July 25, 2004

1 CORINTHIANS - INTRODUCTION II

1 Corinthians 1:1-14

 

"Having the understanding darkened being alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance..." (Eph. 4:18) did not hinder Athenians from exalting human wisdom. Paul seizing upon their "confession of ignorance," the statue "To the Unknown God," declared to them the God of creation and resurrection! Corinth pictured men given "up to uncleanness through the lusts of their hearts dishonoring their own bodies...given up to vile affections" (Rom. 1:24-26). This is where God would take the humble things to confound the noble and the mighty!

 

ATHENS

CORINTH

speak and hear new things

vanity fair

intellectual

sensual

city of learning

city of license
philosophy

carnality
some clave to him

much people in city
Damarus

Justus
Dionysius the Areopogite

Crispus, ruler of synagogue

 

Two Roman Rulers, Two Synagogue Rulers, Visit by The Ruler Over All

 

Acts 18:1-17

A. 18:1-7 Claudius (Roman Emperor)

a) Jews expelled from Rome

 

b) Synagogue - The Word

    Jews oppose and blaspheme

B. 18:8 Crispus (Chief Ruler of synagogue)

Believed, Baptized - with all his house

C. 18: 9-10 Vision

Much people in city, no hurt
 
A. 18:11-16 Gallio (Roman Deputy)

a) house by synagogue - The Word

    Jews made insurrection.
 
b) Jews driven from judgment seat.
B. 18:17 Sosthenes (Chief Ruler of Synagogue)

Beaten (Believed later - 1 Cor. 1:1)

 

What a summary of Paul's visit to Corinth and the triumph of grace!

 

Ivan L. Burgener