I Corinthians The Church, Then and Now

I Corinthians The Church, Then and Now

Welcome to Session 2:

Overview & Salutation


Session 2 – Outline

Ancient Corinth: city, people, church and Paul

I Corinthians: purposes, outline, thesis

Salutation 1:1-9

How?

Discussion Groups Process:

1 Review questions, at least 2 people give their responses to each question.

2 Cover all questions in time (30 minutes).

3 Note differences in Bible versions that aid understanding.

4 Note any points remaining unclear after group review.

5 Confidentiality: maintain respect for group.

Ancient CorinthThe site of ancient Corinth was founded around 1,000 BC, and flourished as a major Greek city from the 8th century BC until its destruction by the Romans in 146 BC.

Its commanding position on the Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow strip of land that separates the Peloponnese from northern Greece, was the primary basis of its importance. Corinth controlled the diolkos (Greek for "haul across"), the 6th-century BC stone-paved

roadway that connected the Saronic Gulf with the Gulf of Corinth. This overland route was highly valuable in that it allowed passengers and cargo to avoid the difficult and time-consuming trip around the southern end of the Peloponnese.

Ancient Corinth

Being a leading naval power as well as a rich commercial city enabled ancient Corinth to establish colonies in Syracuse

Corinth was partially destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC, but in 44 BC it was rebuilt as a Roman city under Julius Caesar. Roman Corinth prospered more than ever before and may have had as many as 800,000 inhabitants by the time of Paul. It was the capital of Roman Greece, equally devoted to business and pleasure, and was mostly populated by freedmen from many nations, including Jews.

on the island of Sicily and on Corcyra (modern Corfu). As a port city, Corinth became famous for its vice. In fact, one ancient writer coined the term 'to Corinthianize', meaning to engage in immorality. It was also a center for all kinds of idol worship.

Ancient CorinthThe Apostle Paul visited Corinth in the 50s AD and later wrote two letters to the Christian community at Corinth (the books of 1 and 2 Corinthians in the New Testament). When Paul first visited the city

Gallio (Junius Annaeus Gallio) , d. AD 65?, Roman proconsul in Achaea; brother of the philosopher Seneca. His name was originally Lucius Annaeus Novatus. The "Gallio Inscription," discovered at Delphi, can be dated to c.AD 51. The Acts of the Apostles relates

(51 or 52 AD), Gallio, the brother of Seneca, was proconsul of Corinth.

that he refused judgment on a question of Jewish religious law when Paul was on trial before him, and later would not interfere between Sosthenes and his Greek assailants. Acts 18: 12-17.

Ancient Corinth

References to a temple of the Hebrews from ruins during the Roman era.

ERASTVS. PRO. AED. S. P. STRAVIT, which is an abbreviation of ERASTUS PRO AEDILITATE SUA PECUNIA STRAVIT. The inscription translates as "Erastus, in return for his aedileship, laid this pavement at his

own expense." The office of aedilis was the commissioner of public works and, for this reason, a high ranking public official belonging to the Roman ruling class in a city. Paul mentions an Erastus from Corinth in his Letter to the Romans (16:23) and identifies him as "the city treasurer”.

Ancient Corinth - Summary

Transportation hubSports

CommerceWealthIntellectDiversity

Many religions & idolsGross immorality without

boundariesHuge polyglot of humanity

Paul & Corinth After Acts 18

• A letter from Paul to Corinth (5:9) The Previous Letter (A)• Visitors from Chloe's household (1:11) Report of Church division• A letter from Corinth to Paul (7:1, etc.) Questions about conflicting

views• Paul sends Timothy to Corinth (4:17 - 16:10)• Visitors to Paul - Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus (16:17) Second

report of Church division• 1 Corinthians is written ~ AD 53 or 54 (B)• Paul visits Corinth briefly (2 C 2:1) - The Painful Visit• Corinthians expect Paul to return soon (2 C 1:15-16)• A third letter from Paul to Corinth (2 C 2:3) – The Severe Letter (C)• Titus sent to Corinth (2 C 7:6-14)• Titus brings good news to Paul in Macedonia (2 C 2:13; 7:7)• 2 Corinthians is written ~AD 55-56 (D)

I Corinthians

Purpose:To address disturbing news received

from church members

For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren,

by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

1:11 KJV

I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus:..

…For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: …

16: 17-18 KJV

I Corinthians

Purpose:To answer specific questions

Now concerningthe things whereof ye wrote unto me…

7:1 KJV

Men and women, marriage, celibacy 7:1-40

I Corinthians


Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

12: 1 KJVWisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles,

Divers Tongues, Interpretation 12:8-10

Apostles, Prophets, Teachers, Miracles, Healings, Helps, Governments, Diversities of Tongues

12: 28

I Corinthians


Now concerning

The collection for the saints 16:1 KJV

I Corinthians

Purpose:To deal with moral issues

by admonishing wrong-doers

not to company with fornicators, covetous, extortioners, idolaters… a railer, or drunkard…

5: 9-12 KJV

… unrighteous…: fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, abusers of themselves with mankind,

thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners, 6 :9-10 KJV

I Corinthians - Outline

1:1-9 Salutation

1:10-4:21 Division - Facts, Causes of, Cure for

5:1-6:20 Disorder - Discipline for an immoral brother

- Resolving personal disputes

- Sexual purity

7:1-14:40 Difficulties - Marriage- Christian Liberty- Worship

15:1-58 Doctrine of Resurrection

16 Closing

I Corinthians

Thesis Statement 1:27-29 KJV

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise;

and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen,

yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

that no flesh should glory in his presence.

I Corinthians

Summary

• Many problems• Common root cause, pride• Items individually addressed• Solution is for Godly love to be the fundamental principle that guides all actions in the church body

I Corinthians

Salutation 1:1-9

• Addressee – church of God in Corinth

- God’s holy people• Blessing - grace and peace from God• Author – Paul (with Sosthenes)• Thanksgiving for spiritual gifts given by God: eloquence and every kind of knowledge• Exhortation: Christ gives strength to

overcome sin, God will fulfill His Word


Q & A

• Introduction Session

• Lesson One: Overview & Salutation


Session Two – Basics - Chapter 13

To be readyprepare your written responses

for the Worksheet. Reference other Bible versions

to help your understanding.

Documents

I Corinthians The Church, Then and Now