1. NTS 501 new testament literature
Class VIII: 1-2 Corinthians

2. 1-2 Corinthians 1.1 Introduction to Corinthian Correspondence
How have 1-2 Cor used to justify theological or practical decisions in the life of the church?
Positive & negative examples
1 Corinthians – theology in practice
2 Corinthians – theology of comfort, suffering
Some critical issues in 1 & 2 Cor
Historical reconstruction (e.g. composition of 2 Cor)
Spiritual gifts 1 Cor 12-14; Role of women in 1 Cor 11; 14
Paul’s opponents in 2 Cor 10-13

3. 1-2 Corinthians 1.2 The City of Corinth
To “God’s church in Corinth” (1 Cor 1:1; 2 Cor 1:1)
What kind of place was Corinth?
Administrative center of
Achaia since 27BC
c. 200,000 inhabitants
Strategic location
Economy
City of the “new rich” &
self promotion
Isthmian games (1 Cor 9:24-28)
Inhabited by former slaves

4. 1-2 Corinthians The city of Corinth – sex, booze, and religion
“Not for every man is the voyage to Corinth” (Strabo, Geog )
“Corinthianize”* (Aristophanes); “Corinthian girl” (Plato)
1000 temple prostitutes in temple of Aphrodite (Strabo, Geog )**
The “Corinthian hat” [on a drunk]***
Acrocorinth – temple of Aphrodite, goddess of love, lust, beauty
Near the forum – temple of Apollo & Athena
Northern city wall – sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of healing
Western end of forum – temple for Emperor worship
gods and cults (Dionysius, Ephesian Artemis, Fortuna, Poseidon)
At least one synagogue
*Came to be identified with immorality and drunkenness
**And the temple of Aphrodite was so rich that it owned more than a thousand temple slaves, courtesans, whom both men and women had dedicated to the goddess. And therefore it was also on account of these women that the city was crowded with people and grew rich; for instance, the ship captains freely squandered their money, and hence the proverb, “"Not for every man is the voyage to Corinth.“ (Strabo, Geog )
***Signified drunkenness

5. 1-2 Corinthians
9 That was the time, too, when one could hear crowds of wretched sophists around Poseidon's temple shouting and reviling one another, and their disciples, as they were called, fighting with one another, many writers reading aloud their stupid works, many poets reciting their poems while others applauded them, many jugglers showing their tricks, many fortune-tellers interpreting fortunes, lawyers innumerable perverting judgment, and peddlers not a few peddling whatever they happened to have. (Dio Crysostom, Or. 8.9)* *
See also about Paul’s non-rhetoric as rhetoric:
39 But my purpose in mentioning such matters was neither to elate you nor to range myself beside those who habitually sing such strains, whether orators or poets. For they are clever persons, mighty sophists, wonder-workers; but I am quite ordinary and prosaic in my utterance, though not ordinary in my theme. For though the words that I speak are not great in themselves, they treat of topics of the greatest possible moment. And what I said just now about the city was meant to show you that whatever impropriety you commit is committed, not in secrecy or in the presence of just a few, but in the presence of all mankind. 40 For I behold among you, not p211merely Greeks and Italians and people from neighbouring Syria, Libya, Cilicia, nor yet Ethiopians and Arabs from more distant regions, but even Bactrians and Scythians and Persians and a few Indians, and all these help to make up the audience in your theatre and sit beside you on each occasion; therefore, while you, perchance, are listening to a single harpist, and that too a man with whom you are well acquainted, you are being listened to by countless peoples who do not know you; and while you are watching three or four charioteers, you yourselves are being watched by countless Greeks and barbarians as well. (Or )

6. 1-2 Corinthians 1.3 Author, Date, Provenance 1 Corinthians
Paul – no disputes (1 Cl 47:1-3/1Cor 1:10-17; 1 Cl 49// 1 Cor 13)
AD 53/54, Ephesus during the 3rd missionary journey
2 Corinthians
Paul – no disputes (e.g. Ign. to Eph 15:3 and 2 Cor 6:16)
AD 54/55, Macedonia (Philippi?) during 3rd missionary journey

7. 1-2 Corinthians 1.4 History of Corinthian correspondence
At least three visits to Corinth
Paul’s visits and letters
1st visit: AD Paul plants the church (Acts 18)
Paul writes the “previous letter” 1 Cor 5:9, 11 [Cor A]
Paul writes 1 Cor from Ephesus AD (1 Cor 16:8; Cor B)
2nd visit: “painful visit” (2 Cor 2:1; 12:4; 13:1-2)
Paul writes the “severe letter” (2 Cor 2:4; 7:8; Cor C)
Paul writes 2 Cor from Macedonia AD 54/55 (2 Cor 7:5; 8:1; 9:2; Cor D)
3rd visit to Corinth (Acts 20:2)

8. 1-2 Corinthians The Occasion & purpose of 1 Cor
Paul founded the church (Acts 18; c. AD 50-52)
Paul wrote the “lost letter” [Cor A] (1 Cor 5:9)
“avoid sexually immoral Christians” (5:9)
Response: “Chloe’s people” (1:11); questions for further clarification (7:1, 25; 8:1, 4 ; 12:1; 16:1, 12; cf. 16:15-18)
Paul in Ephesus AD (writes 1 Cor)
Return to unity & instruct on correct doctrine & behavior
Paul addresses each question & concern systematically

9. 1-2 Corinthians Problems within the Corinthian church
Disunity within church (1:11-12)
Sexual immorality (5:1-13; 6:18-20)
Abstinence within marriage (7:1-7)
Meet offered to idols (8-10)
Litigations (6:1-11) & idolatry (10:1-22)
Disorder within church services (11-14)
Lord’s supper
Spiritual gifts
The nature of resurrection (15:1-58)

10. 1-2 Corinthians 2.1 Themes and Message of 1 Cor
Unity & Schism within the church
Factions (1:12-13; 3:5, 21-23)
Foolishness of the cross & true wisdom of Spirit (1:18-2:16)*
Christ the foundation, church as temple of HS (3:1-4:21)
Litigations among believers (6:1-11)
Civil: reputation, bribes, status
Behave “as if” and in light of who you truly are
Lord’s supper – “one hungry…another drunk” (11:17-34)
Roman banquets & issues of socio-economic status
Words of Jesus – koinonia of the new covenant; self-examination; judgment of believers
*Compare how Paul is using rhetoric with Dio Crysostom
39 But my purpose in mentioning such matters was neither to elate you nor to range myself beside those who habitually sing such strains, whether orators or poets. For they are clever persons, mighty sophists, wonder-workers; but I am quite ordinary and prosaic in my utterance, though not ordinary in my theme. For though the words that I speak are not great in themselves, they treat of topics of the greatest possible moment. And what I said just now about the city was meant to show you that whatever impropriety you commit is committed, not in secrecy or in the presence of just a few, but in the presence of all mankind. 40 For I behold among you, not p211merely Greeks and Italians and people from neighbouring Syria, Libya, Cilicia, nor yet Ethiopians and Arabs from more distant regions, but even Bactrians and Scythians and Persians and a few Indians, and all these help to make up the audience in your theatre and sit beside you on each occasion; therefore, while you, perchance, are listening to a single harpist, and that too a man with whom you are well acquainted, you are being listened to by countless peoples who do not know you; and while you are watching three or four charioteers, you yourselves are being watched by countless Greeks and barbarians as well. (Or )

11. 1-2 Corinthians Spiritual gifts – overemphasis on tongues (12-14)
Edification & unity of the body – not for show off
Superiority of love; superiority of gifts that edifice the body
Order in the worship service – each in turn (14:39)
Marriage and sexuality (1 Cor 5:1-13; 6:12-7:39)
Incestuous relationship – boasting (5:1-13)
Church discipline – in order to save him; body of Christ is holy
Visiting prostitutes (6:15-16)
Unity of the body of Christ; body as temple of the HS; resurrection
Marriage and singleness (7:1-39)
Celibacy preferred – “present circumstances” (7:6-8, 25-28, 32-34, 37-40)
Marriage “in the Lord” (7:39; cf. 7:12-16)
Divorce – only infidelity or desertion by unbelieving spouse (7:10-13, 16)

12. 1-2 Corinthians Idolatry and meat sacrificed to idols
Idol worship in the Roman society pervasive
Meet in the Roman market “idol meet”
Food sacrificed to idols – knowledge vs. consideration
“eat what ever is sold” (Ps 24:1) – but consider the weak
“flee idol worship” – “whatever you do…glorify God”
Participation in the idols & Lord’s supper not possible (10:20)
“All things are lawful” – “seek the advantage of others”

13. 1-2 Corinthians The Nature of Resurrection (1 Cor 15:1-58)
“first importance” – the gospel that saves you (15:1-9)
“how can you say…no resurrection” (15:12)
“How are the dead raised…what kind of body?” (15:35)
Platonic vs. Jewish idea of human body
Paul’s arguments
No resurrection – no hope; why would Paul risk his life?
Christ’s resurrection – the first fruits (15:23)
Resurrection body – spiritual body (Gk. sarkikos vs. pneumatikos)
Seed and plant; perishable – imperishable
Dishonor – glory; weakness – power
Victory over death
 Excel in the Lord’s work (15:58) & collection for the saints (16:1-4)

14. 1-2 Corinthians 3.1 Introduction to 2 Cor
What aspects of 2 Cor are relevant to churches of today?

15. 1-2 Corinthians 3.2 Integrity and unity of 2 Corinthians
One letter or composite of four/five letter (fragments)?
Composite letter – based on “abrupt transitions” & inconsistencies
Composite theory – arguments pro and con
Paul’s travel narration breaks off at 2:13 – resumes 7:5 [Titus]
Tone of 1:1-2:13+7:5-16 is conciliatory but 2:14-7:4 argumentative
Different subject matter & situation*
 Two different letters merged into one by editor
Unity of sections evidenced by…
1st section (1:1-2:13) also argumentative (e.g. 1:15-20)
Rough transitions remain w/ composite theory (“I” to “we” in 2:13/7:5)
 2 Cor 1:1-7:16 response to moderately hostile setting
*Reconciliation as accomplished fact vs. call for reconciliation.
See also 6:14-7:1 – out of place and atypical vocabulary for Paul, most likely due to many OT quotes – functions as further extension of the appea.

16. 1-2 Corinthians
Chs. 8-9 as a unit – also abrupt transition b/w chapters 8 and 9
Unity and connection with the previous section
Formula “concerning” to give explanation to the preceding section
Letters could include various topics (cf. 1 Cor)
Thematic connections to earlier parts of the letter (5:20; 6:11-13; 8:7)
2 Cor 1-9 & – change in tone: reconciliation vs. criticism
Paul thanks for obedience (9:10-15) & “ready to punish disobedience” (10:1-6)
1-9 treats conflict delicately but open “war” against opponents
Is the “tearful letter” sent earlier (cf. 2 Cor 2:4; 7:8)?
*1:1-2:13 more conciliatory whereas 2:14-7:4 more argumentative -

17. 1-2 Corinthians Some pointers toward unity between 1-9 & 10-13
1-9 to congregation at large, to opponents
Focus on comparing Paul to opponents in (synkrisis)
Pauses in dictation/writing? New information?
Abrupt shift of tone in Hellenistic letters – Demosthenes’ 2nd Epistle
Additional considerations
What’s the purpose/occasion for the possible composite document?
No manuscript evidence for composite document
Why did editor(s) leave such abrupt transitions after such careful editorial work of several letter fragments?
Alerts readers of differences in tone and transitions in 2 Cor
*1:1-2:13 more conciliatory whereas 2:14-7:4 more argumentative -

18. 1-2 Corinthians 3.3 Occasion and purpose
After writing 1 Cor from Ephesus (1 Cor 16:5-7)
Change in plans – “painful confrontation” (2 Cor 2:5; 7:12; 13:2)
Paul unreliable? (1:15-23)
Avoid second confrontation & pain (1:23; 2:1-3)
Arrival of “super-apostles” (11:5; 12:11) & contest for authority
“tearful letter” (cf. 1 Cor 5:9; 2 Cor 2:3-4, 9; 7:12)
“ultimatum” to the church to discipline (2 Cor 2:9; 7:12; regret 7:8)
Trials in Asia – “deadly peril” (1:8-9)
Paul to Troas (2:12-13); message from Titus about repentance (7:9-11)
Paul’s confidence restored (7:16)
Writing of 2 Cor as a response
Purpose of 2 Cor
Defend his integrity, apostolic authority & counter false teachers

19. 1-2 Corinthians 3.4 Themes and Message of 2 Cor
Integrity and apostolic authority of Paul
Paul’s integrity and apostolic authority questioned
Sincerity and suffering (1:12; 2:17; 4:16; 6:4-10; 11:21-33)
Personal relationship w/ Corinthians (2:1-4; 6:12; 11:11)
Ministry of HS & New Covenant from God (3:1-18; 5:17)
Apostolic authority of Paul (1 Cor 5:3-5; 14:37-38; 11:1)
“super apostles” challenge (11:12-14, 22-23)
Who is a true apostle? Qualifications? (cf. Rom 16:7)
Sings and wonders (12:12)
“seen the Lord” (9:1; cf. 15:3-8)
Founder of the church & authority to discipline (6:13; 12:14; 10:2-6)
Spokesperson for authoritative tradition (15:3; 11:2, 23)

20. 1-2 Corinthians
Offering to the poor 2 Cor 8-9; (cf. Gal 2:10; Acts 11:29-30; 24:17)
Unfulfilled promises (cf. 1 Cor 16:1-3; 2 Cor 8:10-11)
God’s economy – “neither excess or want” (8:12-15)
Theological and practical factors
God’s grace work in Macedonia – “out of extreme poverty” (8:1-4)
Voluntary; privilege; first to the Lord
Theological reasons
Christ’s self-giving sacrifice (8:9)
God’s promised provision & blessing (9:6-12)
Glory of God and confession of the gospel (9:13-14)
Integrity in the Lord and before people (8:20-22)
“sharing with them and all others” (9:13)

21. 1-2 Corinthians Suffering, weakness, comfort, and power
Paul “despaired of life” – God’s comfort (1:3-11)
Paul accused of timidity, unimpressive appearance (10:1, 10)
He is weak – but God shows power in weakness
Triumphal procession (2:14-17)
Treasure in earthen vessels (4:7)
Paul’s apostolic suffering brings salvation to others (6:6-8)
God’s power becomes evident in suffering (4:7; 12:9-10)
Focus on eternal things (4:7-12; 5:1-10)
Boasting about suffering - expose opponents’ foolishness (11:16-12:10)
 Human weakness and suffering is the soil on which God’s grace and power becomes a reality – but only to those who have faith to see God’s eternal purpose in it