Introduction to 1st Corinthians

An Enduring Relationship

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Course Overview

This course is an exegetical study of First Corinthians. The study will work through the book step by step. The student will learn the process of Observation – Interpretation – Application. The book of 1st Corinthians is being used but the process can be repeated with other books of the Bible. By learning this process the student will be able to study any book of the Bible.

The student will read the book over many times. This is important. It is vital for the student to read the book as a whole and to understand the development of themes and ideas for himself. If the study is done in a group, each individual should discover truths for himself and then share them with the others.

There is a process where one can gain a good understanding of the book and grow spiritually. It is important to get the order correct. One must correctly observe what is being said then he can seek to understand what it means. Once they understand the meaning and message of the book they can look for personal applications.

The student is expected to read the book of 1 Corinthians with the notebook open and with colored pencils. He should be looking for details, understanding and application as he follows the process through the course. He should be able to summarize his findings and explain them to others.

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  • When one studies a book, they should seek to answer the following questions:

    • Who was the author?

    • What was his background?

    • When did he write?

    • What was the nature of his ministry?

    • What kind of relationship did he have with the audience?

    • Why was he writing?

    • Who was the biblical audience?

    • What were their circumstances?

    • How was their relationship to God?

    • What about their relationship to the author and to each other?

    • What was happening at the time the book was written?

    • Are there any historical-cultural factors that might shed light on the book?

    (Grasping God’s Word. Page. 260)

    1.Observation – The first step in understanding the book is to observe. The text should be read and details should be noted and remembered. In the course, the student will be working through the text and observing many details. Observation answers the question, “what does the text say?”

    Possible details to observe:

    • Dates

    • Places

    • People

    • Changes in verb forms – (from “I” to “we”)

    • Themes – (example: marriage, spiritual gifts, or the Cross)

    • Theological topics

    • Repeated words – (example: wisdom, flesh, calling)

    2. Interpretation – Interpretation links the details to give meaning. By interpreting the book, the reader tries to understand what the original writer is saying to the original reader. In this course, the student will try to understand what Paul wrote to the Corinthians and what they understood when they read the letter. This process combines the details observed into a meaningful arrangement so the development of topics, ideas and theology can be understood. Observation answers the question, “what does the text mean?”

    3. Application - Application is the process where the student will take the information gained and begins to employ it in his life. The Bible was written for the believer to understand God and to use the truth in daily life. Not only were the original readers to apply the truths taught but modern readers can take the truths learned and grow spiritually. Application answers the question, “what does the text mean for me?”

  • Corinth was a prominent city located in modern day Greece. The city was located at a vey strategic place. It was just west of a small land bridge that connected the Peloponnesian peninsula from mainland Greece.

    In the first century there was a lot of commerce in the Mediterranean Sea. As a part of this overall commerce, the coastal cities of the Aegean Sea played a significant role. They produced leather goods, herbs, spices, animals, and slaves.

    As ships moved in and around the Aegean Sea, they often wanted to proceed farther to the west, especially towards Rome. There was a well-known problem with the Peloponnesian Peninsula. As ships proceeded out to the Mediterranean Sea, they faced difficult weather and sailing. Many ships were lost at sea due to the unpredictable nature of the area and lack of safe harbors.

    It was easier for ships to sail to Corinth, unload their cargo, carry the vessels and cargo to the other side of the isthmus and relaunch. It was quite an undertaking but regularly done. They developed a system of moving the ships on wooden logs along grooves in the road. Eventually a canal was dug in 1882. The city was unique with two large harbors thus increasing its economic value and importance as a transportation hub.

    The city was destroyed in war in 146 B.C. and laid in ruins for nearly one hundred years. In 46 B.C., the Romans repopulated the city with freemen. Nero divided the city into lots and gave land as reward to those who earned distinction. This new population gave great wealth, economy, and political structure to the city. It grew in size and importance.

    Corinth eventually became the capital of the region of Achaia. It exceeded Athens in political clout and leadership. It housed Roman military leaders and armies. It had significant political influence linked directly to Rome. After 46 B.C. it grew in size and was a mix of Roman, Greek, Jewish people. It contained a large mix of freemen and slaves. People and goods were regularly traded from all the known world. It was a city famous for entertainment as well.

    The religion of the area was also of great importance and impacted the population. Like most Roman cities, Corinth was filled with temples and gods. Aphrodite was especially worshiped and Corinth was the main center of the worship of Aphrodite. She was the goddess of love, fertility, and beauty. The city was well-known for prostitution and immorality. To be a “Corinthian” was to be particularly immoral. This was the norm in the Roman empire and especially so in Corinth.

  • The history of the church in Corinth begins with the second missionary journey of Paul to the city. His team was proceeding their ministry in Macedonia when Paul faced particularly fierce persecution. He traveled to Athens and waited for Silas and Timothy (Acts 17:15-16).

    He eventually left Athens and proceeded to Corinth where he met Aquila and Priscila. While in Athens, Silas and Timothy joined Paul and he stayed over a year and a half ministering in the city. (Acts 18:11-18).

    On Paul’s third missionary journey he returned to Ephesus and probably wrote a lost letter (1 Cor. 5:9) and 1 Corinthians to the church. He then traveled to Macedonia and wrote 2nd Corinthians. He then traveled to Greece and probably visited Corinth on a three month stay (Acts 20:1-3).

  • 3 B.C. Birth

    28-30 – Public Ministry of Jesus

    32 April – Attended the martyrdom of Stephen

    33 Conversion (Acts 9:1-19)

    35 1st Visit to Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-30)

    36-46 Paul in Cilicia e Syria

    42 Paul invited by Barnabas to work in Antioch (Acts 11:19-26)

    47 2nd visit to Jerusalem for famine relief (Acts 11:27-30)

    47-48 Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus e Galatia (1st missionary journey) (Acts 13:1-15:41)

    48 Galatians written

    49 Jerusalem Council

    49-52 Paul and Silas travel to Asia Minor, Macedonia and Achaia (2nd missionary journey) (Acts 16:1-18:22)

    50-52 Paul in Corinth

    50 1st Thessalonians (from Corinth)

    50 2nd Thessalonians (from Corinth)

    52-57 Paul in Asia (3rd missionary journey) (Acts 18:23-21:15)

    53-56 Paul in Ephesus

    Original letter to the church of Corinth written (1 Cor. 5:9)

    56 1st Corinthians (from Ephesus)

    56 2nd Corinthians (travel to Macedonia, written from Philippi?) (2:12, 7:5ff)

    57 Romans (from Corinth)

    57-59 Paul in prison in Jerusalem

    59 (September) Travel to Rome

    60 (February) Paul arrived in Rome

    60-62 Paul under house arrest

    Ephesians (60), Philippians (60-61), Colossians (60-62) and Philemon (60-62) written.

    See 1st Clemente

    65 Visit to Spain (?)

    65 Letters of 1st Timothy(63-66) and Titus (63-66) written.

    67 2nd Timothy written (67).

    67 Death

  • In this step you should try to identify the larger, easily identifiable parts of the book. Look for repeated words, themes and ideas. You should also try to identify major sections and divisions. Keep trying to understand how the text would be understood by the readers in their own setting.

    A Read the entire book through.

    B. Please answer the following questions. (some examples are given)

    • What topics are discussed?

    Passage - 1:9 , 1:17

    Topics - Calling , The gospel

    • What historical data is given?

    Passage - 1:15

    Historical places or time indications - Paul had visited and baptized Crispus and Gaius

    • What people are mentioned in the book? What do we learn about them?

    Passage - 1:1

    Topic - Paul , Sosthenes

    • What can you learn about the readers?

    Passage - 1:6

    Information about the Corinthians - The testimony of Christ was confirmed among them

    • Are there any words repeated?

    Word - Wisdom

    • Are there any challenging passages that you do not understand?

    • What do you find that you can apply to your life? What encourages or challenges you?

  • Read the entire book through again. The goal of this reading is to observe the overall flow and feel of the book. Look for repeated themes, people, places, subject divisions and topics.

    B. Please review your answers to the following interpretive questions. Can you add more observations and information?

    • What topics are discussed?

    • What historical data is given?

    • What people are mentioned in the book?

    • What can you learn about the readers?

    • Are there any words repeated?

    • Are there any challenging passages that you do not understand?

    • What do you find that you can apply to your life? What encourages or challenges you?

    • Make an initial brief outline of the book.

    Example:

    I. Major Divisions of the Book

    A. Divide the Major Section into smaller sections

    Example from 1 Peter

    I. The nature of the Christian life with its challenge to spiritual growth and maturity, built on a sure foundation – 1 Peter 1:1-1:21

    A. 1:1-4 Having all that we need to live godly

    B. 1:5-11 Qualities of fruitfulness

    C. 1:12-21 The importance of remembering

    II. An attack against the false teachers who would allure and seek to mislead God’s people. 1 Peter 2:1-22

    A. 2:1-10 Warning of false teachers

    B. 2:11-22 Marks of a false teacher

    III. A response to the heretical denial of the return of Christ and some fitting exhortations in light of God’s faithfulness. 1 Peter 3:1-18

    A. 3:1-10 Will Christ really return?

    B. 3:11-18 How should we live?

  • A Read the entire book through.

    B. Please answer the following questions

    • List the principle topics of chapters 1-7

    • What situations were happening in the church that caused Paul to write?

    • What was his response? What did he expect the church to do?

    • Fill out the questions below.

      1. Passage

      • Situation in the church

      • Paul’s response

  • CHAPTER 1

    • Who Is Sosthenes?

    • What has been Paul’s relationship with the church at Corinth?

    • How many times is the word “calling” found in this chapter? What does it mean?

    • Why is Paul thankful? (vs. 4-8)

    • What situation was reported to Paul?

    • What does the text say about the preaching of the cross of Christ?

    • Why does God choose the humble or lowly?

    • Can you summarize the main teaching principles taught in this passage?

    • What can we apply to our lives?

    • How does the power of God impact your life?

    CHAPTER 2

    • Why did Paul not use lofty speech when he was with them? (2:1-5)

    • Can you explain 2:7 in your own words?

    • What does the text say about the Holy Spirit?

    • What does the text say about the natural person?

    • What does the test say about the spiritual person? (2:15-16)

    • What does the phrase, “we have the mind of Christ” mean? (2:16)

    • How does the information taught in Chapter 2 help the situation discussed in Chapter 1?

    • Can you summarize the main teaching principles taught in this passage?

    • What truths can we apply to our lives?

    CHAPTER 3

    • What is the difference between the natural person (2:14), the spiritual person (2:15-16) and the fleshly person (3:1-4)?

    • What is God’s role in spiritual growth? (3:5-9)

    • What are different roles people have? (3:5-9)

    • How is developing a church like planting a garden? (3:5-9)

    • How is the local church like a building? (3:10-15)

    • What is the warning to those who were using inferior products to build the church?

    • What were the inferior products and what are the better products?

    • How does the truth taught in 3:16-23 help the church overcome the situation presented in 1:11-12?

    • Are the divisions in churches today? What are some?

    • How does this chapter help prevent divisions?

    • How would you use this chapter to help a church overcome existing divisions?

    CHAPTER 4

    • How should the church regard Paul and his team? (4:1-2)

    • What difference does it make if we serve as if we are finally judged by man? (4:1-5)

    • What difference does it make if we serve as if we are finally judged my God?

    • How does the text describe the work of an apostle? (4:8-13)

    • What was Paul admonishing the church to do? (4:14-21)

    • How does the teaching of this chapter help with healing the divisions in the church at Corinth?

    • Are there some principles from this chapter that the modern church needs to hear?

    CHAPTER 5

    • What are the problems addressed in this chapter?

    • What would be the implications for the church if the problems were not addressed?

    • How did Paul instruct them to handle the situation?

    • Would the instructions from Matthew 18 have applied in this situation? Describe how the process would have worked?

    • What is the purpose of church discipline?

    • In church discipline, how do we maintain a balance between being overly zealous and overly complacent?

    • What is the process of church discipline in your church?

    CHAPTER 6

    • List the questions Paul asks in this chapter?

    • Can you divide the chapter into sections? What would they be?

    • How would you apply 1 Cor. 6:1-8 in the modern church? Are there legal cases that where this passage would not apply?

    • How could you use 1 Cor. 6:9-11 to encourage a person who is frustrated by a life controlling sin?

    • What is the difference between sanctification and justification?

    • What does Paul teach about the body in 1 Cor. 6:12-20?

    • How does immorality impact a person?

    • The text teaches that believers are “bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20). How would you explain this to a new believer? What are the implications of the teaching?

    CHAPTER 7

    • What topics are covered in this chapter?

    • What different categories of families are represented in this passage?

    • Does the text offer instructions for these categories of families? What does it say to those married, unmarried, single, separated, and widowed?

    • What principles apply for the modern church?

    • Can you think of counseling situations where you could use this passage?

    CHAPTER 8

    • What subject is covered in this chapter?

    • What does verse one mean? Explain it in your own words.

    • What does this chapter teach about God?

    • What does this chapter teach about Jesus Christ?

    • How does the teaching about knowledge explain verse 1?

    • What issues does the modern church face that are similar to this one faced in Corinth?

    • What principles can be taught about divisive issues?

    CHAPTER 9

    • What questions does Paul ask in this chapter?

    • What is the main argument in the text?

    • What do you think Paul was being accused of by some in Corinth?

    • Why was Paul so motivated to serve others? How did he demonstrate it?

    • How can we apply these teachings to the church today?

    CHAPTER 10

    • What major topic is presented in this text?

    • What does the phrase “baptized into Moses” mean? (10:2)

    • How did the Israelites “drink from the same spiritual drink”? (10:4)

    • What does it teach about the Old Testament?

    • What situation in Corinth was Paul addressing in this chapter?

    • Why is it important for the church to address heart attitudes when celebrating the Communion?

    • What principles can the modern church apply today?

    CHAPTER 11

    • What subjects are covered in chapter 11?

    • What does it say regarding “head coverings”?

    • What does it teach about the roles of authority and submission?

    • What problems existed in the church with the Communion celebration?

    • What underlying heart issues caused these problems?

    • How could the church overcome these difficulties? What does the text say?

    • What can the modern church apply?

    CHAPTER 12

    • What is the principle topic covered in this chapter?

    • How does the Holy Spirit work in the life of the church?

    • How does the Holy Spirit work in the life of the believer?

    • How does the human body illustrate the members of a local church?

    • How can we apply these teachings to our church?

    CHAPTER 13

    • Can you put 13:1-3 in your own words? Can you summarize the main idea?

    • Describe love from 13:4-7. List its characteristics.

    • What is the difference between love, prophecies, tongues, and knowledge? (13:8-12)

    • Why is love the greatest? (13:13)

    • What does love have to do with spiritual gifts?

    • What are some practical ways the church can express love to each other?

    CHAPTER 14

    • What does this chapter teach about prophesy?

    • What does this chapter teach about tongues?

    • What instructions are given to help the church in this area? (14:26-40)

    • What principles can apply to the modern church?

    CHAPTER 15

    • Describe the gospel as presented 15:1-11.

    • Describe the list of appearances of Christ detailed in 15:5-8.

    • Why is it important to believe in the resurrection of Christ? (15:9-34)

    • What does the phrase “baptized on behalf of the dead” mean? (15:29)

    • What question is asked in 15:35 and what is the answer given? (15:35-49)

    • Describe the bodily resurrection from 15:50-57.

    • How should we now live, knowing these truths? (15:58)

    CHAPTER 16

    • What is the topic of 16:1-4?

    • What was Paul’s plan in 16:5-11?

    • How many people are mentioned and where were they from? (16:12-18)

    • What do you know about Aquila and Prisca?

    Summarizing ideas

    • What topics were covered in this letter?

    • How would you describe the Corinthian church?

    • What were some good aspects of the church?

    • Can you organize the book in a systematic way?

    • What are some important spiritual truths taught in this book?

    • What modern situations is the church facing that is similar to those faced in Corinth?