NT Survey II 1 Corinthians

Paul’s Third Journey (Acts 18:23 – 21:17) 1 Corinthians written from Ephesus.

Paul’s Series of Contacts with the Corinthian Church Establishes the church on his second journey (Acts 18:1-11). Writes the “previous letter” (now lost) warning the Corinthians not to associate with immoral persons (1 Cor 5:9). Heard reports of misunderstanding of previous letter and of divisions in the church (1 Cor 1:11); also possibly received a delegation from Corinth with questions on several issues (1 Cor 16:17). First Corinthians is written in response. Sends Timothy to minister in Corinth after he has gone through Macedonia (1 Cor 16:10,11; Acts 19:22). Heard reports of adverse developments in Corinth, prompting his “painful visit” from which he had to withdraw in haste; may have written “severe letter” (now lost). Sent Titus to Corinth to see how the Corinthians were progressing. Titus later re-joined Paul in Macedonia and gave him a good report. Paul wrote Second Corinthians to express his relief over the success of his earlier letter and Titus’ mission. Later spends 3 months in Corinth, from which he writes Galatians and Romans (Acts 20:2,3).

About the City of Corinth The city of Corinth was located on the isthmus of land that connected the peninsula of Achaia to the mainland, giving it both an Eastern and a Western seaport. From the earliest times it was a very wealthy city. It was destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC but was repopulated and rebuilt 100 years later by Julius Caesar c. 46 BC. Under Roman supervision, Corinth quickly regained its former beauty and wealth, and more than its former size. An estimate of its population at this time is 660,000 people there, a large city for those days. Along with this growth there was a growth in licentious living. In Paul's day, to live like the Corinthians did was to live in luxury and licentiousness (sexual sin). The city was also known for its “Isthmian Games” and as a center for Greek philosophy.

Introductory Matters for 1 Corinthians Author: The Apostle Paul. He wrote this letter on his second missionary journey, during his 3 year stay at Ephesus. Date: Paul wrote this letter near the end of his 3 year stay at Ephesus, c. 55 AD. Audience: The church at Corinth, which Paul had established during an 18 month stay on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-11). Character of the book: Soteriological, with a special emphasis on sanctification.

Major Themes in 1 Corinthians God, Jesus Christ, and the Spirit Factions Versus Christian Unity God's Wisdom Versus Human Wisdom Admonitions Against Immorality and Idolatry The Gospel The Church/ The Body Seeking Profit of Others/Restraint of Christian Liberty Proper Exercise of Spiritual Gifts Love Resurrection and the New Body

Purpose Statement for 1 Corinthians Paul writes to correct various problems in the church at Corinth and encourage unity, and to provide instruction on various matters about which the Corinthians had written him earlier.

Survey of 1 Corinthians Salutation and Thanksgiving for the Corinthians (1:1-9) Answer to Chloe’s Report of Divisions (1:10 – 4:21) Report of Divisions (1:10-17) Reasons for Divisions (1:18 – 4:21) Misunderstanding of the Gospel Message (1:18 – 3:4) Misunderstanding of the Gospel Messenger (3:5 – 4:5) Misunderstanding of Paul’s Ministry (4:6-21) Answer to Reports of Fornication and Lawsuits (5:1 – 6:20) Case of Incest (5:1-13) Litigation between Believers (6:1-11) Warning against Sexual Immorality (6:12-20) Answer to the Letter of Questions (7:1 – 16:24) Concerning Marriage (7:1-40) Concerning Things Offered to Idols and Christian Liberty (8:1 – 11:1) Concerning Public Worship (11:2 – 34) Concerning Spiritual Gifts (12:1 – 14:40) Concerning the Resurrection (15:1-58) Concerning the Collection for Jerusalem (16:1-4) Conclusion (16:5-24)

Next Week: 2 Corinthians Eric Flintoff will be teaching.