July 18, 2004

1 CORINTHIANS - INTRODUCTION

1 Corinthians 1:1-7

Upon leaving Athens , Paul visited Corinth a city busy in commerce and social life. The focus at Athens was "to speak or hear some new thing," whereas at Corinth , it was "vanity fair." Athens boasted of the Parthenon honoring Athena. Corinth boasted a temple to Aphrodite and its consecrated slaves were devoted to the foulest immorality. Dwellers in Corinth were famous for licentiousness such that they were said to be "Corinthianized." The sins of Athens focused on the mind, idolatry and human wisdom. Corinth was equally idolatrous, but focused on indulging fleshly lusts.

   A Jewish couple, Aquila and Priscilla, had been expelled from Rome and relocated their tent-making business in Corinth . Paul took up residence and employment with them on his first visit. As was his custom, Paul met with in the Jewish synagogue to present the claims of Christ as their Messiah. Before long they had set themselves in opposition and blasphemed, such that Paul separated from them, but not before persuading Crispus, their "chief ruler" and many of the other Corinthians to trust in the Lord. Paul therefore delivered his second pronouncement of turning "to the Gentiles" (Acts 18:6).

   Paul was much encouraged when Timothy and Silas rejoined him at Corinth and even more so when the Lord spoke to him in a night vision, "Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace, for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee, for I have much people in this city" (Acts 18:9-10). The Lord saw to it that the Jews' court case against Paul was thrown out which resulted in the beating of Crispus' replacement, Sosthenese, their new "chief ruler of the synagogue." A large and wealthy church was established and located next door to the synagogue. This new church was predominately Gentile but believing Jews were well represented among them.

   Paul's first letter was sent back to this church in response to a letter from the household of Chloe reporting divisions and immorality, questions about marriage, doctrinal error regarding the resurrection, and their collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem .

Ivan L. Burgener