Lecture Eight: Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians

Context of 2nd Corinthians

Author:

Paul

Date:

Mid-50s A.D.

Place of composition:

The “severe letter” was probably sent from Ephesus, and the letter of reconciliation from Macedonia.

Audience:

The congregation at Corinth, Greece

Structure of 2nd Corinthians

The Letter of Reconciliation (1:1–9:15) 

I. Salutation (1:1-11) 

A. Greeting (1:1-2) 

B. Thanksgiving for the Comfort of God in Affliction (1:3-11) 

II. Apologetic/Defense of Apostleship: Answering the Critics’ Charges (1:12–7:16) 

A. The Defense of Paul’s Conduct (1:12–2:13) 

B. The Nature of a True Apostleship (2:14–7:16) 

III. Exhortation to Give: Collection for the Believers in Jerusalem (8:1–9:15) 

A. The Necessity for Generosity (8:1-15) 

B. The Mission of Titus to Corinth (8:16–9:5) 

C. The Results of Generosity (9:6-15) 

The “Severe” Letter: Paul’s Defense of His Apostolic Authority (10:1–13:14) 

I. Polemics: Affirmation of Apostolic Authority (10:1–13:10) 

A. In Spite of an Unimpressive Appearance (10:1-11) 

B. Invasion of False Apostles into Paul’s Territory (10:12-18) 

C. Vindication of Authenticity of Paul’s Apostleship (11:1–12:13) 

D. The Planned Third Visit (12:14–13:10) 

II. Final Exhortation and Greetings (13:11-14)

Themes of 2nd Corinthians

Whereas in 1 Corinthians Paul deals with ethical and doctrinal issues, in 2 Corinthians he struggles to define the qualities and motives that distinguish the Christian ministry.

Underlying the writing of 2 Corinthians is a dramatic conflict between Paul and the church he had founded. 

After he had dispatched 1 Corinthians, several events took place that strained his relationship with the church almost to the breaking point. 

New opponents, whom Paul satirizes as “super-apostles”, infiltrated the congregation and rapidly gained positions of influence. 

Paul then made a brief “painful” visit to Corinth, only to suffer a public humiliation there. 

His visit a failure, he returned to Ephesus, where he wrote the Corinthians a severe reprimand, part of which is preserved in chapters 10-13. 

Having carried the “severe” letter to Corinth, Titus then rejoins Paul in Macedonia, bringing the good news that the Corinthians are sorry for their behavior and now support the apostle (7:5-7). 

Paul subsequently writes a joyful letter of reconciliation, included in chapters 1-9.

The Letter of Reconciliation (1:1–9:15)

I. Salutation (1:1-11) 

A. Greeting (1:1-2) 

Claims to be written by Paul and Timothy 

Greetings to the church at Corinth and the believers throughout the region of Achaia

Blessing of grace and peace given 

B. Thanksgiving for the Comfort of God in Affliction (1:3-11) 

1. The Comfort of God (1:3-7) 

Praise the God who comforts us 

He comforts us so that we may comfort others 

As our suffering in Christ abounds, as does our comfort 

Everything we are is for you: 

Our distress for your comfort and salvation 

Our comfort for your comfort 

This produces perseverance in suffering for you 

This produces hope for us in knowing that you share both our comfort and our suffering 

2. Deliverance from Death (1:8-11) 

We had many hardships in Asia: 

We were under great pressure 

We were unable to endure in our own strength 

We despaired of life 

We felt we had received a death-sentence 

Why did we experience these things? 

So we would rely on God who raises the dead, and not on ourselves 

We have been delivered 

We will be delivered again 

Your prayers our helpful 

Many will give thanks when God answers all your prayers for us

II. Apologetic/Defense of Apostleship: Answering the Critics’ Charges (1:12–7:16) 

A. The Defense of Paul’s Conduct (1:12–2:13) 

1. Explanation of Altered Plans (1:12–2:4) 

a. A Clear Conscience Claimed (1:12-14) 

We can boast that we have a clear conscience in the way we have lived in the world and in the way we have interacted with you in particular 

This was all by God’s grace, and not by worldly wisdom 

I hope that your partial understanding will grow to complete understanding, so that we can boast about each other in the Day of the Lord Jesus 

b. A Planned Profitable Visit (1:15-22) 

I wanted to visit you twice on my way to and from Macedonia 

My intentions were not fickle – I did not say “yes” and “no” in the same breath as the fickle world does 

The message of Jesus that I and Silas and Timothy have preached to you has never been “yes and no,” but always “yes!” 

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. 

And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. 

He anointed us 

He set his seal of ownership on us 

He put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 

c. A Canceled Painful Visit (1:23–2:4) 

The reason I didn’t return to you at Corinth was to spare you 

Visiting you again would have been too painful 

For if I grieve you, who is left to make me glad but you whom I have grieved? 

I wrote to you before in the way that I did so that when I came I would not be distressed by your conduct 

I had confidence in you that you would have shared in my joy 

When I wrote to you, I was in anguish and tears 

I wasn’t trying to grieve you – I wanted you to know how much I love you!

2. The Forgiveness of the Offending Brother (2:5-11) 

If any among you has caused me grief, he has caused you all the more grief 

The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. 

Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 

I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. 

Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. 

Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. 

We must forgive everyone, so that we will not fall for Satan’s schemes against us 

3. Missing Titus in Troas (2:12-13) 

When Christ opened the door for me to preach at Troas, I still had no peace because I couldn’t find my brother Titus there 

So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.

B. The Nature of a True Apostleship (2:14–7:16) 

1. The Glory of the Ministry (2:14–4:6) 

a. The Triumph of Christ (2:14-17) 

We thank God for parading us in Christ’s triumphal procession and for making us the aroma of Christ that is spreading to all 

Our aroma brings death to some, but life to others 

We are the best for the task, because we are sincere and do not peddle the word of God for money like so many others do 

b. The Product of the Ministry (3:1-3) 

Can we speak on our own behalf, or do we need to present letters of recommendation?

You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. 

You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

c. The Superiority of the New Covenant (3:4-18) 

We are confident not in our own competence, but in the competence that God gives us 

He has made us ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 

The ministry of Moses was written on stone and brought death 

But even that ministry was glorious – to the point that Moses frightened the Israelites with the radiance of his face 

If even this temporary ministry was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that lasts forever! 

This hope we have makes us bold 

We are not like Moses who put on veil to hide from the people the fact that the glory emanating from him was only temporary 

They were dimwitted people – and even today they still live as though the covenant in which they read of and partake in is hidden behind a veil 

Only Christ can remove this veil from a person’s heart 

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 

And we all, who with unveiled faces reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 

d. The Light of the Gospel (4:1-6) 

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. 

Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways 

We do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God 

On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God. 

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 

For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

2. The Frailty of the Ministers (4:7–5:10) 

a. Vessels of Clay: The Trials of the Ministers (4:7-15) 

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 

We are… 

Hard pressed on every side, but not crushed 

Perplexed, but not in despair 

Persecuted, but not abandoned 

Struck down, but not destroyed. 

We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 

For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body. 

Since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and therefore speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you to himself. 

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 

b. Unseen Glory: The Hope of the Ministers (4:16-18) 

Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 

c. Earthly Tent: Confidence in the Face of Death (5:1-10) 

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. 

While we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 

Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. 

We know if we are at home the body, then we are far from the Lord – for we live by faith, not by sight 

I would rather be with the Lord, than with my body, but whether we make our home in this body or away from it, our goal is to please God. 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

3. The Message of Reconciliation (5:11–6:10) 

a. Motivation: The Love of Christ (5:11-15) 

We try to persuade others because we know what it is to fear God 

God knows what we are – we hope you also know 

We are not trying to show off to you, but you ought to take pride in who we are in Christ rather than being proud of surface details 

If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God 

If we are in our right mind, it is for you. 

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 

And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 

b. Message: Be Reconciled to God (5:16–6:2) 

We all used to view Christ and other people from a worldly point of view – but no more! 

If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation – throw out the old, bring in the new! 

All of this is from God 

God gave us Christ who reconciled us to himself, so that he wouldn’t count our sins against us 

And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. 

We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 

As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. 

For he says, 

“In the time of my favor I heard you,

         and in the day of salvation I helped you.” 

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

c. Commendation: The Hardship of the Apostleship (6:3-10) 

We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.

Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: 

In great endurance 

In troubles 

In Hardships 

In Distresses 

In beatings 

In Imprisonments 

In Riots 

In hard work 

In sleepless nights 

In Hunger 

In purity 

In Understanding 

In Patience 

In Kindness 

In the Holy Spirit 

In sincere love 

In truthful speech 

In the power of God 

With weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left 

Through glory and dishonor 

Through bad report and good report 

Genuine, yet regarded as impostors 

Known, yet regarded as unknown 

Dying, and yet we live on 

Beaten, and yet not killed 

Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing 

Poor, yet making many rich 

Having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

4. Paul’s Appeal to the Corinthians (6:11–7:4) 

a. Mutual Affection Requested (6:11-13) 

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. 

We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. 

As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also. 

b. Equal Yoke (6:14–7:1) 

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. 

For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? 

Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 

What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? 

Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 

What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?

For we are the temple of the living God. 

As God has said: 

“I will live with them
      and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
      and they will be my people.” 

Therefore, 

“Come out from them
       and be separate,
           says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
       and I will receive you.” 

And, 

“I will be a Father to you,
       and you will be my sons and daughters,
            says the Lord Almighty.” 

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

c. Mutual Affection Repeated (7:2-4) 

Make room for us in your hearts. 

We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. 

I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. 

I have been frank with you, but I am proud of you. 

5. Meeting Titus in Macedonia (7:5-16) 

We had no rest and were constantly harassed when we came to Macedonia. 

Titus comforted us when he arrived, and he gave us great joy with his message of how you had repented and longed to see us again 

I no longer regret sending you my previous letter, even though it caused you great sorrow, because I can now see that your sorrow led you to repentance. 

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 

This godly sorrow has produced in you: 

Earnestness 

Eagerness to clear yourselves 

Indignation 

Alarm 

Longing 

Concern 

Readiness to see justice done. 

We had boasted about you to Titus, and when we heard his report about you, we were glad that you hadn’t embarrassed us 

III. Exhortation to Give: Collection for the Believers in Jerusalem (8:1–9:15) 

A. The Necessity for Generosity (8:1-15) 

1. The Example of the Macedonians (8:1-5) 

God has given much grace to the Macedonian churches 

Even in the midst of extreme trial and poverty, they have given beyond their ability 

They begged us to allow them to participate in giving to the service of the Lord’s people 

They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us 

2. The Exhortation to the Corinthians (8:6-15) 

We urged to Titus to encourage you to be like the Macedonians - to give generously in addition to having all those spiritual gifts you excel in 

I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. 

My judgment is that you should finish the gift that you started to put together last year 

An acceptable gift is one given willingly – it’s not about what you have or don’t have 

The goal here is equality – not that you provide for everyone else to your own hurt, but that everyone provides for everyone 

B. The Mission of Titus to Corinth (8:16–9:5) 

1. The Commendation of Titus (8:16-24) 

Titus was excited when we asked him to visit you again 

We’re sending with him two brother who is praised by all the churches 

These brothers were chosen by the churches to help us distribute the gifts of offerings among the churches 

Please show these church representatives the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you 

2. The Need for Readiness (9:1-5) 

I have boasted about your generous giving to the Macedonians 

So please be ready to give when these brothers come to visit you so that you won’t embarrass me 

I may bring some Macedonians with me when I visit, and I want them to see that you give generosity and not grudgingly 

C. The Results of Generosity (9:6-15) 

1. The Benefit to the Giver (9:6-11) 

Remember this: 

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly.

Whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 

2. The Praise to God (9:12-15) 

Others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 

The “Severe” Letter: Paul’s Defense of His Apostolic Authority (10:1–13:14)

I. Polemics: Affirmation of Apostolic Authority (10:1–13:10) 

A. In Spite of an Unimpressive Appearance (10:1-11) 

I appeal to you by the humility and gentleness of Christ 

You claim that I’m timid when present but bold when far away 

My hope is that I won’t have to be as “bold” with you when I come to visit as I expect to be 

We live in the world, but we don’t fight the way the world fights 

The world has the power to demolish strongholds, but we have the power to demolish arguments and ignorance, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ 

We are ready to punish disobedience 

You are judging by appearances. 

If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do. 

So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it. 

I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. 

For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.” 

Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present. 

B. Invasion of False Apostles into Paul’s Territory (10:12-18) 

We do not classify or compare ourselves with those who foolishly compare themselves with themselves and measure themselves by themselves. 

We will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. 

We’re not going too far when we boast about you, because we worked with you 

We’re not going too far when we boast about the work of others either 

We hope that as your faith grows we can spread to the regions beyond you 

We don’t want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory 

All boasting should be in the Lord 

People can’t approve of themselves, only God can. 

C. Vindication of Authenticity of Paul’s Apostleship (11:1–12:13) 

1. Justification of Paul’s Labors in Corinth (11:1-15) 

Please put up with my foolishness 

I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy 

I promised you to Christ as a virgin bride 

But I’m afraid you’ve more like an Eve than a bride, being tricked away from your God by a clever snake 

You seem to easily put up with anybody who comes along preaching a different gospel than the one we presented to you 

I don’t think I’m in any way inferior to these “super-apostles” 

I may not be a trained speaker, but at least I have knowledge! 

Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? 

I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you! 

I was never a burden to you when I was with because the Macedonians supplied me with everything I needed! 

I will never allow myself to be a burden to you! I love you too much! 

I will continue to cut the ground out from under those who think they are equal to us in the things they boats about! 

For such people are: 

False apostles 

Deceitful workers 

Masquerading as apostles of Christ. 

Just like their master Satan, they masquerade as angels of light 

But their end will be what their actions deserve. 

2. The Bragging Rights of a True Apostle (11:16–12:10) 

a. Boasting about Paul’s Sufferings (11:16-33) 

Don’t take me for a fool, but if you do, listen to me the way you listen to fools 

I’m about to do a little boasting – but this is not how the Lord talks, but how a fool talks 

Since so many are boasting as the world boasts, let me give it a shot 

You think you’re being wise when you put up with these fools 

But to your credit, you also put up with anyone who enslaves you, cheats you, or slaps you in the face 

So all that stuff everybody’s boasting about – I can out-boast them all! 

I am more Hebrew than they are 

I am more Israelite than they are 

I am more Abraham’s descendant than they are 

I am more servant of Christ than they are

I have… 

Worked much harder 

Been in prison more frequently 

Been flogged more severely 

Been exposed to death again and again 

Received from the Jews five times the forty lashes minus one 

Been beaten with rods three times 

Been pelted with stones once 

Been shipwrecked three times 

Spent a night and a day in the open sea 

Been constantly on the move 

Been in danger from rivers 

Been in danger from bandits 

Been in danger from my fellow Jews 

Been in danger from Gentiles 

Been in danger in the city 

Been in danger in the country 

Been in danger at sea 

Been in danger from false believers 

Labored and toiled 

Often gone without sleep 

Known hunger and thirst 

Often gone without food 

Been cold and naked. 

Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 

Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? 

Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? 

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 

In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. 

But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.

b. Boasting about Paul’s Revelations (12:1-6) 

Even though this is stupid, let me now boast about my visions and revelations from the Lord 

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. 

Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 

He was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. 

I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 

Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. 

But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. 

c. Boasting about Paul’s Weaknesses (12:7-10) 

Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 

Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in… 

Weaknesses 

Insults 

Hardships 

Persecutions 

Difficulties 

For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

d. Summary: The Proof of a True Apostle (12:11-13) 

I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. 

You ought to have commended me, for even though I am nothing, I am no less than these “super-apostles.” 

I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles. 

How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

D. The Planned Third Visit (12:14–13:10) 

1. Promise not to be a Burden (12:14-18) 

Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. 

After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 

So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. 

If I love you more, will you love me less? 

Be that as it may, I have not been a burden to you. 

Yet, crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery! 

Did I exploit you through any of the men I sent to you? 

I urged Titus to go to you and I sent our brother with him.

Titus did not exploit you, did he? 

Did we not walk in the same footsteps by the same Spirit? 

2. Fears about the Unrepentant (12:19-21) 

Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? 

We have been speaking in the sight of God as those in Christ 

And everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. 

For I am afraid that… 

When I come I may not find you as I want you to be 

You may not find me as you want me to be. 

There may be… 

Discord 

Jealousy 

Fits of rage 

Selfish ambition 

Slander 

Gossip 

Arrogance 

Disorder 

When I come again my God will humble me before you 

I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the… 

Impurity 

Sexual sin 

Debauchery 

3. Warning of Discipline from Paul (13:1-4) 

This will be my third visit to you. 

I gave you my warning the second time I visited you 

Now I will warn you again while I am away that I will not spare anyone who has sinned 

I do this because you demand proof that Christ is speaking through me 

Christ… 

Is not weak in dealing with you 

Is powerful among you. 

Was crucified in weakness 

Lives by God’s power. 

Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God’s power we will live with him in our dealing with you. 

4. Expectation of Self-Examination (13:5-10) 

Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith 

You should realize that Jesus Christ lives in you… unless of course you fail the test 

You will discover that we have passed the test 

We pray that you don’t mess up – not so that people will think we’re so good, but for your own benefit in spite of what anyone thinks of us 

Why do I write these things to you? 

Because we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 

Because We are glad whenever we are weak but you are strong 

Because our prayer is that you may be fully restored. 

So that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority 

Because God gave me authority over you to build you up, not tear you down.

II. Final Exhortation and Greetings (13:11-14) 

Finally… 

Rejoice! 

Strive for full restoration 

Encourage one another 

Be of one mind

Live in peace

The God of love and peace will be with you. 

Greet one another with a holy kiss. 

All God’s people here send their greetings. 

May these be with you all: 

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ 

The love of God 

The fellowship of the Holy Spirit 

Lecture Seven: Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians

Context of 1st Corinthians

Author:

Paul 

Date:

Early 50s A.D.

Place of composition:

Ephesus 

Audience:

Members of the newly established church at Corinth, Greece.

Video Summary of 1st Corinthians:

Structure of 1st Corinthians

I. Salutation (1:1-9)

A. Greetings (1:1-3) 

B. Thanksgiving (1:4-9) 

II. Divisions in the Church (1:10–4:21) 

A. The Fact of Divisions (1:10-17) 

B. The Causes of Division (1:18–4:13) 

C. The Cure for Divisions (4:14-21) 

III. Disorders in the Church (5:1–6:20) 

A. Failure to Discipline an Immoral Brother (5:1-13) 

B. Failure to Resolve Personal Disputes (6:1-11) 

C. Failure to Exercise Sexual Purity (6:12-21) 

IV. Difficulties in the Church (7:1–14:40) 

A. Concerning Marriage (7:1-40) 

B. Concerning Christian Liberty (8:1–11:1) 

C. Concerning Worship (11:2–14:40 

V. Doctrinal Correction of the Church Regarding the Resurrection (15:1-58) 

A. The Evidence for Christ’s Resurrection (15:1-11) 

B. The Necessity of Christ’s Resurrection (15:12-28) 

C. The Proof of Believers’ Resurrection (15:29-34) 

D. The Nature of the Resurrection Body (15:35-49) 

E. The Assurance of Resurrection (15:50-58) 

VI. Conclusion (16:1-24) 

A. About the Collection (16:1-11) 

B. News about Apollos (16:12) 

C. Final Exhortations (16:13-18) 

D. Final Greetings (16:19-24)

Themes of 1st Corinthians

Basically 1 Corinthians deals with abuses of liberty (just as Galatians deals with the stifling of the Spirit because of legalism). 

The correction Paul gives is not to question their salvation, but to challenge them in their sanctification. 

Although the apostle is dealing with several different issues, the general theme of the epistle is “the practical implications of progressive sanctification in the context of the Christian community.” 

Main themes of the letter: 

Avoiding competitiveness and cultivating divine wisdom 

The limits of Christian freedom 

Lawsuits among Christians 

Marriage, divorce, and celibacy 

Freedom of conscience

The Lord’s Supper 

Gifts of the Spirit 

The Hymn to Love (Agape) 

Speaking in tongues (glossolalia) 

The resurrection of the dead 

I. Salutation (1:1-9) 

A. Greetings (1:1-3) 

Claims to be written by the Apostle Paul and a man named Sosthenes whom Paul calls his brother in Christ 

Letter is addressed to: 

The church of God in Corinth 

Those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people 

All those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ 

Blessing of grace and peace given to all 

B. Thanksgiving (1:4-9) 

I always thank God for you because… 

You have been given God’s grace in Christ 

You have been enriched in Christ in every way 

With all kinds of speech 
With all knowledge 

Our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you 

You do not lack any spiritual gift 

You wait eagerly for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed 

Christ will… 

Keep you firm to the end 

Keep you blameless on the Day of the Lord 

God… 

Is faithful 

Has called you into fellowship with His Son 

II. Divisions in the Church (1:10–4:21) 

A. The Fact of Divisions (1:10-17) 

I appeal to you in Christ’s name… 

That all of you agree with one another in what you say 

That there be no divisions among you 

That you be perfectly united in mind and thought 

“Some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.” 

Different groups of you are saying… 

“I follow Paul” 

“I follow Apollos” 

“I follow Cephas” (Peter) 

“I follow Christ.” 

Paul’s questions for the Corinthians: 

Is Christ divided? 

Was Paul crucified for you? 

Were you baptized in the name of Paul? 

Paul is grateful that he only baptized a few of the Corinthians (including a few he admits he can’t remember) so that more of them won’t claim to be baptized in Paul’s name 

For Christ… 

Didn’t send Paul to baptize 

Sent Paul to preach the Gospel 

Paul claims not to be… 

Wise 

Eloquent 

Why does Paul avoid this kind of preaching? 

So that the cross of Christ will not be emptied of its power

B. The Causes of Division (1:18–4:13) 

1. Faulty View of the Christian Message (1:18–3:4) 

a. False Wisdom Vs. the Gospel of Christ (1:18–2:5) 

1) The Foolishness of the Cross to Gentiles (1:18-31) 

The message of the cross… 

Is foolishness to those who are perishing 
Is the power of God to those of us being saved 

For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
         the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

Paul sets up his argument with some questions:

Where is the wise person?
Where is the teacher of the law?
Where is the philosopher of this age?
Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

For in God’s wisdom… 

The world through its own wisdom didn’t know God 
God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe

What do different groups look for? 

Jews demand signs 
Greeks look for wisdom 
We preach Christ crucified 

Christ is… 

A stumbling block to Jews 
Foolishness to Gentiles 
The power and wisdom of God to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks 

The foolishness of God… 

Is wiser than human wisdom 

The weakness of God… 

Is stronger than human strength 

Think of what you were when you were called… 

Not many of you were wise by human standards 
Not many were influential 
Not many were of noble birth 

God chose… 

The foolish things of the world to shame the wise 
The weak things of the world to shame the strong
The lowly things of this world to shame the high 
The despised things to shame the honored 
The things that are not to nullify the things that are 

Why? 

So that no one may boast before him 

Jesus has become our… 

Wisdom from God 
Righteousness 
Holiness 
Redemption

Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

2) The Centrality of the Cross to Paul’s Kerygma (2:1-5) 

This is the way I was when I came to you… 

Without eloquence 
Without human wisdom 
Proclaiming to you the testimony about God 

Paul’s resolution: 

To know nothing while he was with them but the crucified Christ 
To come in weakness, one afraid and trembling 
Not to preach with wise and persuasive words 
To demonstrate the Spirit’s power 

Why? 

“So that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.”

b. True Wisdom and the Spirit of God (2:6–3:4) 

1) The Maturity of the Spiritual Man (2:6-16) 

The message of wisdom that we speak to the mature is… 

Not of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing 
God’s wisdom 
A mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began 
Not understood by the rulers of this age 

How do we know this? 

They crucified the Lord of Glory 

However, as it is written: 

“What no eye has seen,
       what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
       the things God has prepared for those who love him— 
These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.

The Spirit… 

Searches all things 
Searches the deep things of God 
Is the only one who knows the thoughts of God

What we have received… 

Is not the spirit of the world 
Is the Spirit who is from God 

Why? 

So that we may understand what God has freely given us 

We speak… 

Not in words taught us by human wisdom 
In words taught by the Spirit 
Explanations of spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words 

The person without the Spirit… 

Does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God 
Considers these things foolishness 
Cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit 

The person with the Spirit… 

Makes judgments about all things 
Is not subject to merely human judgments 

For who has ever known the mind of the Lord? 

Yet we have the mind of Christ

2) The Immaturity of the Carnal Man (3:1-4) 

Paul addresses the Corinthians… 

Not as people who live by the Spirit 
As people who are still worldly 
As infants in Christ... 
...Drinking milk 
...Not ready for solid food 

How do I know you are still worldly? 

There is jealousy and quarreling among you 
One says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos.”

2. Faulty View of Christian Ministry and Ministers (3:5–4:5) 

a. Analogy One: Farmers and the Field (3:6-9) 

Paul and Apollos are only servants delivering the Gospel, just like every one else whom God has called. 

Paul planted the seed 
Apollos watered it 
But God has been making it grow 
The one who plants = nothing 
The one who waters = nothing 
The who makes things grow = everything 
The planter and the waterer = laborers who will be rewarded 
The field = God’s Church 

b. Analogy Two: Builders and the Temple (3:10-17) 

1) The Builders (3:10-15) 

God’s Temple = The Church 
The foundation layer = Paul 
The one building on the foundation = Apollos 
The foundation = Jesus Christ 
Builders who build with gold, silver and costly stones = true teachers of Christ 
Builders who build with wood, hay and straw = false teachers 
The Temple burning = God’s purifying fire 
What remains after the fire = the pure truth of God 
What is destroyed in the fire = false teachings 
The builders whose work survives the fire = the true Apostles 
The builders whose work burns = false teachers who barely escape the flames themselves

2) The Temple (3:16-17) 

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwell in your midst? 

If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. 

c. Warning about Self-Deception regarding the Ministers (3:18-23) 

With the wisdom of this world… 

You are better off becoming a fool if you think you’re wise 
You are foolish in God’s sight if you think you’re wise 

As it is written: 

“He catches the wise in their craftiness” 
“The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” 

No more boasting about human leaders… because all these things are yours: 

Paul 
Apollos 
Cephas (Peter) 
The world 
Life 
Death 
The present 
The future 

You are… 

Of Christ 

Christ is… 

Of God 

d. Paul’s Reflections on his own Ministry (4:1-5) 

This is how you ought to regard us: 

As servants of Christ 
As those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed 

On the issue of judgment: 

Those who have been given a trust must prove faithful 
Paul doesn’t care if he is judged by the Corinthians or by some court 
Paul doesn’t even judge himself 
His conscience is clear, but he knows that this does not prove innocence 
God is Paul’s judge 
Those who want to judge others should wait until the Lord comes 
God is the only one who knows the motives of the heart
God’s praise is the only praise that matters 

3. Faulty View of the Christian’s Blessings (4:6-13) 

Paul says that he made these analogies about himself and Apollos in order to teach the Corinthians… 

To not go beyond what is written 
To not be puffed up in being a follower of one over against the other 
To teach them that they are no better than anyone else 
To remind them that they earned nothing, but received everything 
To get them to stop boasting about how well off they are 

Paul sarcastically proclaims how he wishes he were as well off as the Corinthians 

He compares himself and the others apostles to prisoners of war paraded through the streets and made to fight as gladiators in the arena. 

Paul sarcastically describes the life of the apostle in comparison with the “strength” and “wisdom” and “honor” of the Corinthians: 

We are fools for Christ! 
We are weak! 
We are dishonored! 
We go hungry and thirsty 
We are in rags 
We are brutally treated 
We are homeless 
We work hard with our own hands 
When we are cursed, we bless 
When we are persecuted, we endure it 
When we are slandered, we answer kindly 
We have become the scum of the earth 
We are the garbage of the world

C. The Cure for Divisions (4:14-21) 

1. Imitation of Paul (4:14-17) 

I am writing to you… 

Not to shame you 

To warn you as my dear children 

Paul says to them that he is like a father to them in spite of the “ten thousand guardians in Christ” they may already have. 

Paul urges them to imitate him. 

Paul says he is sending Timothy to them to remind them of the way of life in Christ. 

2. Rebuke of Arrogance (4:18-21) 

Some of the Corinthians have become arrogant and have declared that Paul will never return 

But Paul says that will return very soon if Christ allows it, and that when he comes he will find out who these “talkers” are and whether or not they have any real power. 

He declares that the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 

He asks them if they would prefer him to come with a rod of discipline or with love and a gentle spirit.

III. Disorders in the Church (5:1–6:20) 

A. Failure to Discipline an Immoral Brother (5:1-13) 

Paul responds to a report that a member of the church is sleeping with his father’s wife 

Paul is angry that the Corinthians are proud of this, pointing out that even pagans know better. 

Paul says that they should have gone into mourning and kicked this guy out of the church. 

Paul says that even though he is absent physically, his spirit is present with them and has already condemned this man in the name of Jesus. 

He says that while he is with them in spirit, they ought to assemble and hand this man over to Satan in the hopes that he will realize the destructiveness of his acts, and will be saved himself from destruction on the Day of the Lord. 

Paul tells them that their boasting is not good, and he compares it to yeast which spreads throughout the dough. 

He tells them to get rid of the old yeast in order to become a new unleavened batch. 

Paul points to the Passover Lamb which represents the new life in Christ, and how as part of the Passover ceremony the Jews removed yeast from their homes. 

Paul says the Corinthians should do the same thing with wickedness that the Jews did with yeast – throw it out, and make something new. 

Paul also clarifies that when he says they should avoid sexually immoral people, he is not talking about unbelievers, but only those who claim to be a brother or sister, yet are sexually immoral, greedy, idolaters, slanderers, drunkards, or swindlers. 

He says to not even eat with believers who act like this, while at the same time affirming interaction with nonbelievers who do the same things. 

Paul says that it’s none of his business to judge people outside the church, but that they ought to judge those within. 

It seems that the Corinthians want to judge the world, which is God’s job, but that can’t even correctly judge one of their own members – the one they ought to have expelled. 

B. Failure to Resolve Personal Disputes (6:1-11) 

Paul asks why the Corinthians would even consider having their disputes resolved by a non-believer. 

Believers… 

Will be appointed by God to judge the world 

Should be competent enough to judge trivial cases 

Will judge the angels 

Paul is embarrassed that the Corinthians have gone to unbelievers to resolve fights between believers, and in doing so have made a mockery of the church. 

Paul points out that the very fact that they are suing each other in the first place shows that they are already defeated. 

He says that it’s better to be wronged and cheated than to cheat and do wrong. 

Paul says these types of people will not inherit God’s Kingdom: 

Fornicators 

Idolaters 

Adulterers

Molekos

Arsenokoitēs

Thieves
The greedy 

Drunkards 

Revilers 

Robbers 

He concludes his point by saying that these were the types of people the Corinthians once were before Christ through the Spirit: 

Washed them 

Sanctified them 

Justified them 

Paul on Homosexuality

Paul tells his readers that fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, malakos, arsenokoitēs, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, robbers will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Interpretation of this passage’s stance on homosexual activity hinges on the translation of the two Greek words that are transliterated above – malakos and arsenokoitēs. The NRSV translates these words respectively as male prostitutes and sodomites. The NIV has male prostitutes and homosexual offenders.

Malakos, the first of those words, the word that is translated in both the NRSV and the NIV as male prostitutes has a basic meaning of soft or delicate. More metaphorically it can mean effeminate, weak, sickly, cowardly, fond of luxury, lazy, lacking in self-control. A man known for willingly taking the passive role in homosexual activity might be labeled malakos.

On the other hand, a man known for indulging excessively in heterosexual activity might be labeled malakos because he couldn’t control his passions. He didn’t have self-control. He was weak. In the ancient Greek mind, “weak like a woman.” He was molekos. He was a sissy. …so maybe for the Greeks, David wouldn’t have been such a macho man.

Arsenokoitēs occurs for the first time in extant Greek literature in 1st Corinthians. We don’t know whether the word existed before Paul wrote 1st Corinthians or not. It may have occurred in numerous texts that are now lost. It may have existed in conversational vernacular. It may be that Paul coined the term – made it up. We have no way of really being sure.

It seems likely that the roots of the term lie in Leviticus 18:22 as it’s rendered in the Septuagint – the Greek translation of the Old Testament. In Leviticus 18:22, the Septuagint reads in part Kai meta arsenos koimathasa koitan guinaikos. A literal translation would run something like “and with a male you shall not lie as the lying of a woman.” A more enigmatic translation “ You shall not lie with a male as you would with a woman.” Clearly Leviticus 18:22 condemns homosexual activity. The terms vital to the discussion today are arsenos and koimathasa and koitan.

Arsenos, a form of arsen, means male or man.

Koimathasa is a form of the verb koimaomai, which means to sleep, or metaphorically, to have sex.

Koitan, a form of koita, means bed, metaphorically marital relationship or sex.

It appears that Paul or another Hellenistic Jew combined the words arsen and koita to form the words arsenokoitēs, meaning one who has sex with a male. Since the statements in Lev 18:19-23 seem to be directed toward men, arsenokoitēs likely refers to men who have sex with a male.

By using malakos and arsenokoitēs together Paul seems to condemn both the active partner and the willing passive partner in male homosexual activity. I think it may be important to point out the distinction between a willing passive partner and an unwilling passive partner. I don’t think Paul would say to a person who has been homosexually raped “by this abomination you have been defiled.” He’s speaking to people who willingly become malakos or soft, who assume that role which his culture sees as the role of a woman, which is associated with weakness, softness, penetrability, and would be described as the role of the malakos. So in using these two words together I think Paul condemns both the active partner and the willing passive partner in the male homosexual relationship.

In 1 cor 6:9-10 Paul lists several types of sinners who he says will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Then in verse 11 he says “and this is what some of you used to be, but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” He reminds them that some of them were the sorts of wrong-doers on the list, and urges them to live transformed lives in Christ.

So Paul numbers homosexual activity among the sins from which Jesus Christ can free a person.

C. Failure to Exercise Sexual Purity (6:12-21) 

Dispute on freedom 

Corinthians: I have the right to do anything. 

Paul: But not everything is beneficial. 

Corinthians: I have the right to do anything 

Paul: But I will not be mastered by anything. 

Corinthians: Food for the stomach and the stomach for food, and God will destroy them both. 

Paul: The body is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 

By God’s power… 

Christ was raised from the dead 

We will also be raised 

Your bodies… 

Are members of Christ himself 

Should never be united with a prostitute 

Why? 

He who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body 

It is said, “The two will become one flesh.” 

But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit 

Why should you flee from sexual immorality? 

All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually sins against their own body. 

Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God 

You are not your own; you were bought at a price. 

Therefore honor God with your bodies. 

IV. Difficulties in the Church (7:1–14:40) 

A. Concerning Marriage (7:1-40) 

1. Conjugal Duties and Celibacy (7:1-9) 

The Corinthians had written to Paul with questions about sex and marriage, and they had concluded that it was good for men and women not to have sex. 

Paul agrees but he points out that they are having sex anyway, so he concedes that married couple ought to have sex to avoid being tempted. 

He says it is the duty of both the husband and the wife to offer themselves sexually to each other because their bodies belong to each other and not just to themselves. 

He says that they should not deprive each other of sex unless it is to set aside time to pray to the Lord, and even then, this should not be for a lengthy period. 

Paul tells them that this is just a suggestion; he is not giving them a command from God. 

He also says that he wishes that everyone was capable of celibacy like he was. 

To the widows and widowers, Paul says it is better not to get remarried, but that should go ahead and get remarried if they are unable to control themselves. 

2. Divorce (7:10-24) 

a. Between Believers (7:10-11) 

On the topic of divorce, Paul states that this is not just a suggestion, but a command from the Lord: 

A wife must not separate from her husband 
If she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband 
A husband must not divorce his wife 

b. Between Believer and Unbeliever (7:12-16) 

Paul then gives his own opinion on divorce: 

If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her 
If a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him 
The unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife 
The unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband 
Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy 
But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so – The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances 

God has called us to live in peace 

How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? 
Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? 

c. The Principle of Satisfaction with God’s Sovereignty (7:17-24) 

This is the rule I lay down in all the churches: 

Each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. 
Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. 
Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised.
...Circumcision is nothing
...Uncircumcision is nothing.
...Keeping God’s commands is what counts. 
Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 
For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person 
Similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 
...You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.

3. Marriage and Ministry (7:25-40) 

On the topic of virgins, Paul gives his opinion, stating that this is not a command from the Lord: 

Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. 

Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. 

Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. 

But if you do marry, you have not sinned 

And if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. 

But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this. 

Paul explains his reasoning: 

The time is short. 

From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not 

Those who mourn, should live as if they did not 

Those who are happy, should live as if they were not 

Those who buy something, should live as if it were not theirs to keep 

Those who use the things of the world, should live as if not engrossed in them 

For this world in its present form is passing away. 

I would like you to be free from concern. 

An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. 

But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—and his interests are divided. 

An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. 

But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 

I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord. 

Paul says that if a man is engaged to a virgin, and he feels as though he is not honoring her virginity, then he ought to marry her, and he shouldn’t feel bad about this because he is not sinning. 

But Paul also says that if a man is engaged to a virgin and has decided that he doesn’t want to get married, and he had control over his passions, he is right not to marry her.

So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better. 

Paul says a woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. 

But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord 

Paul says that in his judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is 

Paul also points out that even though this is just his own opinion, he is after all a man whose words are influenced by the Spirit of God. 

Paul on Heterosexuality

In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul advocates marriage ‘for the purpose of avoiding sexual immorality,’ not ‘for the purpose of procreation.’

For Paul, sexual intercourse need not be procreative, ‘it had real value as a release for sexual desire.’ 

B. Concerning Christian Liberty (8:1–11:1) 

1. Eating Meat Offered to Idols (8:1-13) 

a. Knowledge Vs. Love (8:1-3) 

We know that “We all possess knowledge.” 

But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. 

Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. 

But whoever loves God is known by God 

b. Knowledge about Idols (8:4-6) 

We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” 

We know that “There is no God but one.” 

Even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth… 

Yet for us there is but one God, the Father 
...He created all things 
...We live for him 

And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ 
...He created all things 
...We live through him 

c. Love for Weaker Brothers (8:7-13) 

Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat sacrificial food they think of it as having been sacrificed to a god 

But food does not bring us near to God

Be careful that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 

If someone with a weak conscience sees you, with all your knowledge, eating in an idol’s temple, won’t that person be emboldened to eat what is sacrificed to idols? 

So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 

When you sin against them in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 

Paul declares that if what he eats causes his brother or sister to fall into sin, he will never eat meat again, so that he will not cause them to fall. 

2. Paul’s Personal Example: Restricting his Rights (9:1-27) 

a. The Rights of an Apostle Defended (9:1-14) 

The evidence of Paul’s apostleship: 

Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? 
Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? 
Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! 
You are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 

Paul’s defense: 

Don’t we have the right to food and drink? 
Don’t we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas (Peter)? 
Or is it only I and Barnabas who lack the right to not work for a living? 

Examples to be applied from everyday life: 

Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? 
Who plants a vineyard and does not eat its grapes? 
Who tends a flock and does not drink the milk? 

Examples to be applied from the Law of Moses: 

“Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” 
Is it about oxen that God is concerned? 
Surely this was written for us, because whoever plows and threshes should be able to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. 

If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? 

If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? 

But we did not use this right 

We put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 

Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 

In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

b. The Reason for Restricting Paul’s own Rights (9:15-27) 

I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast. 

For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. 

Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 

If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 

What then is my reward? 

Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel. 

Paul’s Use of His Freedom 

Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 
To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 
To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 
To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. 
I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 
I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 

The Need for Self-Discipline 

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? 
Run in such a way as to get the prize. 
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. 
They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 
Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly 
I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 
No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 

3. Israel’s Failure as an Example to Believers (10:1-13) 

a. God’s Discipline Resulted in their Death (10:1-10) 

Our ancestors were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 

They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. 

Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. 

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 

Do not be idolaters, as some of them were 

As it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” 

We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 

We should not test Christ, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 

And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. 

b. Application to Christians (10:11-13) 

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. 

And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.

But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

4. Eating Meat in Pagan Temples (10:14-22) 

My dear friends, flee from idolatry. 

I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. 

Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? 

And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? 

Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf. 

Consider the people of Israel: 

Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? 

Do I mean then that food sacrificed to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? 

No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. 

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. 

Are we trying to arouse the Lord’s jealousy? 

Are we stronger than he? 

5. The Principles Applied (10:23–11:1) 

Another dispute on freedom: 

Corinthians: I have the right to do anything. 

Paul: But not everything is beneficial. 

Corinthians: I have the right to do anything. 

Paul: But not everything is constructive. 

Paul tells them that no one should seek their own good, but instead should seek the good of others. 

Further instructions: 

Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience 

For, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” 

If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. 

But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. 

I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. 
For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? 
If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for? 

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—even as I try to please everyone in every way. 

For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. 

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 

C. Concerning Worship (11:2–14:40) 

1. Diversity in Worship Roles between the Sexes (11:2-16) 

a. Theological Argument (11:2-10) 

The head of every man is Christ 

The head of the woman is man 

The head of Christ is God. 

Every man who prays or prophesies with his head covered (with hair) dishonors his head. 

Every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head 

It is the same as having her head shaved. 

For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off 

But if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head. 

A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God 

But woman is the glory of man. 

For man did not come from woman, but woman from man 

Neither was man created for woman, but woman for man. 

It is for this reason that a woman ought to have authority over her own head, because of the angels. 

b. Cultural Argument (11:11-15) 

In the Lord woman is not independent of man, nor is man independent of woman. 

For as woman came from man, so also man is born of woman. 

But everything comes from God. 

Judge for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered? 

Does not the very nature of things teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a disgrace to him, but that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.

c. Summary (11:16) 

If anyone wants to be contentious about this, we have no other practice—nor do the churches of God. 

Huh? 

Paul is emphasizing the need for respect in worship services, but he is doing so by providing specific cultural examples for the Corinthians at the time. 

When Paul is talking about hair, he is saying that worshipers should avoid being flashy or shocking with their fashion styles, so as not to be a distraction to others during worship. 

Culturally, men in this time and place only wore their hair long if they were showing off, often in a sexual way. 

In the same way, women in this time and place were thought of as asking for sexual favors if they showed up to worship with their hair uncovered or with very short hair or a shaved head. 

Also, when Paul says that women should cover their heads when they worship because of the angels, he is referring to an obscure passage in Genesis that says that before the Great Flood, the sons of God looked upon the daughters of men and had sex with them. 

We don’t know if Paul is saying that being sexually provocative during worship is demonic, or if he is just referring to this passage as a literary device for his argument. 

Paul is also referring the Creation stories of Genesis 1-2 in this passage when he says that men and women are not independent of each other, but exist for the mutual benefit of each other, and to honor their Creator. 

2. Diversity in Worship Roles between the Classes (11:17-34) 

a. The Love Feast and Rich Vs. Poor (11:17-22) 

Paul is angry with the Corinthians because of the way the abuse the Lord’s Supper. 

First, he says that their meetings do more harm than good, because they are always fighting against each other. 

Second, he says that when they celebrate the Lord’s Supper, there is division among them, with some people going hungry and other people getting drunk. 

Paul asks: 

Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? 
Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? 
Did you really think I would praise you for this? 

b. The Lord’s Supper and Discipline from the Lord (11:23-32) 

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: 

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 
In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 
For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 

Paul says that whoever is disrespectful of this cup that they drink, is drinking judgment upon themselves. 

Paul says that before partaking in the sacred meal, they ought to examine themselves to see if there is anything offensive within them, and he says that the reason so many of them have gotten sick and why some have died is because they have dishonored God. 

Paul says that when they come under God’s judgment like this, they are being disciplined in order that ultimately they will not be condemned with the world. 

c. Summary (11:33-34) 

When you gather to eat, you should all eat together. 

Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment. 

And when I come I will give further directions. 

3. Diversity in Worship Roles because of Spiritual Gifts (12:1–14:40) 

a. The Necessity of Diversity of Gifts (12:1-31a) 

1) Transition: From Worship of Idols to Worship of Christ (12:1-3) 

When you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. 

Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 

2) Analogous Arguments for Diversity within Unity (12:4-26) 

a) Diversity in the Godhead, Diversity of Gifts (12:4-11) 

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 

There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 

There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 

To one there is given… 

A message of wisdom 
A message of knowledge 
Faith 
Gifts of healing 
Miraculous powers 
Prophecy 
Distinguishing between spirits 
Speaking in different kinds of tongues 
The interpretation of tongues. 

All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

b) Diversity of Body Parts, Diversity of Gifts (12:12-26) 

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 

For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 

Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 

And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 

If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? 

If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 

But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 

If they were all one part, where would the body be? 

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” 

And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 

On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable 

And the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. 

And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty 

While our presentable parts need no special treatment. 

But God has put the body together… 

Giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it 
So that there should be no division in the body 
That its parts should have equal concern for each other. 

If one part suffers, every part suffers with it 

If one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 

3) The Priority in the Gifts (12:27-31a) 

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 

And God has placed in the church… 

First: Apostles 
Second: Prophets 
Third: Teachers 
Fourth: Miracles 
Fifth: Gifts of healing 
Sixth: Gifts of helping 
Seventh: Gifts of guidance 
Eighth: Gifts of different kinds of tongues

Paul says that God didn’t give everyone the same gift, but that all should eagerly desire the greater gifts.

b. The Priority of Love over the Gifts (The Hymn to Agape) (12:31b–13:13) 

1) The Necessity of Love (12:31b–13:3) 

And yet I will show you the most excellent way. 

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 

2) The Character of Love (13:4-7) 

Love is… 

Patient 
Kind 
Does not envy 
Does not boast 
Is not proud
Not dishonoring of others 
Not self-seeking 
Not easily angered 
Not a record-keeper of wrongs 
Not delightful of evil 
A celebrator of the truth 
Always protecting 
Always trusting 
Always hoping 
Always persevering

3) The Permanence of Love (13:8-13) 

Love never fails. 

But where there are prophecies, they will cease 

Where there are tongues, they will be stilled 

Where there is knowledge, it will pass away 

For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. 

When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. 

Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 

And now these three remain: 

Faith 
Hope 
Love 

But the greatest of these is love. 

c. The Priority of Prophecy over Tongues (Glossolalia) (14:1-40) 

1) Edification (14:1-5) 

Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 

For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. 

Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 

But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 

Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 

I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. 

The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified. 

2) Intelligibility (14:6-19) 

Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 

Example from music: 

How will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 
If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 

Example from human languages: 

Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air 
There are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 
If I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. 

Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church. 

For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. 

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 

So what shall I do? 

I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind 
I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind 

Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying?

You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.

I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 

But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue. 

3) Christian Community (14:20-25) 

Stop thinking like children! 

In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. 

In the Law it is written: 

“With other tongues
       and through the lips of foreigners
I will speak to this people,
       but even then they will not listen to me,
        says the Lord.” 

Paul points out that tongues are used as a sign of judgment against unbelievers, and so naturally aren’t meant for believers.

However, prophecy was meant to be heard by believers. 

So Paul says, “If the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?” 

But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. 

So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!” 

4) Orderliness (14:26-40) 

Order of worship: 

When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. 
Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. 

Tongues in worship: 

If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. 
If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God. 

Prophecy in worship: 

Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. 
And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. 
For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged.
The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. 
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

Addressing some women who chatter during worship: 

Those women should remain silent in the churches. 
They should not be allowed to chatter, but must be in submission, as the law says. 
If these women want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home 
For it is disgraceful for any woman to be chattering in the church. 

Paul asks the Corinthians if they really believe that God’s word originated with them or that God only speaks to them. 

He says that anyone who thinks they are a prophet, will listen to this instruction, or else be ignored.

He tells them to be eager to prophesy, and to not forbid speaking in tongues, but adds that everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

V. Doctrinal Correction of the Church Regarding the Resurrection (15:1-58) 

A. The Evidence for Christ’s Resurrection (15:1-11) 

Paul wants to remind them of the Gospel he preached to them, saying that if they have lost this Gospel, then their belief was in vain. 

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: 

That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures 

That he was buried 

That he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures 

And that he appeared to Cephas (Peter) 

And then appeared to the Twelve 

After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time 

Most of whom are still living 
Some have fallen asleep 

Then he appeared to James 

Then he appeared to all the apostles 

And last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 

Paul’s understanding of his own apostleship: 

I am the least of the apostles 

I do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 

But by the grace of God I am what I am 

His grace to me was not without effect. 

I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Whether, then, it is I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

B. The Necessity of Christ’s Resurrection (15:12-28) 

1. Past Forgiveness (15:12-19) 

How can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? 

If you preach that Christ has been raised from the dead then you need a resurrection, or else Christ is still dead 

Without resurrection, our message is pointless 

Without resurrection, those who have died in Christ are lost forever 

If it’s only for this life that we have hope in Christ, then we are to be pitied above all people

2. Future Reign (15:20-28) 

Christ’s resurrection allegorized in Scripture: 

He is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 

For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 

Adam = death 

Christ = life 

But each part of the resurrection has its own turn: 

Christ, the firstfruits, is resurrected 

Then, when Christ comes, those who belong to him are resurrected 

Then the end will come when Christ… 

Destroys all dominion, authority and power 
Hands over the kingdom to God the Father 

Christ will reign over all his enemies 

Christ then destroys his last enemy, death itself 

Paul wants to clarify than when he says that everything will be put under Christ, this does not include God the Father, because God the Father gives Christ his authority 

And he says that after Christ has done all this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

C. The Proof of Believers’ Resurrection (15:29-34) 

If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? 

And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 

I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? 

If the dead are not raised, 

“Let us eat and drink,
       for tomorrow we die.”

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning 

For there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame

D. The Nature of the Resurrection Body (15:35-49) 

But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” 

What a stupid question! 

What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. 

When you sow, you do not plant the body that will be, but just a seed, perhaps of wheat or of something else. 

But God gives it a body as he has determined, and to each kind of seed he gives its own body 

Not all flesh is the same: 

People have one kind of flesh 

Animals have another 

Birds another

Fish another

There are heavenly bodies with one kind of splendor

There are earthly bodies with another kind of splendor

The sun has one kind of splendor

The moon another

The stars another

And star differs from star in splendor

So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. 

The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable

It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory

It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power

It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body

If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body

So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. 

The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. 

The first man was of the dust of the earth

The second man is of heaven.

As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth

And as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven

And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.

E. The Assurance of Resurrection (15:50-58) 

Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 

Listen, I tell you a mystery: 

We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. 

For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 

For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory?
        Where, O death, is your sting?” 

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 

But thanks be to God that he gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 

Therefore… 

Stand firm 

Let nothing move you 

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord 

Why? 

Because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

VI. Conclusion (16:1-24) 

A. About the Collection (16:1-11) 

1. Instructions on Giving (16:1-4) 

Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. 

On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made. 

Then, when I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem. 

If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me. 

2. The Travel Plans of Paul and Timothy (16:5-11) 

After I go through Macedonia, I will come to you 

Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. 

For I do not want to see you now and make only a passing visit; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. 

But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me. 

When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. 

Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me.

B. News about Apollos (16:12) 

I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. 

He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity. 

C. Final Exhortations (16:13-18) 

Be on your guard 

Stand firm in the faith 

Be courageous 

Be strong 

Do everything in love. 

Paul reminds them of how those from the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achiaia (a nearby town), and he tells them that they should submit to people like them – people devoted to serving the Lord’s people.

Paul says that these people were very refreshing to him in comparison with the Corinthians, and that they made up for what the Corinthians lacked.

Paul encourages the Corinthians to let their spirit be refreshed by them, just as his own spirit had been.

D. Final Greetings (16:19-24) 

The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. 

Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. 

All the brothers and sisters here send you greetings. 

Greet one another with a holy kiss. 

I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. 

If anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be cursed! Come, Lord! 

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 

My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen. 



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Sources

Stephen L. Harris. The New Testament: A Student's Introduction (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill: New York, NY, 2009.

Dr. J. Edward Ellis. Paul and Ancient Views of Sexual Desire: Paul’s Sexual Ethics in 1 Thessalonians 4, 1 Corinthians 7, and Romans 1. Bloomsbury T&T Clark, 2007.

Dr. J. Edward Ellis. On Homosexuality in the New Testament. (Lecture presented at Olivet Nazarene University, October 2011.)