1st corinthians

A Research study by Prason Christopher Robin

Remove that denomination glasses and read the Bible so

that you do not have a denominational bias in

your understanding

Agenda

• Corinth• Background of the Epistle• Two Divisions• Group Discussion• Final Take aways

1. Corinth

• The city was founded by Corinthos (Descendent of Helios [Sun God] ) 2000 BC

•  The city was renowned for the temple prostitutes of Aphrodite - the goddess of love. So most people visited Corinth for sexual pleasures.

• Temple of Apollo• People were not much educated, not much wise,

relied heavily on business and were idol worshippers before they accepted Christ.

• They consisted of Jews, Greeks and Romans

Tri-remes – 500 BC

Corinth was famous for warships

Apollo Temple- Ancient Corinth

Apollo is associated with healing, Miracles and Prophecy

Different Time Periods

• Babylonian Period ( Fall of Jerusalem) Till mid 500 BC

• Persian Babylonian period ( Xerxes ) Mid 500 BC to Early 300 BC

• Hellenistic Period – 330 BC to 50 BC• Roman Period – During the birth of Jesus

Biblical mention of Corinth

• Under the Romans, Corinth was rebuilt as a major city in Southern Greece or Achaia. It had a large mixed population of Romans, Greeks, and Jews.

• Paul wrote two of his epistles to the Christian community at Corinth

• Three Epistles

Agenda

• Corinth• Background of the Epistle• Two Divisions• Group Discussion• Final Take aways

2. Background of the Epistle

• When the apostle Paul first visited the city (AD 51 or 52), Paul resided here for eighteen months (see Acts 18:1–18).

• Paul became acquainted with Priscilla and Aquila with whom he worked and travelled.

• Paul Goes to Ephesus (Acts 19,20,21) (1 Cor 16:8)• He writes first letter( lost epistle) (1 Cor 5:9)• House of chloe reported to Paul ( 1 C0R 1:11, 5:1)• Stephanus, Fortunatus and Achaicus was sent by

Corinthian assembly to Paul to get clarification on some issues.

Agenda

• Corinth• Background of the Epistle• Two Divisions• Group Discussion• Final Take aways

3. Two Divisions

• Chapters 1- 6 : Paul’s advice to the Corinthians based on Chloe’s report

• Chapters 7-16 : Paul’s answers to the questions posed by the Corinthians (16 :17)

• Language – Koine Greek (Common Spoken language)

Major ThemeEstablishing the Church in the True Gospel

Chapters 1-6

• Paul’s style of opening his letter– Grace, Speech and Knowledge, Spiritual

gifts, Eagerly awaiting the coming of the Lord (1:4-7)

• Paul knew that there were quarrels among people ( Paul, Apollos, Cephas) (1:12 , 3 :4)

• Proud people will not understand truth (1:24,25)

• Encouragement to those who think that they don’t have eloquence of speech ( 2:1 , led by Spirit -2 :12,13)

• Don’t boast about men (3 :21)

Chapters 1-6

• Corinthians even doubted Paul (4:3,4)– Paul’s testimony (4:9-16)

• Content of Lost epistle (5th chapter)– Immorality – Incest ; still they were proud (5:2)– Deliver to satan (5:5)– Judge whom (5:12,13)

• Are you not ashamed to draw each other to draw each other to court cases? (6th chapter)– Judge angels (6:3)

Chapters 1-6

• Body is not for sexual immorality (6:13)– Sins against his body (6:18)– Honour God with your body (6:20)

Chapters 7-16

• Marriage and Divorce• Food offered to idols• Questions on Paul’s apostleship• Spiritual gifts• Tongues and Prophecy• Resurrection of the dead

Chapters 7-16

• Because of immorality, marry (7:2)• Unmarried and Widows can marry (7:8)• Married Wife should not separate from

husband. If she does, she should not remarry• Husband should not divorce ( even a non

believer wife); but if they leave, let them leave. (7:15)

• Food offered to idols– There is no idol (8:4)– Stumbling block (8:9)

Chapters 7-16

• Paul was single and he worked. So people doubted whether he was an apostle (9:5,6)

• Living from gospel (9 :14) – But Paul was not

• Paul reminds the Corinthians about Israel History– Against idol worship– Sexual immorality– Do not eat food offered to idols– What ever you do, do it for the glory of God.

Chapters 7-16

• Covering of heads (11:7 ,8)• Long hair ( 11:15)• Lord’s supper- Disorder( 11:19,20,21)• Be very careful when you take communion (11:29)• Gifts of the spirit

1.Message of wisdom 2. Message of Knowledge 3. Faith 4. Healing5. Miraculous powers 6.Prophecy 7. Discernment 8 Different kinds of tongues9. Interpretation of Tongues

• Body Example (12:12)• Five types of ministry

– Apostles ,Prophets , Teachers , Miracle workers, healers, administrators, Tongues, interpreters

Chapters 7-16

• Love 13• 13:8 – Some denominations base their

theology on this verse• Tongues and Prophecy (14)• Reminding the Gospel (15)– Christ died for our sins (15:3)– Resurrection of the dead (15 :12)– What body (15:35)– Let nothing move you away from God (15:58)

Chapters 7-16

• Corinthians knew what Paul preached to Galatians (16:1) – Help God’s people

• Treat Timothy well (16:10)• Apollos refused to go to meet the

Corinthians (16:12)• Acquilla and Priscilla was with Paul in

Ephesus• Church (Body of Christ and not building) –

(16:19)

Discussion

Six Positives from Corinth Church

• They were brand-new believers. • They participated. • They made mistakes, but out of

enthusiasm.  • They practiced their new faith while still

growing in it. . • Their new faith was relevant to their

world. • They were a real church.