Lesson 10 1 & 2 Corinthians: Prolegomena & Overview Rev. Christopher J. Respass Antioch Bible Institute Spring 2014 Step By Step Through the New Testament (Part II)

Prolegomena First Corinthians is the most practical letter the Apostle Paul wrote. In it he addresses both moral and theological failure plus the breakdown of personal relationships and families. (Lea & Hudson, 155)

The City of Corinth Corinth was the largest and most prosperous city of Greece. Because it was a port city, it became a center of thriving commerce. It had a population of several hundred thousand and was a multi-cultural cosmopolitan city. The Acrocorinth was the city’s most impressive physical feature. But Corinth is notorious for its immorality.

The City of Corinth Corinth was an immoral city that attracted those whose purposes for visiting included seeking illicit pleasures. For example, some 1000 sacred priestesses of the Cult of Aphrodite made themselves available us cult prostitutes and the Temple dedicated to Aphrodite. The reputation of Corinth was so bad that the name “Corinth” was synonymous with living a debased, libertine lifestyle.

Prolegomena 1. The Apostle Paul is the Author of both 1 and 2 Corinthians. 2. First Corinthians was written in 54 AD; while Second Corinthians was written in 56 AD.

Non-Extant Corinthian Letters To say that a document is “extant” is to say that it is available to us. Paul alludes to two letters that he wrote to the Corinthian church that are not extant and are not considered “biblical” or inspired by God Corinthians 5:9 (“I wrote to you…”) 2. 2 Corinthians 2:1-4 (“I wrote to you…” [after the “painful visit” in v. 1])

Overview of 1 st Corinthians A. Theologically, Paul presents many vital truths dealing with the crucifixion, the resurrection of Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit in spiritual gifts. B. Practically, this letter presents Paul, not as “an ivory-tower theologian but an intense pastor deeply interested in holiness, testimony and development of his flock.” (Lea & Hudson, 156)

Theme & Outline of 1 st Corinthians Theme:A Gifted and Worldly Church Outline I.Paul Responds to Problems (1-6) A. Division in the church (1:10-4:21) B. Moral Problems in the church (5:1-6:20) II.Paul Answers Questions (7-16)

Overview of 1 st Corinthians I.Factions in the Church. Divisions developed around personalities of leaders in the congregation (e.g., “who’s your favorite preacher?”).

Overview of 1 st Corinthians A.Paul’s Reasons for Factions in the Church 1. Misunderstanding the Christian Message (1:18-3:4) a) human wisdom and skill v. the cross as revealing the emptiness of human wisdom. b) rich and powerful v. weak and despised.

Overview of 1 st Corinthians 2. A False concept of Ministry (3:5-4:5) a) church viewed prominent leaders as competitors and not teammates and co-laborers with God. 3. Puffed Up With Human Pride (4:6-13)

Overview of 1 st Corinthians II.Church Discipline A. A member of the church had committed gross immorality (1 Cor. 5:1-13). Rather than quickly confronting the offender, the church ignored the matter. B. Paul taught that discipline was to be handled by the church collectively, for the good of the offender, the church and their witness for Christ in the community.

Overview of 1 st Corinthians III.Specific Questions Paul Addressed A. Marriage is Normal, Singleness is an option (1 Cor. 7:1-40). B. Christian Liberty (8:1-11:1). Christians should be willing to limit their liberty to keep another from stumbling (8:1-13) and out of a concern for the progress of the gospel (9:19-23).

Overview of 1 st Corinthians C. Public Worship. Paul addressed the importance of following established 1. social and church customs (e.g., veils for women) (11:2-16). 2. how the Lord’s Supper should be administered (11:17-22). 3. Questions about Spiritual Gifts (12:1-31)

A.Diversity of Gifts determined by the Holy Spirit— all are important. (12:1-31). B.Love should be the central gift exercised by the believers (13:1-13). C.Prophecy is more important than Tongues (14:1-25). D.Worship should be decent and in order (14:26-40). Spiritual Gifts (1 Cor )

Overview of 1 st Corinthians D. Resurrection (15:1-58). Paul addressed the necessity of the resurrection to the Christian faith. He addressed the resurrection body, the practical effect of the resurrection on the believer and presented it as the future hope for believers. E.Giving (16:1-9).

QUESTIONS?