I Corinthians The Church, Then and Now Welcome to Session 2: Overview & Salutation

I Corinthians The Church, Then and Now Session 2 – Outline Ancient Corinth: city, people, church and Paul I Corinthians:purposes, outline, thesis Salutation1:1-9

How? Discussion Groups Process: 1Review questions, at least 2 people give their responses to each question. 2Cover all questions in time (30 minutes). 3Note differences in Bible versions that aid understanding. 4Note any points remaining unclear after group review. 5Confidentiality: maintain respect for group.

Ancient Corinth The site of ancient Corinth was founded around 1,000 BC, and flourished as a major Greek city from the 8th century BC until its destruction by the Romans in 146 BC. Its commanding position on the Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow strip of land that separates the Peloponnese from northern Greece, was the primary basis of its importance. Corinth controlled the diolkos (Greek for "haul across"), the 6th-century BC stone-paved roadway that connected the Saronic Gulf with the Gulf of Corinth. This overland route was highly valuable in that it allowed passengers and cargo to avoid the difficult and time-consuming trip around the southern end of the Peloponnese.

Ancient Corinth Being a leading naval power as well as a rich commercial city enabled ancient Corinth to establish colonies in Syracuse Corinth was partially destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC, but in 44 BC it was rebuilt as a Roman city under Julius Caesar. Roman Corinth prospered more than ever before and may have had as many as 800,000 inhabitants by the time of Paul. It was the capital of Roman Greece, equally devoted to business and pleasure, and was mostly populated by freedmen from many nations, including Jews. on the island of Sicily and on Corcyra (modern Corfu). As a port city, Corinth became famous for its vice. In fact, one ancient writer coined the term 'to Corinthianize', meaning to engage in immorality. It was also a center for all kinds of idol worship.

Ancient Corinth The Apostle Paul visited Corinth in the 50s AD and later wrote two letters to the Christian community at Corinth (the books of 1 and 2 Corinthians in the New Testament). When Paul first visited the city Gallio (Junius Annaeus Gallio), d. AD 65?, Roman proconsul in Achaea; brother of the philosopher Seneca. His name was originally Lucius Annaeus Novatus. The "Gallio Inscription," discovered at Delphi, can be dated to c.AD 51. The Acts of the Apostles relates (51 or 52 AD), Gallio, the brother of Seneca, was proconsul of Corinth. that he refused judgment on a question of Jewish religious law when Paul was on trial before him, and later would not interfere between Sosthenes and his Greek assailants. Acts 18:

Ancient Corinth References to a temple of the Hebrews from ruins during the Roman era. ERASTVS. PRO. AED. S. P. STRAVIT, which is an abbreviation of ERASTUS PRO AEDILITATE SUA PECUNIA STRAVIT. The inscription translates as "Erastus, in return for his aedileship, laid this pavement at his own expense." The office of aedilis was the commissioner of public works and, for this reason, a high ranking public official belonging to the Roman ruling class in a city. Paul mentions an Erastus from Corinth in his Letter to the Romans (16:23) and identifies him as "the city treasurer”.

Ancient Corinth - Summary Transportation hub Sports Commerce Wealth Intellect Diversity Many religions & idols Gross immorality without boundaries Huge polyglot of humanity

Paul & Corinth After Acts 18 A letter from Paul to Corinth (5:9) The Previous Letter (A) Visitors from Chloe's household (1:11) Report of Church division A letter from Corinth to Paul (7:1, etc.) Questions about conflicting views Paul sends Timothy to Corinth (4: :10) Visitors to Paul - Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus (16:17) Second report of Church division 1 Corinthians is written ~ AD 53 or 54 (B) Paul visits Corinth briefly (2 C 2:1) - The Painful Visit Corinthians expect Paul to return soon (2 C 1:15-16) A third letter from Paul to Corinth (2 C 2:3) – The Severe Letter (C) Titus sent to Corinth (2 C 7:6-14) Titus brings good news to Paul in Macedonia (2 C 2:13; 7:7) 2 Corinthians is written ~AD (D)

I Corinthians Purpose: To address disturbing news received from church members For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 1:11 KJV I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus:.. …For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: … 16: KJV

I Corinthians Purpose: To answer specific questions Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me… 7:1 KJV Men and women, marriage, celibacy 7:1-40

I Corinthians Purpose: To answer specific questions Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. 12: 1 KJV Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Divers Tongues, Interpretation 12:8-10 Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Miracles, Healings, Helps, Governments, Diversities of Tongues 12: 28

I Corinthians Purpose: To answer specific questions Now concerning The collection for the saints 16:1 KJV

I Corinthians Purpose: To deal with moral issues by admonishing wrong-doers not to company with fornicators, covetous, extortioners, idolaters… a railer, or drunkard… 5: 9-12 KJV … unrighteous…: fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, abusers of themselves with mankind, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners, 6 :9-10 KJV

I Corinthians - Outline 1:1-9Salutation 1:10-4:21 Division - Facts, Causes of, Cure for 5:1-6:20 Disorder - Discipline for an immoral brother - Resolving personal disputes - Sexual purity 7:1-14:40 Difficulties - Marriage - Christian Liberty - Worship 15:1-58 Doctrine of Resurrection 16 Closing

I Corinthians Thesis Statement 1:27-29 KJV But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence.

I Corinthians Summary Many problems Common root cause, pride Items individually addressed Solution is for Godly love to be the fundamental principle that guides all actions in the church body

I Corinthians Salutation 1:1-9 Addressee – church of God in Corinth - God’s holy people Blessing - grace and peace from God Author – Paul (with Sosthenes) Thanksgiving for spiritual gifts given by God: eloquence and every kind of knowledge Exhortation: Christ gives strength to overcome sin, God will fulfill His Word

I Corinthians The Church, Then and Now Q & A Introduction Session Lesson One: Overview & Salutation

I Corinthians The Church, Then and Now Session Two – Basics - Chapter 13 To be ready prepare your written responses for the Worksheet. Reference other Bible versions to help your understanding.