1 Corinthians Intro
1 Corinthians 1:1-3
October 7, 2001
Intro: The key to examining any document is to know the cultural
times and the context in which it was written. (To know the
mindset of the author and of the recipient.
A- The more I know what was going on in the lives of both parties the better opportunity I will have of understanding and applying to my life and circumstances.
1- When Paul came to Corinth he had just been in Athens. Acts 17
a- Societies, Plato, Aristotle, Alexander the great, 400 years and foolishness.
- Paul taught and wanted them to understand simple truths of our Christian walks.
B- In Epistles such as Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, and Colossians, Paul presented and expanded on Christian doctrine.
1- The 2 letters to the church at Corinth are very practical and deal with serious conditions that had arisen in the church.
a- The influence of the world, the temptation of the flesh, sin never changes.
C- Paul founded the church at Corinth on his 2nd missionary journey in 51AD.
1- This letter is written while he was at Ephesus on his 3rd missionary journey in 56AD.
a- They have had time to jell and get their spiritual legs.
- It has been reported to Paul that certain corrections are now necessary (discipleship).
D- The city of Corinth was the capital of Southern Greece a region known as Achaia.
1- It contained a population of about 700k: 2/3 of whom were slaves.
2- The city was well known for it’s worship of the Pagan goddess Aphrodite (the goddess of love).
a- You’ll notice that as today even back then sex is mistaken for love.
- There were over 1000 temple prostitutes who served there for the purpose of worshipping Aphrodite.
- It was a common destination for those seeking a vacation from morality.
3- The reputation of the city was such that a person of loose moral standards would be labeled Korinthia-zomai (acting like a Corinthian).
a- San Francisco, Certain countries of the Far East.
- Sodomite.
l- So, because of certain errors and problems in the church at Corinth we will see Paul’s, (Holy Spirit), views on situations that arise in the church even today.
A- In this letter we will see addressed:
1- The Christian’s Calling (1), The Christian Message (2), The Local Church (3), The Christian Ministry (4), Church Discipline (5–6), Christian Marriage (7), Christian Liberty (8; 10), Personal Priorities (9), Church Order (11), The Church Body (12–13), Using Spiritual Gifts (14), The Resurrection (15), Christian Stewardship (16)
Turn to Acts 18:1-17
A- The letter of 1 Corinthians picks up 5 years later.
1 Corinthians 1:1-3, Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,2 To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1- This is Paul’s typical 3 fold salutation that he uses in all his epistles
a- Identifying himself (setting the authority of the author.
b- Identifying those with him (his accountability)
2 Timothy 2:1-2, You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
c- And he identifies to whom the letter is addressed to.
- No mistakes.
l- The identity of the writer. (Read verse 1)
A- “An Apostle”
1- the title Apostle is 2 fold
a- The office of, and the adjective
2- Those whom the bible describes as apostles are:
a- The 12 (Gospels)
b- Matthias (Acts 1:26)
c- Barnabas (Acts 14:14)
d- Andronicus & Junia (Romans 16:7)
e- Silas & Timothy (1 Thes 2:6)
Hebrews 3:1, Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus,
f- AND YOU
Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
- Apostle = a messenger or one sent with a message.
3- As an adjective the description Apostle fits all Christians.
4- As far as the office of Apostle it closed with Paul (Matthias).
Turn to Ephesians 4:11-12
Turn to Acts 1:21-26
a- Lots = O.T. example of determining the will of God. (H.S. not yet sent)
B- In some of your bibles the words “to be” are italicized (added by the translators).
1- Deceptive: When you are called by God you are.
a- See verses 2 “saints”.
2- Paul received his calling in Acts 9; described in Galatians.
Turn to Galatians 1:1, 11-24
C- Paul constantly presents his apostleship for 5 reasons.
1- He was not part of the original 12
2- His apostleship was constantly being challenged.
3- So that his dedication to Christ would be reinforced
4- As reconfirmation of his relationship with the church @ Corinth
5- So that they would know that his calling was not form him but God.
Turn to 1 Samuel 16:1-13
a- The apostles were devoted men of God dedicated to prayer and to ministering the word, equipping bel8ievers for service in order to build up the church. The evidence of their apostleship seems to be the performing of miracles
2 Corinthians 12:12, Truly the signs of an apostle were accomplished among you with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds.
ll- We see the Apostles companion in Ephesus here Sosthenes.
A- It’s believed that he penned this letter for Paul.
1- It’s believed that he was the man beaten in Acts 18 and has now come to be a believer.
a- Not a recommended form of evangelism.
Lll- Then who the letter is addressed to
1 Corinthians 1:2, To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
A- “The church of God which is at Corinth”
1- Church = a gathering of those who are called our
2- Church of God = Spiritual address
3- At Corinth = Physical address
1 Corinthians 6:20, For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
B- Saints (Who are the saints)
John 17:19, “And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.
Hebrews 10:14, For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
Hebrews 2:10-11, For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
1- How do we know who the saints are?
1 Corinthians 1:2b, …who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
1 Corinthians 1:3, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
A- The peace we have with God
Romans 5:1, Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
1- The peace we have from God
Philippians 4:6-7, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.