1.Corinthians

Love is laying down your rights for the good of others

What was the situation in the church in Corinth like?

The letter is written to the believers in Corinth, an important commercial city in Greece. Known for their sexual immoral. (Act 18.1) Paul taught out from the synagogue when he established the church. In Act 18.4 it says, “trying to convince the Jews and Greeks alike”  - but after a while “he shook the dust from his clothes” and decided to only preach for the Gentiles. (Act 18.6) Silas and Timothy were with Paul in the work.  Many in Corinth believed and got baptized, both Jews and Gentiles. (Acts 18.8) They Jews gave them hard time and it looks like they really was threatened – because God shows Himself to Paul in 18.9 and encourage him to keep on, not to be afraid. He stayed there more than 1.5 yrs. (Acts18.11) The Jews brought him to the Gallio the governor, he didn’t want to judge because of it being a religious matter. But they continued to trouble Paul. He stayed for a while after, then left. After this Apollo taught in Corinth (Gal.1.12, 3.4-9,4.1) – and he was known as a eloquent teacher, knowing and using the scripture to show that Jesus was the Messiah (18.24 +28, 19.1) So the church had heard quite much teaching for quite some time. In SVB (p.1436) introduction, it says two years later Paul heard from a messenger Cloe’ household and the letter they brought. (1.11, 5.1, 11.18) about the young church struggling with strife, division, wrongdoing and spiritual matters. But in the first verses he also says he thanks God for the gracious gift and how they have eloquent words and all knowledge (1.4-5)(but also warming them about this pride)

Paul wrote this letter from Ephesus (1.Cor. 16:8,19) at about 54 or 55 AD

What is the main idea in is this letter?

This letter gives us God’s perspective on some topic that were actual for the OR as well as today:

Love: 1.Corinthans is the Love letter – Paul is really focusing on lifting up the Love as higher than all other abilities. In Ch. 13 he is rebuking the Corinthians to do other than love and not be selfish and proud. In verse 13  - that loves is the greatest. And in 14.1 again – Love is the highest goal.

Marital/divorce and Sexual matters 5.1, ch.6. Paul advises to get rid of the man that boast about living with his stepmother, so his sinful nature will be destroyed but himself will be saved.  – In verse 6.20 he summaries it in God has bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

Church division: 1.10 Paul lists up several problems and questions they have among them as fights &. 1, who is the leader3.3-12, Lord supper, 11.20-22, status and leaderships issue1.11, 9.3,  - In all Paul summaries in: Love is laying down your rights for the good of others, repeating it over and over again (like in the Philippians 2.1-4) Love is not in words but in action.

Spiritual life: gives this subject of prophesying and speaking in tongues much space – giving practical advices and ends up in do it in love. Ch.14

1.    What does this letter show about the Character and Nature of God?

God makes the ones who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ holy, in His image and to reflect God’s Glory. (1.2, 3.17, 6.1111.7)

God has power (1.18, 1.24, and 4.20

God has united us with Jesus Christ (1.30

God has given us His Spirit to show us His secrets! (2.10, 3.16

God himself will examine us and decide. (4.4, 12.1

God recognizes the ones He loves (8.3)

God has risen Christ from the grave  - so everyone who believes in him will be given new life! (15.22, 15.57)

Sources: Source View Bible ( SVB), Nelson Maps and Charts ( NB), Faith in Action Study Bible (FSB), notes form Scott Contivals teaching