New Testament BCM 103 Dr. Dave Mathewson Gordon College/Denver Seminary

1 Corinthians 11 What does it mean to take the Lord’s Supper in “an unworthy manner?” What does it mean to take the Lord’s Supper in “an unworthy manner?” Problem is not unconfessed sin but using Lord’s supper to divide the church, focus on social-economic status instead from the specific situation at Corinth Problem is not unconfessed sin but using Lord’s supper to divide the church, focus on social-economic status instead from the specific situation at Corinth

1 Corinthians What was the Corinthians’ problem with spiritual gifts?—Promoting social-economic status problem reappears here What was the Corinthians’ problem with spiritual gifts?—Promoting social-economic status problem reappears here Paul’s response: no one gift shows the Spirit more than any other. Paul’s response: no one gift shows the Spirit more than any other. What are the greater gifts (Chap. 14)? prophecy is immediately beneficial to all What are the greater gifts (Chap. 14)? prophecy is immediately beneficial to all

1 Corinthians Tongues discussion in context of Corinth Tongues discussion in context of Corinth Chap. 13 on love in context of social status situation at Corinth Chap. 13 on love in context of social status situation at Corinth Why does Paul single out love as greatest gift? Faith, hope and love. Why does Paul single out love as greatest gift? Faith, hope and love. Love as reflection of God’s character more than faith or hope Love as reflection of God’s character more than faith or hope Why in chapter 13 between 12 and 14? Why in chapter 13 between 12 and 14? Context of spiritual gifts and social status issue Context of spiritual gifts and social status issue

1 Corinthians 15 1 Corinthians 15—resurrection 1 Corinthians 15—resurrection Contra Platonic dualistic thinking of spiritual resurrection Contra Platonic dualistic thinking of spiritual resurrection Connected to chapter 14 –no “now concerning” division Connected to chapter 14 –no “now concerning” division Certain gifts  spiritual elite status so no need of physical resurrection because they had arrived Certain gifts  spiritual elite status so no need of physical resurrection because they had arrived If deny physical resurrection then Christ didn’t If deny physical resurrection then Christ didn’t Death last enemy must be defeated requiring a physical resurrection Death last enemy must be defeated requiring a physical resurrection Not heavenly escape but earthly hope from Gen. 1 Not heavenly escape but earthly hope from Gen. 1

Why Another Letter to the Corinthians? Apparently some have responded positively to 1 Corinthians. Apparently some have responded positively to 1 Corinthians. But Paul receives news that his authority as an apostle is being challenged by some. But Paul receives news that his authority as an apostle is being challenged by some. He then writes a “painful letter” (2 Cor 2:4) He then writes a “painful letter” (2 Cor 2:4) Paul receives word that many have responded and repented of their treatment of Paul Paul receives word that many have responded and repented of their treatment of Paul But many are still opposing him But many are still opposing him