Paul and the Corinthians Treasure in Earthen Vessels

What we shall learn How Paul responded to problems in Corinth How we need to create the right climate in our ecclesias How teamwork and persistence is important How we must focus on the glory of God in our ecclesial life How God’s strength is made perfect in weakness

Location of Corinth

Corinth Commercial and administrative centre of Roman province of Achaia Paul with Aquila and Priscilla for 18 months - Acts 18 Crispus, chief ruler of synagogue was converted and “many of the Corinthians” The Lord had “much people in this city”

Achaia, Macedonia, Asia

Paul in Ephesus Left Corinth for Ephesus - Acts 18:19 Left Ephesus for Jerusalem and then returned - Acts 19 By the time he returned, Apollos had done good work in Corinth - Acts 18:27,28 Stayed in Ephesus for 2 years, 3 months Established ecclesias in area, including Colosse

Situation in Corinthian ecclesia Overall lack of leadership Paul, Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos had left Spirit gifts but no spiritual authority Converts with background of Judaism Converts with Gentile background Pressure of worldly environment Pressure from Judaizers

Paul’s response to Corinth He hears about moral problems and writes to them - Letter A (1 Corinthians 5:9,11) He receives further reports of problems - 1 Corinthians 1:11; 16:17 They ask him various questions in a letter - 1 Corinthians 7:1 He writes Letter B - 1 Corinthians

Problems, problems Some denying resurrection Case of gross immorality Spirit gifts being abused No respect at breaking of bread Sisters undermining authority of brethren Arguments about meat offered to idols Challenge to Paul’s authority, and divisions Going to law to settle disputes Lack of clarity about marriage requirements

Order of addressing problems Issue of discord among brethren 1-4 A brother’s immoral behaviour 5 Going to law 6 Questions about marriage 7 Meat offered to idols 8-10 Challenge to his authority 9 Role of sisters & head-coverings 11:1-16 Behaviour at breaking of bread 11:17-34 Abuse of spirit gifts 12-14 Questions about the resurrection 15

1 Corinthians 1-3 The wisdom of God 1:23,24 - Christ crucified 1:26-31 - “no flesh should glory in his presence” Jeremiah 9:23,24 - “Let him glory in the Lord” - Lovingkindness, judgement and righteousness 2:12,13,16 - the teaching of the Holy Spirit - The mind of Christ

Paul’s approach Establish right climate Present a reasoned argument Focus on wisdom of God seen in “foolishness” of cross and the mind of Christ “Ye are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s” – - 1 Corinthians 3:23 Present a reasoned argument

Follow-up Sends Timothy to Corinth - 1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10,11 Declares intention to visit them again - 1 Corinthians 16:5,6 Makes a “painful visit” – 2 Corinthians 2:1 Abandons plan for another visit - 2 Corinthians 1:15,16,23, 2:2 Writes a severe letter - Letter C , sent via Titus (2 Corinthians 2:3,4; 7:8)

Communication with Corinth

More letters and visits Leaves Ephesus for Troas, hoping to catch Titus as he returns - Acts 20:1; 2 Corinthians 2:1 Continues to Macedonia and meets Titus - 2 Corinthians 2:12; 7:5 Writes Letter D - 2 Corinthians Sends Titus with other brethren to arrange collection for poor in Jerusalem - 2 Cor 8:17-24

Arrival on the scene Plans 3rd visit - 2 Corinthians 13:1 Reaches Corinth, stays there for 3 months - Acts 20:2,3 Writes Letter to Romans Departs for Jerusalem (via Macedonia and Asia) with ecclesial representatives and Jerusalem fund - Acts 20:3ff

Paul’s deep concern “As my beloved sons I warn you”- 1 Cor.4:14,15 “Are not ye my work in the Lord...The seal of my apostleship… in the Lord”- 1 Cor.9:1,2 “I wrote..that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you”- 2 Cor.2:4 “We were troubled on every side”- 2 Cor.7:5

Paul’s leadership Authoritative Authority based on knowledge of God’s word Knowledge resulted in vision God’s love seen in Christ at the centre He held them to account for their beliefs and actions He did not give up on them

Paul’s humility He recognised his own insufficiency He had a major concern to unite the Jewish and Gentile brethren and sisters

Workers together He knew that whatever weakness was in himself and in his converts, God could work His purpose out in His good time 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 “As having nothing, yet possessing all things”

2 Corinthians 4 Paul’s focus on the glory of God 3:18 “changed from glory to glory” 4:3-6 “we preach not ourselves” 4:7-15 “treasure in earthen vessels” 4:16-18 “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”

Made perfect in weakness 2 Corinthians 12:9,10 “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses” 2 Corinthians 13:4,5 “We shall live with him by the power of God toward you”>