A Layman"s Bible Commentary on I Corinthians - Lesson I
The city of Corinth was one of the most famous and prosperous cities of Greece.
It was the capital of the Peloponnesus, connected to the mainland by a neck of land, or isthmus.
It had a port on the western side called Lecheum, and on the east, Cenchrea.
These opened upon the Aegean sea on the west, the Ionian Sea on the east.
From these two ports, great commerce was carried on throughout the Mediterranean Sea, from the straits of Gibraltar to the west, the coasts of Egypt, Palestine, Syria, and Asia Minor on the east.
This as well as throughout the Greek Islands and ports, and with Italy.
This extensive commerce brought great prosperity.
It was destroyed by the Roman army in 146 B.
C.
, but rebuilt by Julius Caesar.
It had magnificent public buildings: temples, palaces, theaters, porticoes, baths, and so forth.
The columns, capitals, and bases were unique in design, and it was named as the Corinthian order of architecture.
It was also famous for its many statues of the Greek gods and goddesses.
The most popular was the temple of Venus.
It was very wealthy, all producing luxury, over-indulgence in many diversions.
There was great activity in the arts, sciences, literature, as well as the Isthmian games every five years, which included contests of leaping, running, throwing the spear, boxing, and wrestling.
There were also competitions for poetry and music.
The winners received a crown of woven leaves.
Paul refers to these contests at different times in his letters.
In its heathen condition, the city was extremely corrupt, profligate, and lascivious.
Public prostitution was a large part of their religious practices.
That practice increased the wealth of the pagan temples.
This is mentioned because Paul mentions several things in his letters to this city that wouldn't be understood without knowing these pagan customs and practices.
He also notes that no other Gentile country was as corrupt.
Even in spite of these conditions, the Gospel of Jesus Christ took root, and a Church was founded and grew there.
Paul founded it in about 51 A.
D.
, soon after his visit to Athens (Acts 18:1).
He ministered there for 18 months.
During that time, he wrote two letters to Thessalonica.
This first letter was written to the Corinthians in about 55 or 56 A.
D.
, while he was in Ephesus during his third missionary journey (Acts 16:8,19).
Outline of the Epistle.
I.
The introduction - 1:1-9.
II.
Dealing with dissensions - 1:10 through chapter 3.
III.
The case of incest - chapters 5-7.
IV.
The question of eating things offered to idols - chapters 8-10.
V.
Regulation within the church - chapters 11-14.
VI.
The resurrection of the dead - chapter 14.
VII.
Miscellaneous exhortations, salutations, commendations, etc.
I Corinthians 1:1-17.
Greeting and Dealing with Dissension.
Verse 1.
Paul identifies himself as having been called to his place of authority as the apostle to the Gentiles of Jesus Christ, by appointment from God (through the will of God).
His was a Divine commission, there was no part from any man.
This authority was his basis to straighten out this church's divisions and contentions.
A companion, Sosthenes, is mentioned (as noted previously in Acts 18:17).
Verse 2.
Addressed to the Church of God at Corinth.
As before mentioned, it was planted by Paul several years previously (Acts 18:1).
The members are set apart, separated from the common corruption of the pagans of that time and place.
They are called to be saints.
To save men from their sins was the mission of Jesus Christ.
Once forgiven, they are a new creation unto good works, to do all unto the glory of God.
They are not unique in this, but with all believers at every place, the high calling by the same Lord and Savior of all.
Verse 3.
This verse is the same as seen in Romans 1:7.
It is a Christian greeting that expresses the greatness of God's gift to all believers of His grace and peace.
Our heavenly Father planned, promised, and brought to pass our redemption through Christ, Who paid the price on the cross and also provides for continual blessing in our daily lives.
Verse 4.
Paul expresses how thankful he continually is to God for what God has given them through His bountiful grace by Jesus Christ.
Verse 5.
He is also thankful for various spiritual gifts they had received.
They had clearly understood and so expressed the great truths of God concerning their salvation through Jesus Christ.
They could speak with knowledge of all doctrine which they comprehended.
Verse 6.
The testimony of Christ is the Gospel which the apostle had preached.
That truth had been confirmed by gifts of the Holy Spirit and miracles done through the apostle before them.
Verse 7.
The gifts of the Spirit were possessed by members of that church.
This coming of Christ, it has been suggested, is the judgment against the unbelieving Jews and the destruction of that nation, Jerusalem and the Temple, and the dispersion of the population.
This would take place under 20 years after the date this letter was written.
Verse 8.
As they had shown their complete understanding and acceptance of the Gospel, they were considered confirmed by the apostle, and so also by God.
Once confirmed, then so continued unto the end - to be accounted blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus.
Some consider this still the destruction of the Jewish nation.
Others consider the reference to the end of the age, the time of the Second Coming.
In our day we would recognize it as the Rapture of the Church.
Verse 9.
The faithfulness of God is far above and beyond what is common among men.
What faithfulness can be found on earth is a reflection of that of God.
His fidelity is certain to keep you in the participation in the blessings of His Spirit and the glories to come hereafter.
Verse 10.
Paul now introduces his second point.
They also have serious responsibilities.
He calls them to stay away from all dissension, arguing and disagreements.
They must hold to the same central truths, having the same heart and mind, working together in the faith and hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
They must submit to Christ's authority.
To disagree on minor points among various groups is always going to happen.
But they must not be allowed to hinder the unity of the Church or the spread of the Gospel.
All Christians agree on the essential doctrines, therefore have patience and bear with others, and don't claim that only your group has all the truths of God.
Verse 11.
Paul had received information about the 'contentions' there.
Some members of the household of Chloe, had come to him for that purpose.
Chloe must have been a devout matron of that city, whose family had converted to the Lord.
Her concern led her to send for Paul's help.
Three names are mentioned later in chapter 16:17, most likely her son's - Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus.
These disagreements led to division, each group then arguing in favor of their group, against all others.
Verse 12.
It would seem from this listing that the entire congregation had divided into groups, claiming a different leader.
One group followed Paul.
Another, Apollos.
A third, Cephas.
Then, followers of Christ.
This congregation was made up of Jews and Greeks.
They variously claimed preference for one teacher, or preacher, over another.
Possibly the Jewish converts would prefer someone other than Paul, who was the apostle to the Gentiles.
It seems natural that some would also choose not to be followers of any human leader, but claim only Christ.
They would stay in the center.
Verse 13.
'Is Christ divided?' Did He do separate things for different groups of people? Did someone else die for you on the cross? Did Paul die for you? Were you baptized in Paul's name? All such things are absurd on their face.
To be called by any name but Christ, or to follow another, is wrong.
Christ alone is your Savior.
He alone calls upon you to be His disciples.
Paul makes it clear that he never did or said anything as if setting up his own religion based on his own authority.
No one was baptized in his name.
He preached only Christ to all people.
Verses 14,15.
Paul recollects that he did baptize two, Crispus and Gaius, that now reside in Corinth.
He is thankful of that, not wishing to be any source of these divisions, as some might suggest.
No one can say he baptized in his own name.
Verse 16.
Also, the household of Stephanas.
They are identified in chapter 16:15 as the first converts in the whole region of Achaia and baptized by Paul.
There were no others in that whole region of Corinth that Paul baptized.
Verse 17.
To put baptism in its proper perspective - the mission of Paul was to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the salvation of souls.
The simple truth of sin and redemption, not philosophical arguments and convincing profound worldly wisdom.
He preached the cross of Christ, the power of God unto salvation.
Baptism was a rite that comes after conversion, as a public witness of that conversion and entrance into the Church as a born again believer in newness of life unto God.
Case closed.
Next, the truth about God's purpose in the preaching of the cross.
It was the capital of the Peloponnesus, connected to the mainland by a neck of land, or isthmus.
It had a port on the western side called Lecheum, and on the east, Cenchrea.
These opened upon the Aegean sea on the west, the Ionian Sea on the east.
From these two ports, great commerce was carried on throughout the Mediterranean Sea, from the straits of Gibraltar to the west, the coasts of Egypt, Palestine, Syria, and Asia Minor on the east.
This as well as throughout the Greek Islands and ports, and with Italy.
This extensive commerce brought great prosperity.
It was destroyed by the Roman army in 146 B.
C.
, but rebuilt by Julius Caesar.
It had magnificent public buildings: temples, palaces, theaters, porticoes, baths, and so forth.
The columns, capitals, and bases were unique in design, and it was named as the Corinthian order of architecture.
It was also famous for its many statues of the Greek gods and goddesses.
The most popular was the temple of Venus.
It was very wealthy, all producing luxury, over-indulgence in many diversions.
There was great activity in the arts, sciences, literature, as well as the Isthmian games every five years, which included contests of leaping, running, throwing the spear, boxing, and wrestling.
There were also competitions for poetry and music.
The winners received a crown of woven leaves.
Paul refers to these contests at different times in his letters.
In its heathen condition, the city was extremely corrupt, profligate, and lascivious.
Public prostitution was a large part of their religious practices.
That practice increased the wealth of the pagan temples.
This is mentioned because Paul mentions several things in his letters to this city that wouldn't be understood without knowing these pagan customs and practices.
He also notes that no other Gentile country was as corrupt.
Even in spite of these conditions, the Gospel of Jesus Christ took root, and a Church was founded and grew there.
Paul founded it in about 51 A.
D.
, soon after his visit to Athens (Acts 18:1).
He ministered there for 18 months.
During that time, he wrote two letters to Thessalonica.
This first letter was written to the Corinthians in about 55 or 56 A.
D.
, while he was in Ephesus during his third missionary journey (Acts 16:8,19).
Outline of the Epistle.
I.
The introduction - 1:1-9.
II.
Dealing with dissensions - 1:10 through chapter 3.
III.
The case of incest - chapters 5-7.
IV.
The question of eating things offered to idols - chapters 8-10.
V.
Regulation within the church - chapters 11-14.
VI.
The resurrection of the dead - chapter 14.
VII.
Miscellaneous exhortations, salutations, commendations, etc.
I Corinthians 1:1-17.
Greeting and Dealing with Dissension.
Verse 1.
Paul identifies himself as having been called to his place of authority as the apostle to the Gentiles of Jesus Christ, by appointment from God (through the will of God).
His was a Divine commission, there was no part from any man.
This authority was his basis to straighten out this church's divisions and contentions.
A companion, Sosthenes, is mentioned (as noted previously in Acts 18:17).
Verse 2.
Addressed to the Church of God at Corinth.
As before mentioned, it was planted by Paul several years previously (Acts 18:1).
The members are set apart, separated from the common corruption of the pagans of that time and place.
They are called to be saints.
To save men from their sins was the mission of Jesus Christ.
Once forgiven, they are a new creation unto good works, to do all unto the glory of God.
They are not unique in this, but with all believers at every place, the high calling by the same Lord and Savior of all.
Verse 3.
This verse is the same as seen in Romans 1:7.
It is a Christian greeting that expresses the greatness of God's gift to all believers of His grace and peace.
Our heavenly Father planned, promised, and brought to pass our redemption through Christ, Who paid the price on the cross and also provides for continual blessing in our daily lives.
Verse 4.
Paul expresses how thankful he continually is to God for what God has given them through His bountiful grace by Jesus Christ.
Verse 5.
He is also thankful for various spiritual gifts they had received.
They had clearly understood and so expressed the great truths of God concerning their salvation through Jesus Christ.
They could speak with knowledge of all doctrine which they comprehended.
Verse 6.
The testimony of Christ is the Gospel which the apostle had preached.
That truth had been confirmed by gifts of the Holy Spirit and miracles done through the apostle before them.
Verse 7.
The gifts of the Spirit were possessed by members of that church.
This coming of Christ, it has been suggested, is the judgment against the unbelieving Jews and the destruction of that nation, Jerusalem and the Temple, and the dispersion of the population.
This would take place under 20 years after the date this letter was written.
Verse 8.
As they had shown their complete understanding and acceptance of the Gospel, they were considered confirmed by the apostle, and so also by God.
Once confirmed, then so continued unto the end - to be accounted blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus.
Some consider this still the destruction of the Jewish nation.
Others consider the reference to the end of the age, the time of the Second Coming.
In our day we would recognize it as the Rapture of the Church.
Verse 9.
The faithfulness of God is far above and beyond what is common among men.
What faithfulness can be found on earth is a reflection of that of God.
His fidelity is certain to keep you in the participation in the blessings of His Spirit and the glories to come hereafter.
Verse 10.
Paul now introduces his second point.
They also have serious responsibilities.
He calls them to stay away from all dissension, arguing and disagreements.
They must hold to the same central truths, having the same heart and mind, working together in the faith and hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
They must submit to Christ's authority.
To disagree on minor points among various groups is always going to happen.
But they must not be allowed to hinder the unity of the Church or the spread of the Gospel.
All Christians agree on the essential doctrines, therefore have patience and bear with others, and don't claim that only your group has all the truths of God.
Verse 11.
Paul had received information about the 'contentions' there.
Some members of the household of Chloe, had come to him for that purpose.
Chloe must have been a devout matron of that city, whose family had converted to the Lord.
Her concern led her to send for Paul's help.
Three names are mentioned later in chapter 16:17, most likely her son's - Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus.
These disagreements led to division, each group then arguing in favor of their group, against all others.
Verse 12.
It would seem from this listing that the entire congregation had divided into groups, claiming a different leader.
One group followed Paul.
Another, Apollos.
A third, Cephas.
Then, followers of Christ.
This congregation was made up of Jews and Greeks.
They variously claimed preference for one teacher, or preacher, over another.
Possibly the Jewish converts would prefer someone other than Paul, who was the apostle to the Gentiles.
It seems natural that some would also choose not to be followers of any human leader, but claim only Christ.
They would stay in the center.
Verse 13.
'Is Christ divided?' Did He do separate things for different groups of people? Did someone else die for you on the cross? Did Paul die for you? Were you baptized in Paul's name? All such things are absurd on their face.
To be called by any name but Christ, or to follow another, is wrong.
Christ alone is your Savior.
He alone calls upon you to be His disciples.
Paul makes it clear that he never did or said anything as if setting up his own religion based on his own authority.
No one was baptized in his name.
He preached only Christ to all people.
Verses 14,15.
Paul recollects that he did baptize two, Crispus and Gaius, that now reside in Corinth.
He is thankful of that, not wishing to be any source of these divisions, as some might suggest.
No one can say he baptized in his own name.
Verse 16.
Also, the household of Stephanas.
They are identified in chapter 16:15 as the first converts in the whole region of Achaia and baptized by Paul.
There were no others in that whole region of Corinth that Paul baptized.
Verse 17.
To put baptism in its proper perspective - the mission of Paul was to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the salvation of souls.
The simple truth of sin and redemption, not philosophical arguments and convincing profound worldly wisdom.
He preached the cross of Christ, the power of God unto salvation.
Baptism was a rite that comes after conversion, as a public witness of that conversion and entrance into the Church as a born again believer in newness of life unto God.
Case closed.
Next, the truth about God's purpose in the preaching of the cross.
