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| FIRST CORINTHIANS ~ THE EPISTLE OF GIFTS This Epistle derives its name for those at Corinth, to whom Paul was writing:1:2. The church here was founded by Paul on his first visit to the city, which lasted about 18 months. It was a large church made up chiefly of Gentile believers, with some Jewish Christians. Both were principally of the poorer class, with some exceptions, as Crispus (1:14; Acts:18:8) Under the Romans, Corinth was a wealthy seaport city, given to much luxury and immorality and heathenism. It was also noted for such industry as pottery and brass, and was, as most Roman cities were, sports-minded. To "live like a Corinthian" was to live recklessly in sin and debauchery. While at Ephesus (A. D. 54-57), disturbing reports reached Paul concerning moral laxity among members of the Corinthian Church. Paul wrote them a sharp letter, demanding withdrawal from immoral "brothers." The fact, subject, and spirit of such a letter is alluded to in chapter 5, verse 9 and the passage in his second letter to them (6:14~~7:1) may be a fragment of it, because the subject of this passage would fit the description, while it does not fit the present context. Paul's letter to them did not improve conditions in Corinth. Later, three deputies from Corinth arrived in Ephesus (16:17) delivering a letter from the Corinthian church (7:1), asking Paul questions on marriage, meat offered to idols, the use of spiritual gifts, the collection for Jerusalem, etc. In addition, visitors from the house of Chloe (1:11) brought news to Paul about party divisions, carnality and immorality, litigation, marriage and separation, banqueting at the Lord's Supper, and the denial of the resurrection (chs. 1,2,5...7,11,15). The Apostle first rebukes them for their disputes and divisions; suggests that their regard to the wisdom of men and the philosophy of the Gentiles had brought the simplicity of the gospel into contempt with them; blames them for their conduct in the case of the incestuous marriage; reproves them for going to law with one another before heathen magistrates; strongly advises against fornication; answers several questions and resolves several cases concerning marriage; speaks on things offered to idols and of the maintenance of ministers; women's position in the church; takes notice of unbecoming conduct at the Lord's table' discourses concerning the nature and use of spiritual gifts and commends love above them all; observes and corrects irregularities in the use of their gifts; proves the doctrine of the resurrection which some denied; exhorts to a collection for the poor saints, and to several other things; and then concludes the epistle with the salutations of others and of himself. II CORINTHIANS ~ THE BOOK OF A MINISTER'S HEART At the conclusion of the first Epistle to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul announced his intention of visiting the believers in Corinth as he was passing through Macedonia, which was a definite change in his previous plan of sailing directly from Ephesus to Corinth, and , consequently, meant a more or less extended postponement of this visitation. This caused great dissatisfaction in the Corinthian church. Some said Paul was inconsistent, others that he was afraid to show his face. In fact, the entire church immersed in a heated debate over the motive and methods of apostolic authority of the great apostle, which, of course, deeply grieved him. Not more than a year separated the writings of his two epistles to the Corinthians. We might say, without exaggeration, that not only is II Corinthians the most personal of all Paul's Epistles, but it is, indeed, sort of an apology for his apostolic life and ministry. Unjust charges, lies, and insinuations had been made against him. For this reason, we find the whole inner life of the apostle revealed before us. Human weakness, rebuke, impassioned self-vindication, humility, self-respect, zeal for the welfare of the weak and suffering, as well as for the progress of the church of Christ, and for the spiritual advancement of its members, are all displayed by turns in the course of his appeal, and are bound together by the golden cord of an absolute self-renunciation dictated by love to God and Man. His service unto God resulted from union with the Head of the Church and the members of the body of Christ. His purpose was to show that the Christian is God's ambassdor with a spiritual and glorious ministry, finding in Christ consolation in all His suffering and sufficiency for every trial. PEACE AND HARMONY There once was a man named Paul, Who did his best to serve all. God had put on his life a mission, And He must meet every condition. From tending the business of the church To trying to right the wrongs purged. The Christians of his day were not unlike, Some of this day, who tend to fight. Fight not for the cause of Christiandom, But just to be able to say "I won". Sinning and denying the truth of God's word, Wanting their opinions to be heard. What happened to harmony and peace? Where did it go, why did it flee? Paul interceded for the Christians there, And tried to teach them to care. The Church of Christ must remain, Respectful and true to it's name. The sin and debauchery had to go, Away from the church, it must flow. Paul had a minister's heart Unto these Christians he did impart, The good news of the gospel he spread, As God had commanded until his death. Written and Compiled by Shirley Barr October 3, 2005 References used: KJV Bible World's Bible Handbook |
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