1ST CORINTHIANS
The Uniqueness
A. It is quoted more often and earlier than any other writing of Paul which shows its importance and usefulness.
B. In the Muratorian Fragment, which was a list of canonical books from Rome (180 – 200 A.D.), it is listed as the first of Paul’s writings which also shows its importance.
C. Paul makes a distinction in this practical letter between his personal opinion and the Lord’s commands. However, this is based on his knowledge of Jesus’ teachings on a subject. He believed his opinions were also inspired and authoritative (1st Corinthians 7:25..."Now concerning virgins I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy." (NASB)).
D. Paul’s guiding principle that the freedom of believers and their commensurate responsibility is based not on law, but on love.
E. This letter (along with 2nd Corinthians) gives us an early look into the New Testament church, its structure, methods, and message. However, it must also be remembered that this was a problematic, non-typical congregation.
B. In the Muratorian Fragment, which was a list of canonical books from Rome (180 – 200 A.D.), it is listed as the first of Paul’s writings which also shows its importance.
C. Paul makes a distinction in this practical letter between his personal opinion and the Lord’s commands. However, this is based on his knowledge of Jesus’ teachings on a subject. He believed his opinions were also inspired and authoritative (1st Corinthians 7:25..."Now concerning virgins I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy." (NASB)).
D. Paul’s guiding principle that the freedom of believers and their commensurate responsibility is based not on law, but on love.
E. This letter (along with 2nd Corinthians) gives us an early look into the New Testament church, its structure, methods, and message. However, it must also be remembered that this was a problematic, non-typical congregation.
The City of Corinth
A. Winter shipping lanes around the southern most point of Greece (Cape Malea) were very dangerous. Therefore, a land route of the shortest possible length was crucial. The geographical location of Corinth on the four mile isthmus between the Gulf of Corinth (Adriatic Sea) and the Saronic Gulf (Aegean Sea) made the city a major commercial (shipping and trading center specializing in types of pottery and a special type of brass) and military center. In Paul’s day this was literally where the cultures of the East and West met.
B. Corinth was also a major cultural center of the Greco-Roman world because it hosted the biannual Isthmian Games which began in 581 B.C. Only the Olympic Games in Athens, every four years, rivaled them in size and importance.
C. In 146 B.C. Corinth was involved in a revolt against Rome and was destroyed by the Roman General Lucius Mummius and the population dispersed. Because of its economical and military importance it was rebuilt in either 48 or 46 B.C. by Julius Caesar. It became a Roman colony where Roman soldiers retired. It was a mimic of Rome in architecture and culture and the administrative center of the Roman province of Achaia in 27 B.C. It became an Imperial Province in 15 A.D.
D. The acropolis of Old Corinth, rising more than 1880 feet above the plain, was the site of the temple to Aphrodite. To this temple were attached 1,000 prostitutes . To be called “a Corinthian” was synonymous to loose, riotous living. This temple, as most of the city, was destroyed in an earthquake about 150 years before Paul arrived, as it was again in 77 A.D. It is uncertain if the fertility cult continued in Paul’s day.
B. Corinth was also a major cultural center of the Greco-Roman world because it hosted the biannual Isthmian Games which began in 581 B.C. Only the Olympic Games in Athens, every four years, rivaled them in size and importance.
C. In 146 B.C. Corinth was involved in a revolt against Rome and was destroyed by the Roman General Lucius Mummius and the population dispersed. Because of its economical and military importance it was rebuilt in either 48 or 46 B.C. by Julius Caesar. It became a Roman colony where Roman soldiers retired. It was a mimic of Rome in architecture and culture and the administrative center of the Roman province of Achaia in 27 B.C. It became an Imperial Province in 15 A.D.
D. The acropolis of Old Corinth, rising more than 1880 feet above the plain, was the site of the temple to Aphrodite. To this temple were attached 1,000 prostitutes . To be called “a Corinthian” was synonymous to loose, riotous living. This temple, as most of the city, was destroyed in an earthquake about 150 years before Paul arrived, as it was again in 77 A.D. It is uncertain if the fertility cult continued in Paul’s day.
The Author
A. It was to this city that Paul the Apostle came on his second missionary journey; the account is found in Acts 18:1 – 21. Through a vision the Lord revealed to Paul that many would believe and that there would be no successful opposition to his ministry (Acts 18:9 – 10..."And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, "Do not be afraid {any longer,} but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city." (NASB)).
B. Paul’s missionary strategy was to plant a church in the major cities of his day, knowing that converted visitors, traveling salesmen, and sailors would spread the gospel as they went. It was up to the local church to take responsibility for the evangelism and discipleship of their area.
C. Paul found Aquila and Priscilla, also believing Jewish tent-makers or leather workers, in Corinth. They were forced out of Rome in 49 A.D. by Claudius’ edict against any Jewish rites or rituals (Acts 18:2..."And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them..." (NASB)). Paul had come to Corinth alone. Both Silas and Timothy were on assignments in Macedonia (Acts 18:5..."But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul {began} devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ." (NASB)). He was very discouraged (Acts 18:9 – 19; 1st Corinthians 2:3). However, he persevered and stayed in Corinth eighteen months (Acts 18:11..."And he settled {there} a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them." (NASB)).
D. Paul’s authorship of this book is attested to by Clement of Rome, who wrote a letter to Corinth in 95/96 A.D. (1st Clement 37:5; 47:1-3; 49:5). Pauline authorship of this letter has never been doubted, even by modern critical scholarship.
B. Paul’s missionary strategy was to plant a church in the major cities of his day, knowing that converted visitors, traveling salesmen, and sailors would spread the gospel as they went. It was up to the local church to take responsibility for the evangelism and discipleship of their area.
C. Paul found Aquila and Priscilla, also believing Jewish tent-makers or leather workers, in Corinth. They were forced out of Rome in 49 A.D. by Claudius’ edict against any Jewish rites or rituals (Acts 18:2..."And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them..." (NASB)). Paul had come to Corinth alone. Both Silas and Timothy were on assignments in Macedonia (Acts 18:5..."But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul {began} devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ." (NASB)). He was very discouraged (Acts 18:9 – 19; 1st Corinthians 2:3). However, he persevered and stayed in Corinth eighteen months (Acts 18:11..."And he settled {there} a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them." (NASB)).
D. Paul’s authorship of this book is attested to by Clement of Rome, who wrote a letter to Corinth in 95/96 A.D. (1st Clement 37:5; 47:1-3; 49:5). Pauline authorship of this letter has never been doubted, even by modern critical scholarship.
The Date
A. The date of Paul’s visit to Corinth has been ascertained by an inscription of the Emperor Claudius found at Delphi, which dates the proconsulship of Gallio as beginning in July 51 A.D. through July 52 A.D. (Acts 18:12 – 17..."But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, saying, "This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law." But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrong or of vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you; but if there are questions about words and names and your own law, look after it yourselves; I am unwilling to be a judge of these matters." And he drove them away from the judgment seat. And they all took hold of Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and {began} beating him in front of the judgment seat. But Gallio was not concerned about any of these things." (NASB)), which would make the date of Paul’s arrival about 49 – 50 A.D.
B. The date of Paul’s letter would then be sometime in the mid-50's. He wrote it from Ephesus where he ministered between two years (Acts 19:10..."This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks." (NASB)) and three years (Acts 20:34..."You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my {own} needs and to the men who were with me." (NASB)).
B. The date of Paul’s letter would then be sometime in the mid-50's. He wrote it from Ephesus where he ministered between two years (Acts 19:10..."This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks." (NASB)) and three years (Acts 20:34..."You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my {own} needs and to the men who were with me." (NASB)).
The Recipients of The Letter
A. The recipient of the letter was the fledgling church made up mostly of Gentiles. The population of Corinth was racially and culturally mixed. We know from archaeology and Scripture (Acts 18:4 – 8..."And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul {began} devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. But when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood {be} on your own heads! I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." Then he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was next to the synagogue. Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were believing and being baptized." (NASB)) that there was a synagogue in Corinth.
B. Roman soldiers were settled there after they completed twenty years of military service. Corinth was a free city, a Roman colony, and capital of the Roman province of Achaia.
C. The letter seems to reflect several groups:
(1) intellectual Greeks who were still very proud of their philosophical traditions and were trying to wed Christian revelation to these old customs and intellectual traditions;
(2) Roman patrons and the socially elite;
(3) a believing Jewish contingent made up mostly of “god-fearing” Gentiles, who attended the synagogue; and
(4) a large number of converted slaves.
B. Roman soldiers were settled there after they completed twenty years of military service. Corinth was a free city, a Roman colony, and capital of the Roman province of Achaia.
C. The letter seems to reflect several groups:
(1) intellectual Greeks who were still very proud of their philosophical traditions and were trying to wed Christian revelation to these old customs and intellectual traditions;
(2) Roman patrons and the socially elite;
(3) a believing Jewish contingent made up mostly of “god-fearing” Gentiles, who attended the synagogue; and
(4) a large number of converted slaves.
The Purpose of The Letter
A. It is interesting that M. J. Harris has outlined the book of 1st Corinthians based on Paul’s received information about the church.
1. oral report from members of Chloe’s household, resulting in chapters 1 – 4
2. oral report from church representatives resulting in chapters 5 – 6
3. written questions from the church, resulting in chapters 7 – 16
B. The church had become factious, advocating different leaders: Paul, Apollos, Peter, and possibly a Christ party (1st Corinthians 1:12..."Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, "I am of Paul," and "I of Apollos," and "I of Cephas," and "I of Christ." (NASB)). Not only was the church divided over leadership types, but also over several moral issues and the use of spiritual gifts. The main point of contention was Paul’s authority!
1. oral report from members of Chloe’s household, resulting in chapters 1 – 4
2. oral report from church representatives resulting in chapters 5 – 6
3. written questions from the church, resulting in chapters 7 – 16
B. The church had become factious, advocating different leaders: Paul, Apollos, Peter, and possibly a Christ party (1st Corinthians 1:12..."Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, "I am of Paul," and "I of Apollos," and "I of Cephas," and "I of Christ." (NASB)). Not only was the church divided over leadership types, but also over several moral issues and the use of spiritual gifts. The main point of contention was Paul’s authority!
Paul's 7 Contacts with The Corinthian Church
1.) Paul’s stay on this 1st tour of ministry was 1 ½ years after this he sailed to Ephesus in The Fall of 52 A.D. enroute to Jerusalem. He had Priscilla and Aquila with him which they remained in Ephesus to meet and instruct Apollo whom they sent to Corinth.
Acts 18:18 – 28..."Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow. They came to Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to stay for a longer time, he did not consent, but taking leave of them and saying, "I will return to you again if God wills," he set sail from Ephesus. When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and went down to Antioch. And having spent some time {there,} he left and passed successively through the Galatian region and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ." (NASB))
2.) While Apollo ministered (Acts 19:1..."It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples." (NASB)), Paul returned to Ephesus on his 3rd missionary journey in The Fall of 53 A.D. for a period of 2 ½ years (Acts 19). This is possibly when Paul wrote the letter mentioned in 1st Corinthians 5:9, misunderstood 1st Corinthians 5:10 – 11, and subsequently lost.
3.) Hearing of this misunderstanding and subsequent problems of The Corinthian Church from Chloe (1st Corinthians 1:11), an official delegation (Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus...1st Corinthians 16:17) brought specific questions on particular issues that where dividing the church. 1st Corinthians was probably written between 54 and 55 A.D. in order to address these issues.
4.) However, this did not resolve the matters. It remains a possibility that Timothy was the letter carrier.
1st Corinthians 4:17..."For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church." (NASB)
1st Corinthians 16:10..."Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord's work, as I also am." (NASB)
Afterwards, Paul revisited the church in what he called in 2nd Corinthians 1:15 and 2:1 the painful visit. 2nd Corinthians refers to a 3rd visit on the last leg of his 3rd missionary journey.
5.) After the 2nd visit and return to Ephesus, Paul sent a letter via Titus which grieved Paul deeply to write.
2nd Corinthians 2:4..."For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you." (NASB)
2nd Corinthians 7:8 – 9..."For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it--{for} I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while--I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to {the point of} repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to {the will of} God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us." (NASB)
6.) When Paul left Ephesus, he was bound for Troas in order to meet up with Titus. Not finding him there, Paul pushed towards Macedonia with deep concern for Titus’ safety.
2nd Corinthians 2:12 – 13..."Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord, I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia." (NASB)
2nd Corinthians 7:5..."For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within." (NASB)
This is where Paul met Titus who brought good news about The Corinthian Church and bad news about a group that opposed Paul.
7.) From there Paul wrote 2nd Corinthians and followed up with a 3rd visit during The Winter of 56 – 57 A.D.
Acts 20:1 – 4..."After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had exhorted them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia. When he had gone through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece. And {there} he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, {the son} of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia." (NASB)
Acts 18:18 – 28..."Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brethren and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow. They came to Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to stay for a longer time, he did not consent, but taking leave of them and saying, "I will return to you again if God wills," he set sail from Ephesus. When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and went down to Antioch. And having spent some time {there,} he left and passed successively through the Galatian region and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Now a Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, being acquainted only with the baptism of John; and he began to speak out boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ." (NASB))
2.) While Apollo ministered (Acts 19:1..."It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples." (NASB)), Paul returned to Ephesus on his 3rd missionary journey in The Fall of 53 A.D. for a period of 2 ½ years (Acts 19). This is possibly when Paul wrote the letter mentioned in 1st Corinthians 5:9, misunderstood 1st Corinthians 5:10 – 11, and subsequently lost.
3.) Hearing of this misunderstanding and subsequent problems of The Corinthian Church from Chloe (1st Corinthians 1:11), an official delegation (Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus...1st Corinthians 16:17) brought specific questions on particular issues that where dividing the church. 1st Corinthians was probably written between 54 and 55 A.D. in order to address these issues.
4.) However, this did not resolve the matters. It remains a possibility that Timothy was the letter carrier.
1st Corinthians 4:17..."For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church." (NASB)
1st Corinthians 16:10..."Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord's work, as I also am." (NASB)
Afterwards, Paul revisited the church in what he called in 2nd Corinthians 1:15 and 2:1 the painful visit. 2nd Corinthians refers to a 3rd visit on the last leg of his 3rd missionary journey.
5.) After the 2nd visit and return to Ephesus, Paul sent a letter via Titus which grieved Paul deeply to write.
2nd Corinthians 2:4..."For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you." (NASB)
2nd Corinthians 7:8 – 9..."For though I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it--{for} I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while--I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to {the point of} repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to {the will of} God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us." (NASB)
6.) When Paul left Ephesus, he was bound for Troas in order to meet up with Titus. Not finding him there, Paul pushed towards Macedonia with deep concern for Titus’ safety.
2nd Corinthians 2:12 – 13..."Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ and when a door was opened for me in the Lord, I had no rest for my spirit, not finding Titus my brother; but taking my leave of them, I went on to Macedonia." (NASB)
2nd Corinthians 7:5..."For even when we came into Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within." (NASB)
This is where Paul met Titus who brought good news about The Corinthian Church and bad news about a group that opposed Paul.
7.) From there Paul wrote 2nd Corinthians and followed up with a 3rd visit during The Winter of 56 – 57 A.D.
Acts 20:1 – 4..."After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and when he had exhorted them and taken his leave of them, he left to go to Macedonia. When he had gone through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece. And {there} he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, {the son} of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia." (NASB)
The Conclusion
A. In 1st Corinthians we see Paul, a pastor, dealing with a problem church. In this letter and in Galatians, we see him apply universal truth in different ways, based on the need of the church: freedom for the Galatian churches/limits to the Corinthian church.
B. This book is either a series of “cultural dinosaurs” or a wealth of principled truth applied to a particular historical/cultural setting. We must be careful not to confuse truth and cultural applications of that truth. For a good discussion of this very important hermeneutical issue see Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart’s How To Read the Bible for All Its Worth, pp. 65 – 76.
C. This book will push you to the limit of your spiritual ability to interpret the Bible. It will force you to rethink aspects of your theology. It will open a window to God’s will for our day, practically speaking, as few other biblical writings.
B. This book is either a series of “cultural dinosaurs” or a wealth of principled truth applied to a particular historical/cultural setting. We must be careful not to confuse truth and cultural applications of that truth. For a good discussion of this very important hermeneutical issue see Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart’s How To Read the Bible for All Its Worth, pp. 65 – 76.
C. This book will push you to the limit of your spiritual ability to interpret the Bible. It will force you to rethink aspects of your theology. It will open a window to God’s will for our day, practically speaking, as few other biblical writings.
The Outline
I. Introduction 1:1 – 9
A. Salutation 1:1 – 3
B. Thanksgiving 1:4 – 9
II. Conditions reported to Paul 1:10 – 6:20
A. Divisions in the church 1:10 – 4:21
1. The manifestation of the problem 1:10 – 17
2. The gospel as a contradiction to human wisdom 1:18 – 2:5
3. The Spirit's ministry of revealing God's wisdom 2:6 – 16
4. The immature and carnal conditions 3:1 – 4
5. The role of God's servants 3:5 – 17
6. Human wisdom and limited blessing 3:18 – 23
7. The Corinthians' relationship with Paul ch. 4
B. Lack of discipline in the church chs. 5 – 6
1. Incest in the church ch. 5
2. Litigation in the church 6:1 – 11
3. Prostitution in the church 6:12 – 20
III. Questions asked of Paul 7:1 – 16:12
A. Marriage and related matters ch. 7
1. Advice to the married or formerly married 7:1 – 16
2. Basic principles 7:17 – 24
3. Advice concerning virgins 7:25 – 40
B. Food offered to idols 8:1 – 11:1
1. The priority of love over knowledge in Christian conduct ch. 8
2. Paul's apostolic defense ch. 9
3. The sinfulness of idolatry 10:1 – 22
4. The issue of marketplace food 10:23 – 11:1
C. Propriety in worship 11:2 – 16
1. The argument from culture 11:2 – 6
2. The argument from creation 11:7 – 12
3. The argument from propriety 11:13 – 16
D. The Lord's Supper 11:17 – 34
1. The abuses 11:17 – 26
2. The correctives 11:27 – 34
E. Spiritual gifts and spiritual people chs. 12 – 14
1. The test of Spirit control 12:1 – 3
2. The need for varieties of spiritual gifts 12:4 – 31
3. The supremacy of love ch. 13
4. The need for intelligibility 14:1 – 25
5. The need for order 14:26 – 40
F. The resurrection of believers ch. 15
1. The resurrection of Jesus Christ 15:1 – 11
2. The certainty of resurrection 15:12 – 34
3. The resurrection body 15:35 – 49
4. The assurance of victory over death 15:50 – 58
G. The collection for the Jerusalem believers 16:1 – 12
1. Arrangements for the collection 16:1 – 4
2. The travel plans of Paul and his fellow apostles 16:5 – 12
IV. Conclusion 16:13 – 24
A. Final exhortations 16:13 – 18
B. Final greetings and benediction 16:19 – 24
A. Salutation 1:1 – 3
B. Thanksgiving 1:4 – 9
II. Conditions reported to Paul 1:10 – 6:20
A. Divisions in the church 1:10 – 4:21
1. The manifestation of the problem 1:10 – 17
2. The gospel as a contradiction to human wisdom 1:18 – 2:5
3. The Spirit's ministry of revealing God's wisdom 2:6 – 16
4. The immature and carnal conditions 3:1 – 4
5. The role of God's servants 3:5 – 17
6. Human wisdom and limited blessing 3:18 – 23
7. The Corinthians' relationship with Paul ch. 4
B. Lack of discipline in the church chs. 5 – 6
1. Incest in the church ch. 5
2. Litigation in the church 6:1 – 11
3. Prostitution in the church 6:12 – 20
III. Questions asked of Paul 7:1 – 16:12
A. Marriage and related matters ch. 7
1. Advice to the married or formerly married 7:1 – 16
2. Basic principles 7:17 – 24
3. Advice concerning virgins 7:25 – 40
B. Food offered to idols 8:1 – 11:1
1. The priority of love over knowledge in Christian conduct ch. 8
2. Paul's apostolic defense ch. 9
3. The sinfulness of idolatry 10:1 – 22
4. The issue of marketplace food 10:23 – 11:1
C. Propriety in worship 11:2 – 16
1. The argument from culture 11:2 – 6
2. The argument from creation 11:7 – 12
3. The argument from propriety 11:13 – 16
D. The Lord's Supper 11:17 – 34
1. The abuses 11:17 – 26
2. The correctives 11:27 – 34
E. Spiritual gifts and spiritual people chs. 12 – 14
1. The test of Spirit control 12:1 – 3
2. The need for varieties of spiritual gifts 12:4 – 31
3. The supremacy of love ch. 13
4. The need for intelligibility 14:1 – 25
5. The need for order 14:26 – 40
F. The resurrection of believers ch. 15
1. The resurrection of Jesus Christ 15:1 – 11
2. The certainty of resurrection 15:12 – 34
3. The resurrection body 15:35 – 49
4. The assurance of victory over death 15:50 – 58
G. The collection for the Jerusalem believers 16:1 – 12
1. Arrangements for the collection 16:1 – 4
2. The travel plans of Paul and his fellow apostles 16:5 – 12
IV. Conclusion 16:13 – 24
A. Final exhortations 16:13 – 18
B. Final greetings and benediction 16:19 – 24
Map Locations to Plot
1. Corinth, 1:2..." To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their {Lord} and ours..." (NASB)
2. Churches of Galatia, 16:1..."Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also." (NASB)
3. Jerusalem, 16:3..."When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem..." (NASB)
4. Macedonia, 16:5..."But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia..." (NASB)
5. Ephesus, 16:8..."But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost..." (NASB)
6. Achaia, 16:15..."Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints)..." (NASB)
7. Asia, 16:19..."The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house." (NASB)
2. Churches of Galatia, 16:1..."Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also." (NASB)
3. Jerusalem, 16:3..."When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem..." (NASB)
4. Macedonia, 16:5..."But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia..." (NASB)
5. Ephesus, 16:8..."But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost..." (NASB)
6. Achaia, 16:15..."Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints)..." (NASB)
7. Asia, 16:19..."The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house." (NASB)