels Because it would be better to be wronged than to wrong a fellow believer or bring shame upon the cause of Christ.

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 – Paul rebukes corporate sin #4, their acceptance of sexual immorality, 6: He responds to 2 of their proverbs: –“All things are lawful for me” But not all things are beneficial But I will not be enslaved to anything

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 –“ Food for the stomach and the stomach for food” The body is for the Lord, not for fornication The body is part of Christ’s body; it is unthinkable to unite part of Christ’s body to a prostitute The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 – Section 2: Answering their questions, chapters 7-16 Observations concerning marriage –It is fine to remain single –It is fine to marry because sexual temptation is strong –Spouses should not deny each other sexual access, except by mutual consent for a brief time of fasting and prayer. –Paul’s personal preference is that the unmarried remain unmarried, but he recognizes that not everyone has this gift. –Spouses should not separate/divorce If they do, they should remain unmarried or be reconciled. –Believers should remain married to unbelieving spouses, but are not bound if the unbeliever refuses to stay. The believer may be God’s instrument for saving the spouse.

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 –Virgins (those not yet married) are, according to Paul’s judgment, better off remaining single. A single person can be single-minded about the Lord’s business. A married person must have dual interests—the things of the Lord and the needs of the spouse. BUT, it is fine if he feels it is proper to marry. –Widows are better off remaining single for the same reasons given. BUT, if the widow chooses to remarry, she may—as long as she marries a fellow believer.

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 Observations concerning meat offered to idols— Christian Liberty, chapters 8-10 –The issue: Some Christians were buying meat at the market that was less-expensive because it had been offered in worship of a false god. –Other Christians were appalled, feeling this was an act of unfaithfulness to God.

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 –Paul’s observations: Some of us realize that these idols are no gods at all. That knowledge frees us to eat meat used in idol worship. Others cannot eat freely, because they “feel” it is wrong. If my action causes one of these “weaker” brothers to sin against his conscience and eat, I sin. The right attitude: I will not exercise my “rights” if doing so will bring spiritual harm to someone. (See 8:13.) –Paul’s personal example (chapter 9) As an apostle, he could eat whatever he knew was right, marry, and expect financial support from those to whom he ministered.

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 –Paul chose not to exercise these rights For the personal satisfaction of doing more than was required (9:18). For the purpose of being more effective in reaching all kinds of people with the gospel (9:19-23). As a personal discipline to keep his spiritual focus sharp (9:24- 27). –The example of OT Israel (10:1-13) Many of those whom God delivered from Egypt died under His judgment in the wilderness. Their record is a warning to us to be ever vigilant regarding our own weakness and the power of temptation. God’s promise is to protect us from irresistible temptations and to provide an avenue to victory.

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 –The application of these truths Flee idolatry. Some of the “strong” were tempted to participate in the idolatrous worship feasts. This crosses the line into flagrant sin. “Everything is lawful,” but not everything is beneficial. Seek not your own “rights,” but the good of others. Buy meat at the market without asking questions. If you dine with an unbeliever, don’t ask about the food’s background. If you’re told (by a fellow believer?) it was offered to an idol, don’t eat it. This protects his conscience and your testimony. Love places this limit on my Christian liberty: I will not behave in a way that causes someone else to stumble (either the Christian, into sin, or the unbeliever, away from Christ).

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 – Observations about public worship The established order and differentiation of the sexes is to be observed in worship. The man is to honor his Head (Christ) by worshiping with his head uncovered. The woman is to honor her head (husband) by worshiping with her head covered. Some interpret this as the requiring the wearing of the veil by women. Others see the injunction as prohibiting women from “letting their hair down” in public worship, a sign of mourning or disgrace. The principle: God’s established order of authority and His established distinction between the sexes are to be honored.

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 Distinction between the sexes should not be taken to indicate superiority or inferiority. In the Lord, men and women are interdependent; HOWEVER, Men are to wear their hair shorter, and women are to wear theirs longer.

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 – Observations about the Lord’s Supper Their observance of the Lord’s Supper was disgraceful. –Some were overeating, some were getting drunk, some were leaving hungry—and humiliated. The Lord’s Supper was supposed to –Look back to the Lord’s sacrifice on our behalf –Look forward to His return

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 Those who misbehaved at the Lord’s Supper –Sinned against the body and blood of Christ represented in the meal. –Failed to examine themselves before partaking –Brought judgment upon themselves Sickness Death Personal, spiritual discipline of self precludes the need for God to discipline me.

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 – Observations concerning spiritual gifts There is one Source of the gifts: The Holy Spirit There are many manifestations of the gifts –The choice of gifts for each person is made by the Holy Spirit –All of the gifts are necessary for the optimal functioning of the body (the church). –Just as the humbler organs are no less part of the body than the prominent parts… –Those with “humbler” gifts are no less part of the body of Christ than those with more prominent gifts.

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 –The exercise of all the gifts is to be governed by love Gifted acts not motivated by love are empty. Love demonstrates itself by seeking the best for (and giving the best to) the one loved. Love will outlast the “showy” gifts –The gift of prophecy is superior to the gift of tongues Because prophecy edifies the hearers; tongues baffles them

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 –The church should desire to excel in gifts that edify the members. –The one with the gift of tongues should pray for the gift of interpretation. –Tongues are given as a sign to Jewish unbelievers; however… –Even unbelievers are more likely reached by prophecy than by tongues! –Public worship should be conducted in an orderly fashion. Only 2 or 3 may speak with tongues, and only then if an interpreter is present. (Note: The exercise of gifts is under the control of the one who has them.) 2 or 3 prophets may speak, but one at a time. The preachers may not “talk over” one another! The women are to learn quietly, not interrupting the preacher or usurping authority.

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 Observations about the Resurrection, chapter 15 – The Resurrection is central to the gospel: Jesus died, was buried, and rose “for our sins, according to the Scriptures” Jesus appeared to many witnesses, proving His resurrection Jesus’ resurrection is the “first fruits” of our resurrection –If He did not rise, neither will we, and the Christian faith is empty. But He did rise, and He will raise us. With this assurance, we should be steadfast in His service.

1 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 Observations about the collection for the poor, chapter 16 – Regular giving (on the first day of the week) – Proportionate giving (in keeping with one’s income) – Planned giving (so there will be no last-minute haste) – Accountable giving (the gift will be carried by approved men, with letters of introduction, perhaps accompanied by Paul)

2 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D Corinthians, A.D. 55 – Written from Macedonia (perhaps Philippi) – Written about 6 months after 1 Corinthians – Purpose To reconcile the minority still opposed to Paul To defend himself against their accusations To instruct about the discipline and restoration of the offender

2 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 Key verses: 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

2 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 – Section One: Paul’s apologetic for his prior conduct and ministry, chapters 1-7 Paul’s hardships pushed him to the brink of despair (1:8) God comforted him, so that he can comfort others in their troubles (1:3-7) Paul’s instruction concerning church discipline –The disciplined brother, once repentant, is to be restored. Paul’s defense of his ministry –The Corinthian believers are his “letters of commendation” –His ministry is superior to the Old Covenant –His ministry is an honest ministry

2 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 –His ministry was plagued by suffering—but he is encouraged by the promise of future glory. –His ministry is the ministry of reconciliation—compelled by “the terror of the Lord” and “the love of Christ” –His ministry is inoffensive –His ministry is one of exhortation –His ministry is one of joy Because of his love for the Corinthians Because of Titus’ report of their repentance and love for Paul Because the “painful letter” had good results Because of the encouragement they had given Titus

2 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 – Section Two: Paul’s appeal for a generous offering for the poor Christians in Jerusalem, chapters 8-9 He commends the example of the Macedonian churches –Generous in the face of poverty –Sacrificial giving of themselves to God and their substance to others He encourages them to finish what they had earlier begun – Section Three: Paul’s defense of his apostolic ministry, chapters His authority –He has power to deal with adversaries He begs not to have to use it His weapons are divine in power He is ready to use that power to punish the opponents

2 Corinthians Paul’s Third Missionary Journey A.D. 55 His conduct towards them –Godly jealousy –Refused to take financial support from them –Warning them of the deceitful servants of Satan His suffering for the cause of Christ His visions and revelations –Caught up into Paradise –Given an infirmity to prevent his becoming conceited –His concern for the Corinthians –His willingness to take necessary action with them

Spiritual Gifts “a favor which one receives without any merit of his own” (Thayer’s lexicon) They are also called “administrations” (diakonia, 1 Cor 12:5), indicating that they are given by the Lord for the purpose of serving “operations” (energema, 1 Cor 12:6), indicating that their power is generated by God, not the gifted person

Spiritual Gifts 1. The Holy Spirit sovereignly determines the spiritual gifts one possesses (1 Cor 12:7, 11). No one can boast about his giftedness. 2. As there are 3 members of the Godhead, yet one God, so there are many members of the church, yet one church (1 Cor 12:4-6). There should be mutual care in the church, and not division (1 Cor 12:25-26). 3. The gifts are given for the good of the body (the church), not individual advantage (1 Cor 12:7). God’s will is for each believer to contribute to the health and growth of the church. 4. All of the gifts are necessary for the optimal functioning of the church (1 Cor 12:12-25). No gift is unimportant.

Spiritual Gifts 5. Knowing one’s spiritual gifts (place in the body) is vital for discovering God’s will for his life (Romans 12:2- 4). 6. The gifts are to be exercised “according to the proportion of faith” (Romans 12:6)—that is, one is to do what God has “portioned out to him” (gifted him) to do. Believe that God has equipped you to make a contribution to the welfare of His church, and do it.