1. Paul and the Corinthians
Treasure in Earthen Vessels

2. 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

3. Location of Corinth

4. 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”

5. Achaia, Macedonia, Asia

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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 Corinthians 1:11; 16:17
They ask him various questions in a letter - 1 Corinthians 7:1
He writes Letter B - 1 Corinthians

9. 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

10. 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
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
Questions about the resurrection 15

11. 1 Corinthians 1-3 The wisdom of God 1:23,24 - Christ crucified
1: “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

12. 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

13. 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)

14. Communication with Corinth

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

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

20. 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”

21. 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: “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory”

22. 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”>