1 Corinthians 16 & Argument Summary

Collection for God's People 16:1-4

Agabus predicted a great famine under Claudius Caesar.
Consequently, prudence suggests the Corinthian church now collect funds each Sabbath for future financial provision of ministry, and to assist those in Jerusalem. Paul's advice to the Corinthians resembles the leadership principle of Joseph in preparing for Egypt's famine—plan ahead by consistently saving a little for future use. Each person's contribution hinged upon their income and asset availability. This certainly assisted in defining the expectation for each person, as they pondered their giving to avoid guilt of giving too much or too little. Because of the prevailing selfishness in the Corinthian church, which most likely resulted in criticizing others, Paul most likely provided this guide to head off interpersonal attacks from within the church.

Personal Requests 16:5-18

Paul explains his plans for another visit to the Corinth, going through Macedonia. He adds that may spend the winter in Corinth, ministering to them the Corinthian church. The voyage will commence after Pentecost, because great ministry needs and opportunities opened in Ephesus accompanied with opposition. Paul's writing this to the Corinthian church functions in telling them his plans, however he also teaches them about his approach to ministry—"take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves", and understand opposition often accompanies opportunity.


Martin Luther once said that wherever one builds a church, the devil builds a chapel next door. Paul requests the Corinthian church to protect Timothy if he visits them. Timothy, like Paul, conducts the Lord's work. He then tells of Paul encouraging Apollos' visit of Corinth, instead of Apollos' desire. In other words, forget your jealousy and envy because none of us arrive seeking self-gain. Other visitors include Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. Paul requests they receive a warm greeting in Corinth because these guys encourage Paul. Selflessness remains an ongoing message to the church in Corinth.

Final Greetings 16:19-24

Paul concludes his letter extending greetings from Priscella and Aquilla. They followed Paul from Corinth to Ephesus where they stayed while he returned to Jerusalem completing his second missionary journey. Paul includes the greetings of "all the brethren." He encourages they exchange a holy kiss, contrasting with the command to "accurse" any who fail to love the Lord. Paul concludes the letter with a final assurance of his authorship, thus removing doubt of an imposter, and his love for them in Christ. This love includes the discipline of those rejecting Christ's love, which equates to them being an enemy of God. Paul's passionate conclusion summarizes his passion for Christ, and their relationship with Christ. This conclusion to the Corinthian church serves to communicate why Paul repudiates their sinfulness displayed in selfishness, sexual immorality, and clinging to secular philosophies such as denying the raising of the dead. His concern, correction and discipline originate from Christ's love through Paul to the Corinthians.

Summary

    Paul sternly, yet lovingly, addresses the division outlined in letters from Chloe's household and Apollos. He immediately provides his authorship authority as an apostle of Christ by the will of God. Paul amplifies the church's sanctification, and the need to perpetually mature in Christ. He provides a descriptive outline discussing the root cause of division and false doctrines. He then answers their questions as evidenced by the Greek phrase, peri de which translates now concerning in English. Paul emphasizes fleeing temptations of immorality, and the necessity to strengthen the weaker brother, as well as to avoid offending them when possible. He instructs the prudence of humility, and seeking God's wisdom.


The significance of the bodily resurrection of Christ and believers also earned reiteration throughout the letter. In chapter thirteen, Paul defines the root of overcoming every challenge in the church. When man's heart serves as a conduit for God's love, man seeks wisdom from the Spirit of God. He possesses previously incomprehensible desire to live, speak and interact with others to draw them to and strengthen their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul concludes expressing his love for the Corinthian church.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com



(Acts 11:28)
² (Genesis 41)
³ (Hall of Fame Coach Bill Congleton)
⁴ (Luther n.d.)
^{5 (Coffman 1984, 282)}

1 Corinthians 14 – Prophecy, Tongues and Church Instruction

1 Corinthians 14

Prophecy and Tongues:

1 Cor. 14:1-19
Pursue originates from the Greek word (dioko) which can be translated as hasten, run or run after; or follow, hunt or chase after with intensity. This passage amplifies running after love while seeking to prophesy to edify the church, ranking prophecy at the top of the gifts. Paul persistently instructs the Corinthian church to leave selfishness and immorality behind to fully give themselves to the work of Christ. The greater emphasis falls on edifying the church, instead of prophesying. As illustrated in chapter twelve, each gift represents a member of the body.


When the church needs edifying, then prophesying represents that member or that tool for completion. Paul wishing all "spoke in tongues" might be compared to him wishing all were celibate like him.⁵⁰ In other words, a suggestion rather than a command. His suggestion includes the accompaniment of interpretation of the various languages spoken during the "speaking in tongues"; otherwise tongues simply become meaningless sounds. The Corinthians must empty themselves over concern of an activity's effect on them and their appearance or reputation, instead chase after those things God instructs to elevate the church, in this specific case—prophecy.

Instruction for the Church: 

1 Cor. 14:20-39
The scripture weighs another aspect of tongues, Paul recalls Isaiah speaking a prophecy against Israel because Israel rejected God and His message from prophets. Isaiah's prophecy included that another message from a foreign tongue would later come to the Israelites representing God rejecting them. Gentiles would temporarily replace Israel in serving God. Consequently, Paul emphasizes that tongues, in this respect, were for unbelievers. Paul then points out that if an unbeliever hears you speaking in tongues, and no one can explain the meaning, they will question your mental stability. Paul likely reflected on how some considered the disciples drunk when initialing speaking in tongues at Pentecost.


It appears the early church worship service lacked predetermined organization—evidently one can have church without a bulletin with a printed order of service. Spontaneity ordered the day!⁵⁴ Paul, speaking to the congregation as "brothers", included men and women in this salutation. Congregants openly shared a hymn or advice, most likely related to an Old Testament passage. Paul recommended only two to three speak in tongues—allowed amongst believers—or prophecy per church service. Their message mandated prudence. A few were assigned to diligently discern whether the message originated from God.


Certainly the clarity of the message proved paramount, as confusion contradicts God. Effective and permitted prophecy proved advantageous for everyone. As many previous times, Paul reminds them that each component of worship keep its crosshairs on Christ and the church, instead of self-glorification. Opinions about the contextual meaning of Paul's message regarding women's involvement in the church vary. Some believe the literal interpretation applies to all women, all the time. Others believe women's exclusion only applied to the Corinthians, yet some fairly view that women have the right to speak-up and teach women and children, yet not teach men. Considering the sexual immorality in the Corinthian church, regardless of whether women utter a word or teach someone, they should certainly avoid any appearance or actions that may risk tempting or seducing anyone other than their husband.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com



(Radmacher, Allen and House 1999, 1482)
² (MacAurthur 1984, 371)
³ (Pringle n.d., 435)
⁴ (Pringle n.d., 434)
⁵ (Lowery 1983, 539-540)
⁶ (1 Cor. 14:20-22)
⁷ (Acts 2:13)
⁸ (Coffman 1984, 390)
⁹ (D. S. Toussaint 2012, Class Notes)

 

1 Corinthians 13 -- Love

Love 13:1-13

Love provides the only foundation for which to place and use God's gifts. Once again Paul hits this heavily because of selfishness, pride and pontification among Corinthian church members in errantly misusing the gift of tongues for self-exhortation. When we consider the greatest two commandments where we are commanded to love God and love our fellow man, we rightly consider love seeks symbiosis in Christ.


Whether the Corinthians speak in tongues, have the gift of prophecy, remove mountains or any other amazing feats, all is worthless absent one's cross hairs set on Christ. Love, through patience, kindness, humility, and endurance points self and others to Christ. God is love (1 Jn. 4:8)! Effectively, Paul states that unless you seek to draw others to Christ, deepening their relationship and your relationship with Christ, you're wasting your time and effort. He explains that infants act like infants, while mature adults depart from infant behavior to act like adults.


This equivocates for the Christian church as they mature in Christ. His analogy of a dim mirror paints the picture of limited understanding. A key to maturing exists in recognizing that the mirror is dim, while seeking the Windex and light of the Spirit's wisdom. Paul concludes by acknowledging the power of faith, hope and love—with love exceeding the former two.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com



(Getz 2011, 1564)
² (Radmacher, Allen and House 1999, 1481)
³ (Mt. 22:37-39)

 

1 Corinthians 12 – Spiritual Gifts and The Body

Spiritual Gifts 12:1-11

The Holy Spirit is the only spiritual influence capable of enabling anyone to say, "Jesus is Lord." The influence of the Holy Spirit prevents one from confessing, "Jesus is accursed." Naturally people can utter confessions and rejections on their own accord absent spiritual submission. Paul commences with his desire for the Corinthians' cognizance of spiritual gifts. He also reinforces that when they were pagans they were led astray by evil spirits. Paul addresses this issue because of the grievance caused from the leading astray as unbelievers.


Evil gifts caused some to deplore Christ. Consequently, Paul corrects significant miss-understandings. Concurrently, many in the church ignored the Holy Spirit's gifts. Ignoring gifts of the Holy Spirit causes the Corinthians to miss amazing, powerful relationship tools from God for interacting with Him and the world. It's comparative to having a pick-up stuck in the mud, yet refusing to acknowledge and engage the four-wheel drive. Paul encourages the Corinthians to recognize, receive and thrive with the gifts of the Spirit. Conversely, other Corinthians misused their spiritual gifts, seeking self-gain. This equates to using the four-wheel drive pick-up in the previous analogy to drive on and damage other peoples' property for self-enjoyment.

The Body 12:12-31

Paul now compares the Holy Spirit's gifts to a body. Just as one person's composition consists of many parts, or many parts comprise one body, so does the one Triune body of God supply many gifts. Prudence understands that the spiritual gifts, like body parts, are interdependent of one another. The analogy continues with each person in the body of Christ intertwining with others. While each part possesses different functions, an optimal body relies on each part. Paul concludes with listing the order of appointments in the church, emphasizing their symbiotic relationship.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com



(Radmacher, Allen and House 1999, 1477)
² (D. S. Toussaint 2012, Class Notes)
³ (Coffman 1984, 191)
⁴ (Getz 2011, 1564)

1 Corinthians 11 – Christian Order and Lord’s Supper

Christian Order 11:1-16

Imitate Paul, who imitates Christ, thus do as I do and imitate Christ. This contrasts the Corinthians imitating their societies' aforementioned secularism, including self-centeredness. Christ serves as the head of man, and man the head of the woman. Paul explains men and women holding distinguished roles and responsibilities in creation's order, with the definition of the Greek word equating to "subordination and origination".⁴⁰ He keeps both humble in spelling out God's created codependency of men and women on one another—the man being her head, and she is his glory and mother. ⁴²
  
He continues with the expectations of women in church meetings.⁴⁰ Regarding women wearing hats, Eldreb Echols of South Africa Bible School views this practice as "linguistically and historically impossible." Rather hair provides the most likely inference of women's head covering. John Calvin argues that women's covered head prevented her beauty from generating lust. The uncovered men's head avoided dishonoring Christ, his spiritual head.

Lord's Supper 11:17-34

Some in the Corinthian church turned the Lord's Supper into mockery and factions, originally this occurred in ignorance. Now Paul addresses with greater sternness. The mockery and divisions resulted from selfishness and immorality, as some ate too much and others drank excessively. Paul admonishes them as participation in the Lord's Supper hinges upon unity derived from Christ's love, this leads to focusing on Christ and the well-being of his people.

The purpose of the Lord's Supper rests in recalling the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, while awaiting his second coming.⁴⁴ The Corinthians abused the Lord's Supper as previously mentioned, consequently Paul tells them that this must halt immediately. Paul specifically instructs the Corinthians to self-examine, individually, before partaking in the Lord's Supper. This includes reflecting on the aforementioned purpose of the Supper, and focus on the unity of their church and its individual members.

Unity mandates waiting for one another. Some Corinthian Christians arrived at church hungry, and quickly ate on their own. Thus, Paul addresses this misbehavior with a command to eat at home if you are hungry. The lack of hunger allows the church members to gather while focusing on the stated purpose for the Lord's Supper.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com
  

(Lowery 1983, 528)
² (Coffman 1984, 164)
³ (Pringle n.d., 356-360)
⁴ (Pringle n.d., 363-371) (MacAurthur 1984, 266-270)
⁵ (Radmacher, Allen and House 1999, 1477)









 

1 Corinthians Argument – Chapt 10

Israel's History 10:1-13

Paul shares Israel's history lesson of their miraculous freedom from Egypt with the Corinthians. He requests their cognizance of Israel following God in the cloud, passing through the sea and receiving baptism into Moses—yet they remained dry in the sea. Moreover, the Israelites consumed the same spiritual food and drink as the Corinthians—Christ. Paul uses this history to show the similarities between the Israelites and the Corinthians. God also directed and protected the Corinthian Christians, providing them with the miraculous release from the bondage of sin, through salvation in Christ.


The Corinthians were baptized into Christ. One may conclude Paul's reasoning properly included the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper. The Corinthians needed to better understand that no automatic blessings resulted from these sacraments. Some in the Corinthian church may have errantly believed in mysterious protection, as taught by some false religions to offset wrong doings. Paul reinforced the latter in telling of the twenty-three thousand Israelites who fell in one day after engaging in immorality.


Many Israelites, like many Corinthians, engaged in idolatry and sexual immorality. Israelites and Corinthian Christians rebuked their leaders. Paul informs them that these happened as examples because Corinthians' human wisdom and arrogance blinds them of realizing that past consequences do indicate future consequences. However, spiritual freedom accompanied with spiritual responsibility leads to the blessing of a relationship with God, in Christ Jesus.

Idol Feasts and the Lord's Supper 10:14-22

Paul speaks again about eating food sacrificed to idols, covering the points of meat to idols in the section on chapter eight. In writing about the Lord's Supper, Paul emphasizes church unity and participation. He continues the Lord's message of blood and body of Christ. Paul who expounds upon many messages, leaves this one at face value. Paul teaches the Corinthian church, through example, to also accept the body and blood at face value despite lacking complete understanding.


Modern times provides amazing examples of technological and scientific truths existing and proven despite incomprehensible by the average person. In chapter two, Paul denounces human wisdom, while praising spiritual wisdom. God's truth exists independent of man's ability to comprehend and explain. Christians partake of the Lord's Supper firmly focusing their faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the resulting forgiveness of sins. Paul combines the message of idol sacrifice and the Lord's Supper to show the principle resides in whom one worships in these meals, while antagonism exists in all relationship(s) between God and all god(s). This antagonism continued between those following evil and those following Christ.

Freedom of Believers 10:23-33

Paul invites the Corinthians to precede action with thought. The Corinthians' neighbors and fellow church members freely exercise immorality, while others slowly grow in their faith, wisdom, spiritual knowledge and understanding. Paul instructs the church to conduct a cost to benefits analogy of their actions' consequences on themselves and those with whom they associate. Prudence demands that this analogy factor the influence on others especially when your action carries no harm to yourself, such as eating meat from the marketplace.


Eating this meat may damage the faith of a carnal or infant Christian. For example, one of my high school cross country teammates thought it was okay for one to consume a small amount of alcohol, such as one beer, while he adamantly opposed drunkenness—alcohol consumption was legal for eighteen year olds at that time in Kansas. However, Dan did not and has never consumed an ounce of alcohol. He avoids any consumption because people view Dan as a Christian zealot. He was concerned that unbelievers, as well as carnal and infant Christians, would view his consuming a small amount of alcohol as justification for their excessively consuming alcohol.


Additionally, Dan, while in high school, considered that God may lead him into politics, therefore he avoided—to the best of his ability—any action or activity that might appear unfavorable later in life. Dan's name has yet to appear on a political ballot, however he has worked as a Chief of Staff for a Congressman, served numerous leading roles in the Whitehouse for President George W. Bush and now serves as an advisor to the United States Senate Minority Leader. Dan's considering the influential consequences of his actions, pays off. Effectively, Dan's method of considering one's actions correlates with Paul's message to the Corinthians. "Think about the consequences on others before acting!"


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!


Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com



(Lowery 1983, 525-526)
² (Exodus 32:1-6, 1 Cor. 8:10, 10:14)
³ (Num. 16:41-49, 1 Cor. 1:11; 4:18-19)

⁴ (Lowery 1983, 527)

⁵(D. S. Toussaint n.d.)

 

1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Argument on 1 Corinthians

Introduction

Corinth—a city of Achaia—located between the Aegean and the Adriatic Seas with proficient commercial imports and exports, enjoyed significant economic benefits. Corinth served as the hub for all north and south tertiary travel, including the pathway to Athens. Early history indicates Corinth's industry comprised of ship manufacturing, "pottery, bronze metal work, and decorative handicraft." Romans destroyed Corinth in 146 B.C., plundering the city's amazing art. In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar sent discharged military veterans to Corinth in an effort to rebuild the city. Eventually the city's population and attractiveness exceeded the original. Unfortunately, idolatry, "luxury, pride, vanity, effeminacy, greed" and immorality also thrived. A plethora of shrines and temples included Apollo and Poseidon, the goddess of love—Temple of Aphrodite—which provided a home for approximately one-thousand religious prostitutes. This temple stood on a 2,000-foot elevated granite mound, otherwise known as Acrocorinth which served as the acropolis—literally high city—for defense. ¹ Sufficiency of space enabled this as the refuge for Corinth's citizens, and the surrounding rural population in the event of an enemy attack. Secular principles infiltrated the Corinthian church, directing the members' thoughts, decisions and resulting actions. Paul lived and preached for eighteen months in Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:11). The Lord used a night vision during this visit in AD 51 to instruct Paul to preach with assurance of safety (Acts 18:10). During Paul's initial visit to Corinth he met fellow tent makers and believers, Aquila and Priscilla. A Pauline authorship date of 54 or 55 AD from Ephesus, during his third missionary journey, proves congruent with most scholars.

Purpose

Paul writes with applied directives of corrective Biblical principles for the local Corinthian church. The aforementioned secularism infiltrated the church. Chloe's household (1 Cor. 1:11-12) and Apollos who returned to Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:12), each sent Paul letters expressing concern of this secularism causing division in the church. Other letters may have existed. Human generated wisdom began replacing wisdom from the Spirit of God, with causative effects of intra-church lawsuits, division, immorality, idolatry, denial of the Resurrection and secularizing communion. Additionally, three men from Corinth came to Paul, apparently presenting him with a letter of inquisitions (1 Cor. 7:1; 16:7). Paul clearly articulates the significance of sanctification and unity.

Argument

Salutation 1:1-3

Riveting messages quickly captivate the receptors. Paul's opening of 1 Corinthians equates with nitroglycerine for the explosive minded, or the richest cheesecake for the dessert connoisseur. Paul immediately establishes the multi-pronged theme of this letter. Because human wisdom received great praise in the Corinthian church, thus causing some to doubt Paul's authority, Paul immediately specifies his authorship and authority as an apostle—specifically and directly called by Jesus Christ—and by God's will. False prophets viewed the simplicity of the Gospel and Paul's message with contempt. This resulted in church dissension and division. Stating his apostleship illustrates his authority to the Corinthian church, while the latter informs them that God has sent him apart. Combined, these offer every reason for the readers' attentiveness.


Scholarly opinions vary from certainty to unsure on whether "Sosthenes our brother" is the same Sosthenes mentioned in Acts 17. The second sentence distinctly identifies the letter's intended recipients and audience. This statement equivocates with one's parents calling them by their first, middle, and last name, precisely identifying the audience to avoid any confusion of whom needs to listen, and respond to the letter's message. Moreover, the Holy Spirit speaking through Paul's pen informs the Corinthian church that despite their immorality and lack of faith, God also sets apart them and everyone who possesses life altering belief in the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. Consequently they should accept and respond to Christ's grace by living
holy, including unification with all believers. This message correlates with Jesus instructing the adulteress woman, "I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on, sin no more" (Jn. 8:11 NASB).


¹ (MacAurthur 1984, vii, viii)
² (Coffman 1984, 03)
³ (Pringle n.d., 38)
⁴ (Boa, et al. 1997, 1252)
⁵ (D. S. Toussaint 2012, Class Notes)
⁶ (Radmacher, Allen and House 1999, 1459)
⁷ (Pringle n.d., 38)
⁸ (Pringle n.d., 48)




See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc. www.rickemeyer.com

Bibliography

(Serves as Bibliography for the complete 1 Corinthians argument series)

 

Boa, Kenneth, Sid Buzzell, Gene A. Getz, and Bill Perkins. Promise Keepers Men's Bible Study (NIV). Grand Rapids, Michigan: The Zondervan Corporation, 1997.

Coffman, James Burton. First and Second Corinthians. Vol. II. Abilene, Texas: A-C-U Press, 1984.

Dowling, Robin and Dray, Stephen. 1 Corinthians: Free to Grow. Grand Rapids , Michigan: Baker Books, 1995.

Getz, Gene A. Life Essentials Study Bible. Vol. 1. Nashville, Tennessee: Holman Bible Publishers, 2011.

Hillel, Daniel. Introduction to Soil Physics. San Diego: Academic Press, Inc., 1982.

Lowery, David K. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament. Edited by John F., Zuck, Roy B. Walvoord. Colorado Springs, Colorado: David C. Cook, 1983.

Luther, Martin. Day by Day We Magnify Thee. Augsburg, n.d.

MacAurthur, John F. First Corinthians. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Bible Institute, 1984.

Mathias, Art Ph.D. In His Own Image: We are Wonderfully Made. Anchorage, Alaska: Wellspring Publishing, 2003.

Pert, Candice Ph.D. Molecules of Emotion. 1999.

Pringle, John Rev. Commentary on the Epistles of Paul the Apostle to The Corinthians by John Calvin. 500. Vol. First. Baker Books, n.d.

Radmacher, Earl, Ronald B. Allen, and Wayne H. House. Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary. 4th. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1999.

Spirit, Holy. NASB Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1962-1995.

Storer, Sandra J. "PAUL'S DEPICTION OF CELIBACY IN 1 CORINTHIANS 7:25-35:." Thesis: Moody Bible Institute. 2004.

Toussaint, Dr. Stanley. "Acts and the Pauline Epistles, Class Notes." 2012.

Toussaint, Dr. Stanley D. TAI Series: People Come in Four Sizes. Millet the Printer, Inc. Dallas, Texas, n.d.