the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians

INTRODUCTION liberty in things debatable, gathering around the

principle "that no man put a stumbling-block in his
by J. Sidlow Baxter
brother's way"; whereas in 1 Cor. 8 we find the same,
but only as related to one particular aspect, and applied
In our introduction to the nine Christian Church
reprovingly: "But when ye sin so against the brethren
Epistles we pointed out that they consist of a quartet, a
and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against
trio, and a pair. In the first four the emphasis is on
Christ."
Christ and the CROSS. In the middle three it is on
Of course, just as there is something solidly
Christ and the CHURCH. In the final two it is on
satisfying about the way things are doctrinally stated in
Christ and the COMING. And in each case the order in
Romans, there is something thrillingly stirring about
which truth is presented corresponds with the order of
the way they are related in Corinthians. All that we
the wording in 2 Timothy [Link] " ... doctrine, ...
stress here is that the distinction between the epistles
reproof, ... correction... "
should be usefully borne in mind all the while. In
Thus we find doctrine in Romans; reproof in
Romans evangelical truth is stated as doctrine to be
Corinthians; correction in Galatians. Reproof always
learned and received. In Corinthians it is rather seen as
has to do with wrong practice. Correction always has
truth already taught and departed from. In Romans we
to do with wrong doctrine. The Romans epistle sets
have the NORM; in Corinthians the SUB-NORM; in
the norm. The Corinthian epistles expose fault. The
Galatians the AB-NORM. We need only read this first
Galatian epistle counters error.
Corinthian epistle once to see that it is largely full of
Of course the distinction into "doctrine" and
reproof for practical errors in life and walk.
"reproof" and "correction" is characteristic, not
(Explore the Book; Vol. 6; pp. 93-95).
absolute. We agree that there is "doctrine" in all the
epistles, inasmuch as they all teach Christian truth. Yet
the distinction which we have mentioned is really there, INTRODUCTION by Willmington
and should be duly appreciated. For instance, in 1. The greatest human missionary of all times was
Romans one subject is developed thesis-like from the Apostle Paul. This ex-Pharisee, who had
beginning to end, whereas in Corinthians there is a once hated and hounded Christians, made three
variety of topics provoked by way of reproof or reply. great missionary trips, during which he
In Romans the doctrinal pronouncements are formal established dozens of local New Testament
and didactic (teaching); in Corinthians they are only churches. Thus the former vicious "wolf of the
incidental to the replies which Paul is writing to flock" became one of God's finest "sheep dogs."
requests and reports from Corinth. The Romans epistle 2. The fact is that the New Testament is made up
is dogmatic; the Corinthian epistles are apologetic basically of some letters Paul wrote to some of
(persuasive). these churches he started, and to their pastors.
For instance, in Rom. 3:27 we find it explained This list would contain:
doctrinally that all "boasting" is excluded from the a. the Epistle to Rome (Romans)
economy of salvation in Christ; whereas in 1 Cor. 1:29, b. the Epistle to Ephesus (Ephesians)
31 this reappears purely incidentally, but reprovingly, c. the Epistle to Colosse (Colossians)
to those who were "glorying in men." d. the Epistle to Philippi (Philippians)
Again, in Rom. 5:12-21 there is a notable passage e. the Epistle to Galatia (Galatians)
doctrinally deliberating the contrast between the first f. the two Epistles to Thessalonica
Adam and the new Adam (Christ). In ( 1 and 2 Thessalonians)
1 Cor. 15:21,22,45 the same contrast recurs but only g. the two Epistles to a pastor named Timothy
now as incidental to the great resurrection argument (1 and 2 Timothy)
and exhortation. h. the Epistle to a pastor named Titus (Titus)
Or again, in Rom. 14:1 - 15:7 we have a whole i. the two Epistles to Corinth
section given to a general discussion of Christian (1 and 2 Corinthians)
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 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
Here, then, we have an amazing fact: Out of the Background to the Founding
twenty-seven New Testament books, no less of the Church at Corinth
than twelve were written by Paul to his beloved 1. It was founded by Paul during his second
mission churches. missionary journey.
3. Paul would have had little time, it would seem, 2. Acts chapter 18 relates the "groundbreaking"
for those modern "Christian movements" which ceremonies.
bypass, downplay, and outright ignore the a. He leaves on his second trip with Silas
ministry and importance of local churches. (Acts 15:40).
4. Of all his church letters, Romans is no doubt the b. At Lystra they pick up Timothy (16:1).
most important but 1 Corinthians is probably c. At Troas Paul receives his Macedonian vision
second in importance. This is so because of its (16:9).
great section of the resurrection of Christ and d. At Philippi a woman named Lydia, a
the believer (1 Cor. 15), and, if for no other demon-possessed girl, and a Roman jailer are
reason, because of its sheer bulk, for all three saved (16:14-34).
1 Corinthians is by far the longest epistle written e. From Philippi Paul moves to Thessalonica
by Paul. (17:1).
5. There is almost no modern-day local church f. From there to Berea (17:10).
problem that is not covered in 1 Corinthians. g. From Berea to Athens (17:15).
The church was filled with theological and h. From Athens, finally to Corinth (18:1).
personal problems. 3. In Corinth Paul soon meets Aquila and Priscilla.
a. They had perverted the doctrine of Baptism 4. Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, is
(chapter 1). saved (18:8).
b. They were bragging about what little human 5. God comforts Paul in a vision (18:9).
wisdom they had (1). 6. Paul stays at least eighteen months in Corinth
c. They were carnal to the core (3:1). before departing (18:11).
d. They had deceived themselves (3:18). 7. The Corinthian church was then pastored by a
e. They had defiled their bodies (3:17). man called Apollos.
f. They were puffed up (4:18).
g. They were tolerating horrible immorality
Background of Paul's First Letter
(5:1).
h. They were suing each other in heathen courts to the Church at Corinth
(6:1). 1. During the summer of A.D. 53, Paul starts on his
i. They were confused about marriage (7:1). third missionary journey, apparently alone
j. They had abused the doctrine of Christian (Acts 18:23).
liberty (8:9). 2. He arrives at Ephesus and spends three years
k. They were not dressing properly in the house there (18:10).
of God (11:6). 3. While at Ephesus he is visited by a delegation
l. They had made a mockery of the Lord's from Corinth with news concerning the tragic
Supper (11:30). situation in their local church.
m. They had corrupted the gifts of the Spirit, 4. With a heavy heart, Paul sits down and writes
especially tongues (14). 1 Corinthians.
n. They were confused on the subject of the
resurrection (15).
o. They had let down on their offerings (16).
It has been said that if sins were horses, this
church could have filled many stables.
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 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
An Analysis of 1 Corinthians 3. To the end . . . in the day. A reference to
the rapture .
I. THE PRELIMINARIES Conclusion: Paul is writing to one of the
The greetings of Paul (1:1-10) most backslidden, carnal, confused, and
selfish churches on record. He thus could
A. Paul and Sosthenes send their regards.
This Sosthenes may have been the same one only predict their eventual salvation because
referred to in Acts 18:17. He was the chief ruler of God's eternal security, in spite of their
of the synagogue in Ephesus who instigated a pitiful condition.
riot against Paul. It backfired, however, and he G. "God is faithful" (1:9). A brief summary of
himself was beaten by some angry Greeks. This his faithfulness would include:
apparently led to his salvation. 1. He is faithful in defending his people.
"I have found David my servant; with my
B. Paul says (1:2), "with all that in every place
holy oil have I anointed him . . . my
call upon the name of Jesus."
faithfulness . . . shall be with him. The enemy
Thus, this epistle was written for all believers,
shall not exact upon him; nor the son of
as were his others (see 1 Thess. 5:27;
wickedness afflict him" (Ps. 89:20, 22, 24).
Col. 4:16).
2. He is faithful in times of temptation.
C. "The Lord Jesus Christ" (1:3). "There hath no temptation taken you, but
This great name is mentioned six times in such as is common to man; but God is
the first ten verses of the epistle doubtless faithful, who will not suffer you to be
because the church had not honored this grand tempted above that ye are able; but will with
title. Here is the reason why any local church the temptation also make a way of escape,
has difficulties. that ye may be able to bear it"
D. "Ye are enriched . . . in all utterance and ... (1 Cor. 10:13).
knowledge" (1:5). 3. He is faithful in keeping the Christian
The Corinthian believers knew the truth and saved.
could speak the truth. They simply were not "But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish
practicing the truth. you, and keep you from evil" (2 Thess. 3:3).
E. "Ye come behind in no gift." "I pray God your whole spirit and soul and
The Bible lists some eighteen gifts. The church body be preserved blameless unto the coming
at Corinth apparently had all of them. of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that
F. Verse 8 is one of the greatest "security of the calleth you, who will also do it"
believer" statements in the entire Bible. Note (1 Thess. 5:23, 24).
the wording: 4. He is faithful in chastening his children.
1. Confirm. "I know 0 Lord that thy judgments are right,
This means to establish and make absolutely and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted
secure. The same verb is used in me" (Ps. 119:75).
Romans 15:8, where Paul states that God "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth
confirmed in Christ the promises made in the and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth"
Old Testament. (Heb. 12:6).
2. Blameless. 5. He is faithful in forgiving confessed sin.
A legal term meaning "not called into court, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just
uncharged, unaccused." It does not mean to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from
sinless, but chargeless. (See also Col. 1:22; all unrighteousness" (1 Jn. 1:9).
1 Tim. 3:10.)
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 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
6. He is faithful in hearing our prayers. The phrase "perfectly joined together" in this
"Hear my prayer 0 Lord, give ear to my verse comes from one Greek word. That word
supplications; in thy faithfulness answer me" is katartizo. This word is used in three other
(Ps. 143:1). important New Testament passages:
Thus, their calling was through God, and 1. "Through faith we understand that the
since he is faithful, their salvation was sure. worlds were framed by the Word of God ...
We note with sadness that Paul says nothing " (Heb. 11:3).
about their present condition (as in letters to Here the word katartizo is translated
other churches), but only mentions their past "framed"
and future. 2. "Wherefore when he cometh into the world
H. "The fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ" he saith, sacrifice and offering thou
(1:9). wouldst not, but a body hast thou prepared
Christians the world over love to talk and write me" (Heb. 10:5).
and sing about this fellowship, and well they Here the word is translated "prepared."
should; but it should be kept in mind that 3. "And going on from thence, he saw ...
sometimes this fellowship involves suffering James ... and John his brother in a ship
also. As Paul writes: with Zebedee their father, mending their
"That I may know him, and the power of his nets" (Mt. 4:21).
resurrection, and the fellowship of his In this final passage the word is translated
sufferings, being made conformable unto his "mending "
death" (Phil. 3:10). The point of all the above is simply this:
Too often it would seem we want the first God is desirous that church believers be joined
without the second. But there can be no power together: As perfectly as the sun, moon, and
of the resurrection without the fellowship of his stars fit together (Heb. 11:3).
sufferings. As perfectly as God formed the body for Jesus
I. "No divisions among you" (1:10). to use (Heb. 10:5).
Greek scholar W. E. Vine lists four distinct As perfectly as a mended net is. Souls are not
steps which may lead downward from harmony saved in a church plagued with problems simply
to a tragic breakup in a Christian unity. These because the net is broken and they get away.
are:
1. Stasis - a strong disagreement, a dissension II. THE REPORT (1:11 - 6:20).
(see Acts 15:2; 23:7, 10). Paul replies to a report made about the church in
2. Dichostasia - a standing apart Corinth.
(see Gal. 5:20; Rom. 16:17).
A. They were following human leaders
3. Schisma - a severe rent, a tear
(see 1 Cor. 11:18; Jn. 7:43; 9:16; 10:19). (1:11-17).
Paul begins by naming his source of information
4. Hairesis - a mature and established
("For it has been declared unto me ... of Chloe."
separation (see Acts 5:17; 24:5, 14; 26:5;
See 1:11). All too often unsigned critical letters
2 Pet. 2:1; Titus 3:10).
are received by Christian leaders, finding fault
Here the third word is used by Paul,
with either the pastor or some other member in
schisma, thus suggesting the Corinthian church
the church. How many times has vicious gossip
was in danger of complete breakup.
from the mouths of nameless (and spineless)
J. "But that ye be perfectly joined together" church members led to the destruction of their
(1:10). own church!
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 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
In verses 12 through 17 Paul writes to just nobody as down-to-earth and practical
straighten out their first basic problem, that of as Peter."
baptism. How many churches have, since that 8. The Christite group.
time, been split right down the middle over the The fourth group could thereupon be
subject of baptism. Here the argument, pictured as looking down their long spiritual
however, was not over the mode or even the noses at the other three and piously saying,
purpose, but concerning the different men who "We are of Christ, and therefore look to no
had baptized some of these Corinthian believers. human preacher tolead us and feed us."
1. Paul "Was Paul crucified for you?" (1:13). We note
had baptized some of them, of course (but Paul hits his own fan club first! It is easy to
very few in reality), when he established the rebuke a group if they are wrong, especially if
church. that group is against you anyway, but it is
2. Apollos another thing to criticize sharply those who sing
later pastored the church and also baptized your praises the loudest. Paul was truly sold out
some. for Jesus!
3. Peter (Cephas) Dr. James Boyer writes the following
had apparently baptized a few, although we concerning [Link]
know nothing as to when or where this might "Verse 16 introduces an interesting
have taken place. Some believe it could have exception. Paul suddenly remembers that
happened at Pentecost. there was another whom he had baptized,
4. Christ is also mentioned in this list. Stephanas. From 16:15 and 17 we learn that
As with Peter, we have no knowledge Stephanas was among those who had just
whatsoever as to where, when, and indeed if arrived from Corinth and was probably
he ever did this. present at the time Paul was dictating this
At any rate, here is a local New Testament letter. It may well be that he prompted Paul,
church hopelessly divided into four groups, with reminding him of the fact that he had
each group claiming superiority over the other baptized him also, when Paul mentions the
three because of the man who had baptized others. Now, if Paul almost forgot
them! Stephanas it might have been that he forgot
5. The Paulite group. others also, so the Apostle Paul includes the
The "claim to fame" of the first group was possibility of others as having been baptized
this: "We are of Paul and therefore better by him. This does not argue against the
than you! Anyone knows Paul is a great doctrine of inspiration. Inspiration did not
doctrinal preacher, and that's the only kind to interfere with the personal style and
have." characteristics of the individual writers, nor
did inspiration produce omniscience.
6. The Apollosite group.
Inspiration guaranteed that what was
The second group would probably retort,
written was what the Lord wanted written."
"We are of Apollos, and anyone with any
(For a World Like Ours, p. 32)
sense at all will agree that Apollos is an
"For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach
eloquent preacher and can preach circles
the gospel" (1:17). This is probably the
around Paul any day "
strongest verse in the Bible refuting the doctrine
7. The Cephasite group. of baptismal regeneration (the unscriptural
The third group might then answer, "We are teaching which says one must be baptized to be
of Cephas, and you can brag about doctrine saved).
and eloquence all you want to, but there's 5
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
We would note here that Paul did not say that (2) present tense - 1 Corinthians 1:18
Christ had forbidden him to baptize, for the (sanctification)
apostle often did baptize his converts (3) future tense - Romans 5:9
(see Acts 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:5). What he is (glorification)
saying here is simply this: Water baptism is not a Dr. Harry Ironside was once asked by a
part of the gospel of Christ. Later in this same stranger if he was saved. The famous pastor
epistle, Paul defines the gospel: replied, "Yes, I have been, I am being, and I
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the shall be!"
gospel . . . how that Christ died for our sins 2. The results of God's plan.
according to the scriptures; and that he was a. To the Jew who required signs, it was a
buried, and that he rose again the third day stumbling block (1:22, 23. See also
according to the scriptures" Mt. 12:38; 16:1; Lk. 2:34).
(1 Cor. 15:1, 3, 4). Note: Israel had rejected God's plan in spite
This, then, by itself, is the gospel. of the fact that he had provided them with
certain signs. (See Jn. 3:2; 20:30;
B. They were favoring earthly wisdom
Acts 2:19, 43; 5:12.)
(1:18 - 2:13).
b. To the Greek, who required "wisdom"; it
Paul points out to them the stupidity of this, for
was senseless (1:22, 23; see also
God had long since rejected man's wisdom.
Acts 17:21, 32).
"For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of c. To all believers, who simply receive (and
the wise, and will bring to nothing the do not require) it is sanctification (1:30).
understanding of the prudent" (1:19). 3. The reasons for God's plan (29).
(See also Job 5:12; Isa. 29:14.) "But God hath chosen the foolish things of
Note: In 3:19 Paul writes, "He taketh the wise the world to confound the wise; and God
in their own craftiness." For three classic New hath chosen the weak things of the world to
Testament examples of just this very thing, see confound the things which are mighty; And
Matthew 21:23-27 (concerning the baptism of base things of the world, and things which
John); Matthew 22:15-22 (concerning the are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and
tribute to Caesar); and John 8:1-11 (concerning things which are not, to bring to nought
an adulterous woman). In his eternal wisdom, things that are: 'That no flesh should glory in
God chose instead the method of the cross to his presence."
save men. Thus, in manifesting his own glory, God
1. The reaction to God's plan. delighted in choosing:
a. "It is the program of a fool!" a. The foolish things of this world.
(The conclusion of the unsaved; see 1:18.) (1) a bleeding lamb in Exodus 12
b. "It is the power of God!" (2) a smitten rock in Exodus 17
(The conclusion of the saved. See 1:18.) (3) a brass snake in Numbers 21
Note: In the original it states that the b. The weak things of this world.
unbelievers are perishing and the believers (1) a rod to defeat the Egyptians in
are being saved. Both salvation and Exodus 4
damnation are put in the present tense. (2) a sling to defeat a mighty giant in
(See Jn. 3:18, 26 in regard to the unsaved.) 1 Samuel 17
Concerning the saved, the New Testament (3) a bone to defeat the Philistines in
describes their salvation in three tenses: Judges 15
(1) past tense - Romans 8:24
(justification) 6
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
c. The base things of this world. delivered a powerful and eloquent
(1) a harlot's son who became a mighty message, using philosophy, poetry, and
judge in Judges 11 history along with great scriptural truths.
(2) a heathen girl who became David's The sermon, however, produced little fruit.
great-grandmother in Ruth 4 Some (but not all) have therefore
(3) an immoral woman who became a concluded that the apostle here in
great soul-winner in John 4 1 Corinthians 2:1-4 is recording his
Note: Paul tactfully reminds the church that it determination to depend henceforth only
was a good thing God did not choose the and always upon the Holy Spirit and not to
intellect and prestige of the world. rely at all upon eloquence, philosophy, etc.
"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that Others have felt his condition as described
not many wise men after the flesh, not many in 2:3 was purely physical, perhaps due to
mighty, not many noble, are called" (1:26). nervous exhaustion. (See also 2 Cor. 7:5.)
The great John Wesley was often helped during b. That the message of the cross had been
his ministry by a noble lady of high English ordained before this world (2:8).
society named Lady Huntington. This gracious "Which none of the princes of this world
woman who gave so much of her time, talent, knew; for had they known it, they would
and treasure to Christ would often testify as not have crucified the Lord of glory."
follows: c. That the message of the cross is reserved
"I am only going to heaven through the letter for the heirs of this world (2:9-13).
M. How thankful I am that Paul did not say "But as it is written, eye hath not seen,
that not any noble are called, but rather not nor ear heard, neither have entered into
many noble are called. Therefore I am only the heart of man, the things which God
going to heaven through the letter M!" hath prepared for them that love him.
4. The review of God's plan (2:1-13). But God hath revealed them unto us by
In these verses Paul reviews his own journey his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all
to Corinth during the third missionary trip, at things, yea, the deep things of God"
which time he established the church there. (2:9, 10).
He reminds them: C. They were floundering in the flesh
a. That the message of the cross is not of the (2:14 - 3:7).
world (2:1-6). In those remarkable verses, Paul divides all men
"And I, brethren, when I came to you, into three spiritual categories. These are:
came not with excellency of speech or of 1. The corpse
wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony (the natural man, 2:14): psuchikos man.
of God. For I determined not to know any "But the natural man receiveth not the things
thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness
him crucified. And I was with you in unto him: neither can he know them, because
weakness, and in fear, and in much they are spiritually discerned" (2:14).
trembling. And my speech and my Characteristics of the psuchikos man:
preaching was not with enticing words of
a. He may not be totally depraved (as evil as
man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the
he could possibly be), but he is totally
Spirit and of power" (2:1-4).
helpless to comprehend God's Word
Prior to his visit in Corinth, Paul had
(see Acts 8:31).
spoken to the Greek philosophers on Mars'
b. He thus concludes the Scriptures are
Hill in Athens (Acts 17:16-34). Here he
7 senseless (see Acts 17:18, 32; 26:24).
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
c. He is dead and must be resurrected, for he Characteristics of the pneumatikos man:
cannot be revived (see Rom. 5:12; a. He is not sanctimonious.
Eph. 2:1). b. He is not superior. (In matters of brains,
2. The crybaby strength, background, money, etc.)
(the carnal man, 3:1-4): sarkikos man. c. He is not sensational.
"And I, brethren, could not speak unto you d. He is not sugary sweet.
as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as e. He is not straightlaced.
babes in Christ" (3:1) f. He is not segregated from society.
Characteristics of the sarkikos man: g. He is not superficial.
a. He is helpless, as a newborn infant. The h. He is not spineless.
word "babes" used here is nepios in the i. He is spiritual. To be spiritual is to be in
original, and carries with it weakness harmony with God, as are his laws
without power of speech, immaturity and (Rom. 7:14). Thus, a spiritual man is
inexperience. This condition is also simply one controlled and motivated by the
pictured in Ephesians 4:14. Holy Spirit.
(See 1 Cor. 15:46; Gal. 5:16, 25.)
"That we henceforth be no more
Because of this, he can correctly judge "all
children, tossed to and fro, and carried
things" (2:15). (See also 2 Tim. 2:15 as opposed
about with every wind of doctrine"
to 2 Pet. 3:14-17.)
(see also Gal. 4:3; 2 Pet. 1:9).
Paul states that, "We have the mind of
b. He is unable to receive anything but milk
Christ" (2:16). All believers enjoy this
(3:2). This condition always suggests
positionally (2 Cor. 5:17), but the spiritual
either infancy or infirmity. Milk is proper
man has it experientially (Phil. 2:5).
for awhile (1 Pet. 2:2) but "strong meat
belongeth to them that are of full age, even D. They were forgetting future judgment
those who by reason of use have their (3:8-23).
senses exercised to discern both good and 1. The meaning of the bema judgment.
evil" (Heb. 5:14; see also Heb. 5:11-13). The Greek word bema (translated "judgment
c. He walks and talks like an unsaved man. seat" in the KJV) was a familiar term to the
"Are ye not carnal and walk as men?" people of Paul's day. Dr. Lehman Strauss
(3:3). All believers should consider this writes:
pointed question: "If you were arrested "In the large Olympic arenas, there was an
and charged with being a Christian, would elevated seat on which the judge of the
there be enough evidence to convict you?" contest sat. After the contests were over, the
The Corinthians, it would seem, to a large successful competitors would assemble
extent would get off scot free. before the bema to receive their rewards or
d. They compared spiritual leaders instead of crowns. The bema was not a judicial bench
spiritual truths. (See 2:13 as opposed to where someone was condemned; it was a
3:4.) Paul answers this by saying: "I have reward seat. Likewise, the Judgment Seat of
planted, Apollos watered; but God gave Christ is not a judicial bench . . . the Christian
the increase ' (3:6). Only God can do this life is a race, and the divine umpire is
(see also 1 Ki. 18:30-38). watching every contestant. After the church
3. The conqueror has run her course, He will gather every
(the spiritual man, 2:15): pneumatikos member before the bema for the purpose of
man. examining each one and giving the proper
"But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, reward to each."
yet he himself is judged of no man." 8 (God's Plan for The Future, p. 111)
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
2. The fact of the bema judgment. Many New "For I will be merciful . . . and their
Testament verses speak of this. sins and their iniquities will I
"But why dost thou judge thy brother? Or remember no more" (Heb. 8:12).
why dost thou set at nought thy brother? For "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son
we shall all stand before the judgment seat of cleanseth us from all sin"
Christ. for it is written, As I live, saith the (1 Jn. 1:7).
Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every b. Positive considerations. What, then, is the
tongue shall confess to God. So then every purpose of the bema judgment? In
one of us shall give account of himself to 1 Corinthians 4:2, Paul says that all
God" (Rom. 14:10-12). Christians should conduct themselves as
"Every man's work shall be made manifest, faithful stewards of God: "Moreover it is
for the day shall declare it" (1 Cor. 3:13). required in stewards, that a man be found
"For we must all appear before the judgment faithful." The Apostle Peter later writes in
seat of Christ" (2 Cor. 5:10). a similar way: "Minister ... as good
3. The purpose of the bema judgment. stewards of the manifold grace of God"
a. Negative considerations. (1 Pet. 4:10).
(1) The purpose of the bema judgment is In the New Testament world, a steward was the
not to determine whether a particular manager of a large household or estate. He was
individual enters heaven or not, for appointed by the owner and was entrusted to
every man's eternal destiny is already keep the estate running smoothly. He had the
determined before he leaves this life. power to hire and fire and to spend and save,
(2) The purpose of the bema judgment is being answerable to the owner alone. His only
not to punish believers for sins concern was that periodic meeting with his
committed either before or after their master, at which time he was required to
salvation. The Scriptures are very clear account for the condition of the estate up to that
that no child of God will have to answer point. With this background in mind it may be
for his sins after this life. said that someday at the bema judgment all
stewards will stand before their Lord and
"He hath not dealt with us after our
Master and be required to give an account of
sins, nor rewarded us according to
the way they have used their privileges and
our iniquities. For as the heaven is
responsibilities from the moment of their
high above the earth, so great is his
conversion. In conclusion, it can be seen that:
mercy toward them that fear him. As
far as the east is from the west, so far (1) In the past, God dealt with us as sinners
hath he removed our transgressions (Eph. 2:1-3; 1 Cor. 6:9-11;
from us" (Ps. 103:10-12). Rom. 5:6-8).
(2) In the present, God deals with us as
"Thou hast in love to my soul
sons (Rom. 8:14; Heb. 12:5-11;
delivered it from the pit of
1 Jn. 3:1, 2).
corruption: for thou hast cast all my
(3) In the future, God will deal with us
sins behind thy back" (Isa. 38:17).
(at the bema) as stewards.
"I have blotted out . . . thy 4. The material to be tested at the bema
transgressions and . . . thy sins" judgment.
(Isa. 44:22). In 1 Corinthians 3:11 the Apostle Paul
"Thou wilt cast all their sins into the explains the glorious fact that at the moment
depths of the sea" (Micah 7:19). of salvation a repenting sinner is firmly
9 placed on the foundation of the death, burial,
the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
and resurrection of Christ himself! His that ye have ministered to the saints,
continuing instruction after his salvation is to and do minister" (Heb. 6:10).
rise up and build upon this foundation. Paul "He that receiveth a prophet in the
says, name of a prophet shall receive a
"But let every man take heed how he buildeth prophet's reward; and he that
thereupon. . . . Now if any man build upon receiveth a righteous man in the name
this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, of a righteous man shall receive a
wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall righteous man's reward. And
be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, whosoever shall give to drink unto
because it shall be revealed by fire; and the one of these little ones a cup of cold
fire shall try every man's work of what sort it water only in the name of a disciple,
is" (1 Cor. 3:10, 12, 13). verily I say unto you, he shall in no
a. Negative considerations: It should be wise lose his reward"
noted immediately that this passage does (Mt. 10:41, 42).
not teach the false doctrine known as (2) How we exercise our authority over
purgatory, for it is the believer's works and others.
not the believer himself that will be "Obey them that have the rule over
subjected to the fires. you, and submit yourselves: for they
b. Positive considerations. From these verses watch for your souls, as they that
it is apparent that God classifies the works must give account, that they may do
of believers into one of the following six it with joy, and not with grief"
areas: gold, silver, precious stones, wood, (Heb. 13:17).
hay, stubble. There has been much
"Let not many of you become
speculation about the kinds of work down
teachers, my brethren, knowing that
here that will constitute gold or silver up
as such we shall incur a stricter
there. But it seems more appropriate to
judgment" (Jas. 3:1, NASB).
note that the six objects can be readily
(3) How we employ our God-given
placed into two categories:
abilities.
(1) Those indestructible and worthy
objects which will survive and thrive in "Wherefore I put thee in
the fires. These are gold, silver, and remembrance that thou stir up the gift
precious stones. of God which is in thee"
(2) Those destructible and worthless (2 Tim. 1 :6).
objects which will be totally consumed "Now there are varieties of gifts, but
in the fires. These are the wood, hay, the same Spirit. . . . But one and the
and stubble. same Spirit works all these things,
c. Though it is difficult to know just what distributing to each one individually
goes to make up a "golden work" or a just as he wills"
"stubble work;" we are nevertheless (1 Cor. 12:4, 11, NASB).
informed of certain general areas in which "As each one has received a special
God is particularly interested. gift, employ it in serving one another,
(1) How we treat other believers. as good stewards of the manifold
"For God is not unrighteous to forget grace of God" (1 Pet. 4:10, NASB).
your work and labour of love, which To these verses can be added the
ye have showed toward his name, in overall teaching of Jesus' parables of the
10
the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
ten pounds (Lk. 19:11-26) and the eight sisters, or father or mother, or wife,
talents (Mt. 25:14-29). or children, or lands, for my sake, and
(4) How we use our money. the gospel's, but he shall receive an
"Charge them that are rich in this hundredfold now in this time, houses,
world that they be not highminded, and brethren, and sisters, and
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in mothers, and children and lands, with
the living God, who giveth us richly persecutions; and in the world to
all things to enjoy; that they do good, come eternal life" (Mk. 10:29, 30).
that they be rich in good works, ready "For our light affliction, which is but
to distribute, willing to communicate, for a moment, worketh for us a far
laying up in store for themselves a more exceeding and eternal weight of
good foundation against the time to glory" (2 Cor. 4:17).
come, that they may lay hold on "For I reckon that the sufferings of
eternal life" (1 Tim. 6:17-19). this present time are not worthy to be
"But this I say, He which soweth compared with the glory which shall
sparingly shall reap also sparingly; be revealed in us" (Rom. 8:18).
and he which soweth bountifully shall (6) How we spend our time.
reap also bountifully. Every man "Redeeming the time, because the
according as he purposeth in his days are evil" (Eph. 5:16).
heart, so let him give; not grudgingly,
"Walk in wisdom . . . redeeming the
or of necessity, for God loveth a
time" (Col. 4:5).
cheerful giver" (2 Cor. 9:6, 7).
"And if ye call on the Father, who
"Upon the first day of the week let
without respect of persons judgeth
every one of you lay by him in store,
according to every man's work, pass
as God hath prospered him"
the time of your sojourning here in
(1 Cor. 16:2).
fear" (1 Pet. 1:7).
(5) How much we suffer for Jesus.
(7) How we run that particular race which
"Blessed are ye, when men shall God has chosen for us.
revile you, and persecute you, and
"Know ye not that they which run in
shall say all manner of evil against
a race run all, but one receiveth the
you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and
prize? So run, that ye may obtain"
be exceeding glad, for great is your
(1 Cor. 9:24).
reward in heaven" (Mt. 5:11, 12).
"Brethren, I count not myself to have
"Beloved, think it not strange
apprehended; but this one thing I do,
concerning the fiery trial which is to
forgetting those things which are
try you, as though some strange thing
behind, and reaching forth unto those
happened unto you; but rejoice,
things which are before, I press
inasmuch as ye are partakers of
toward the mark for the prize of the
Christ's sufferings, that, when his
high calling of God in Christ Jesus"
glory shall be revealed, ye may be
(Phil. 3:13, 14).
glad also with exceeding joy"
(1 Pet. 4:12, 13). "Let us lay aside every weight, and
the sin which doth so easily beset us
"And Jesus answered and said, Verily
and let us run with patience the race
I say unto you, There is no man that
that is set before us" (Heb. 12:1).
hath left house, or brethren, or 11
the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
"That I may rejoice in the day of (11) How much the doctrine of the rapture
Christ, that I have not run in vain" means to us.
(Phil. 2:16). "Henceforth there is laid up for me a
(8) How effectively we control the old crown of righteousness, which the
nature. Lord, the righteous judge, shall give
"And every man that striveth for the me at that day; and not to me only,
mastery is temperate in all things. but unto all them also that love his
Now they do it to obtain a corruptible appearing" (2 Tim. 4:8).
crown, but we an incorruptible. I (12) How faithful we are to the Word of
therefore so run, not as uncertainly; God and the Book of God.
so fight I, not as one that beateth the "Feed the flock of God which is
air. But I keep under my body, and among you, taking the oversight
bring it into subjection, lest that by thereof, not by constraint, but
any means when I have preached to willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a
others, I myself should be a cast- ready mind; neither as being lords
away" (1 Cor. 9:25-27). over God's heritage, but being
(9) How many souls we witness to and win ensamples to the flock. And when the
for Christ. Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall
"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of receive a crown of glory that fadeth
life, and he that winneth souls is not away" (1 Pet. 5:2-4).
wise" (Prov. 11:30). "I charge thee therefore before God
"For what is our hope, or joy, or and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall
crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye judge the quick and the dead at his
in the presence of our Lord Jesus appearing and his kingdom, Preach
Christ at his coming? For ye are our the word" (2 Tim. 4:1, 2).
glory and joy" (1 Thess. 2:19, 20). "Wherefore, I take you to record this
"And they that be wise shall shine as day, that I am pure from the blood of
the brightness of the firmament, and all men. for I have not shunned to
they that turn many to righteousness declare unto you all the counsel of
as the stars for ever and ever" God. Take heed therefore unto
(Dan. 12:3). yourselves, and to all the flock over
(10) How we react to temptation. which the Holy Ghost hath made you
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye overseers, to feed the church of God,
fall into divers temptations, knowing which he hath purchased with his
this, that the trying of your faith own blood" (Acts 20:26-28).
worketh patience" (Jas. 1:2, 3). 5. The results of the bema judgment seat of
Christ.
"Behold, the devil shall cast some of
a. Some will receive rewards.
you into prison, that ye may be
tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten "If any man's work abide which he hath
days; be thou faithful unto death, and built thereupon, he shall receive a
I will give thee a crown of life" reward" (1 Cor. 3:14).
(Rev. 2:10). The Bible mentions at least five possible
rewards. They have already been described
briefly under the last section. The rewards
12 include:
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
(1) The incorruptible crown - given to the bema judgment the carnal Christian will
those who master the old nature suffer the loss of many past achievements,
(1 Cor. 9:25-27). even as Paul did, but with one important
(2) The crown of rejoicing - given to exception: Paul was richly compensated,
soul-winners (Prov. 11:30; since he suffered his loss to win Christ,
1 Thess. 2:19, 20; Dan. 12:3). while the carnal believer will receive
(3) The crown of life - given to those who nothing to replace his burned-up wood,
successfully endure temptation hay, and stubble. Before leaving this
(Jas. 1:2, 3; Rev. 2:10). section, the question may be asked, "Is it
(4) The crown of righteousness - given to possible for someone who has earned
those who especially love the doctrine certain rewards down here to lose them
of the rapture (2 Tim. 4:8). somehow through carnality?" Some believe
(5) The crown of glory - given to faithful this to be tragically possible on the basis of
preachers and teachers (1 Pet. 5:2-4; the following verses:
2 Tim. 4:1, 2; Acts 20:26-28). "Look to yourselves, that we lose not
It has been suggested that these "crowns" will those things which we have wrought,
actually be talents and abilities with which to but that we receive a full reward"
glorify Christ. Thus, the greater the reward, the (2 Jn. 8).
greater the ability.
"Behold, I come quickly; hold that fast
b. Some will suffer loss.
which thou hast, that no man take thy
"If any man's work shall be burned, he shall
crown" (Rev. 3:11).
suffer loss" (1 Cor. 3:15). This word for
"suffer" is zemioo in the Greek New "Let no man beguile you of your
Testament, and is used again by Paul in reward" (Col. 2:18).
Philippians chapter 3 where he describes c. The passage in 3:14-17 actually lists three
those things which were the greatest kinds of builders:
source of pride to him prior to salvation. (1) the wise builder (3:14)
He tells us, (2) the worldly builder (3:15)
"For I went through the Jewish initiation (3) the wicked builder (3:17)
ceremony when I was eight days old, The wicked builder, of course, will not
having been born into a pureblooded stand before the bema, but will be at the
Jewish home that was a branch of the great white judgment throne
old original Benjamin family. So I was a (Rev. 20:11-15). The word "destroy"
real Jew if there ever was one! What's in 3:17 is phtheiro in the original and is
more, I was a member of the Pharisees often associated in the Greek New
who demand the strictest obedience to Testament with false doctrine and
every Jewish law and custom. And corrupt teachers. (See 1 Cor. 15:33;
sincere? Yes, so much so that I greatly Eph. 4:22; 2 Pet. 2:12; Jude 10;
persecuted the church; and I tried to Rev. 19:2.)
obey every Jewish rule and regulation It should also be observed that we shall
right down to the very last point" account for not only what we did, but what
(Phil. 3:5, 6, TLB). we could have done if we would have
But after his conversion, Paul writes, "for (Rev. 3:1-3; Lk. 12:48; 1 Cor. 4:1) and what
whom I have suffered the loss of all things we would have done if we could have
. . . that I may win Christ" (Phil. 3:8). The (Mt. 26:41; 1 Ki. 8:18).
point of all these teachings is simply this: at13
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
6. The Old Testament foreshadowing of the b. Concerning the millennium (4:8-10).
bema judgment seat of Christ. Paul here employs one of the finest
Although the church is nowhere mentioned in examples of divine sarcasm in all the Bible.
the Old Testament, there is nevertheless a He observes that the Corinthians must
passage which can very easily be applied to have convinced themselves they were
the bema judgment. This can be found in the actually ruling in the millennium, the way
words of Boaz (a foreshadowing of Christ) they were strutting around.
to Ruth (a foreshadowing of the church), 3. By one personal example - the life of Paul.
when he says, "It hath fully been showed me, a. His sufferings for the Savior.
all that thou hast done. . . . "The Lord (1) He was buffeted (denotes a striking
recompense thy work, and a full reward be with clenched fists), despised, reviled,
given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under persecuted, and defamed. Note his
whose wings thou art come to trust" reaction to all this, however:
(Ruth 2:11, 12). "Being reviled, we bless; being
E. They were flattering themselves (4:1-21). persecuted, we suffer; being defamed,
The Corinthian leaders were apparently swollen we entreat" (4:12, 13).
with pride due to their authority in the local (2) He experienced hunger, thirst,
church. Paul attempts to correct this sinful nakedness, and had "no certain dwelling
attitude: place."
1. By six pictorial examples. In chapters 3 (3) He worked long hard hours, supporting
and 4 the apostle describes the work of a himself. The word "labor" in 4:12 is
true minister of Christ. kopiao in Greek, suggestive of the labor
a. He is a husbandman (3:6). He is to which causes weariness. It was not
cultivate. simply a case of earning his living, but
b. He is a builder (3:10). He is to construct. of working his fingers to the bone in
c. He is a steward (4:1). He is to control. doing it. (See also 1 Thess. 2:9;
d. He is a father (4:15). He is to counsel. 2 Cor. 11:7.)
e. He is a teacher (4:17). He is to (4) He was looked upon as the filth of this
communicate. world and the offscouring of all things.
f. He is a disciplinarian (4:21). He is to (5) He was as a captured and condemned
correct. prisoner in the end of a victorious
2. By two prophetical examples. Roman parade, a spectacle to all.
a. Concerning the bema judgment (4:3-5). In It has been observed that the trouble
their pride the Corinthians had felt perfect with Christians in our country today is
liberty to pass judgment upon Christian that no one is trying to kill them.
workers. However, Paul warns them b. His concern for the saints.
against: "I write not these things to shame you,
(1) Judging others. but as my beloved son, I warn you. For
(2) Judging even themselves. The reason, though ye have ten thousand instructors
of course, is that they were to wait in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers:
"until the Lord come, who both will for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you
bring to light the hidden things of through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech
darkness, and will make manifest the you, be ye followers of me" (4:14-16).
counsels of the hearts; and then shall
every man have praise of God" (4:5). We note Paul admonishes them to "be ye
followers of me." He repeats this request on at
14
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
least three other occasions (see 1 Cor. 11:1; "Be afflicted and mourn and weep: let your
2 Thess. 3:9; Phil. 3:17). In light of this it is laughter be turned to mourning and your joy
unscriptural for a pastor or Christian leader to heaviness" (Jas. 4:9).
(however sincere) to admonish his people, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a
saying: "Don't look at my life, don't do as I do broken and a contrite heart, 0 God, thou wilt
or say. Don't even look at men as your not despise" (Ps. 51:17).
examples, look only to Christ!" See the words But regardless of their brazen attitude, this
of Jesus on this in Matthew 5:13-16. Also to be church corruption had broken the tender
noted are Paul's words "I have begotten you" heart of Paul, who would later write:
(4:15), which may be compared with those
"For out of much affliction and anguish of
found in Gal. 4:19 and 1 Thes. 2:11.
heart I wrote unto you with many tears"
F. They were failing to discipline (5:1-13). (2 Cor. 2:4).
1. The need for discipline: "There is 3. The authority to discipline.
fornication among you" (5:1). "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when
The Greek word for fornication is porneia ye are gathered together" (5:4). Although the
(root word of English pornography). Paul individual Christian is warned not to sit in
uses this word seventeen times in all his judgment upon another Christian
writings. Eleven of these are found in (1 Cor. 4:5), the assembled church does
1 Corinthians. Here the sin involved a man indeed have this right and responsibility.
living with his stepmother in a sexual way. (See also Mt. 18:20.)
We note:
4. The procedure in discipline.
a. He was a church member. This is implied: The New Testament lays down various
(1) Because his sinning partner is not specific steps in exercising discipline.
rebuked. Paul is here only concerned
a. First step - "Go and tell the person his fault
with that sin committed by a member.
between thee and him alone" (Mt. 18:15).
The woman was apparently not a
At this initial stage the spirit of
member.
Galatians 6:1 should prevail:
(2) Because Paul orders him to be
dismissed from the fellowship of the "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a
church. fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such
b. He was guilty as charged. "It is reported a one in the spirit of meekness;
commonly" (5:1). considering thyself, lest thou also be
c. He was unrepentant. tempted."
2. The failure to discipline. b. Second step - "If he will not hear thee,
"Ye are puffed up, and have not rather then take with thee one or two more, that
mourned, that he that hath done this deed in the mouth of two or three witnesses
might be taken from among you" (5:2). They every word may be established"
were puffed up, not because of the sin itself, (Mt. 18:16).
but because of their tolerance and pride. At c. Third step - "If he shall neglect (literally
times tolerance can be downright treason. disregard) to hear them, tell it unto the
Paul rebukes them for not mourning over this church" (18:17).
tragedy. How much better had the vain d. Fourth step - "If he neglect to hear the
Corinthians heeded the advice of the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen
following verses: man and a publican" (Mt. 18:17). "Yet
count him not as an enemy, but admonish
15 him as a brother" (2 Thess. 3:15).
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
5. The seriousness of discipline. 7. The extent of discipline.
"To deliver such an one unto Satan for the a. Negative - the church is not to judge the
destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be outside world; that is, to nag and rebuke
saved in the day of the Lord Jesus" (5:5). unbelievers for their smoking, card playing,
What does it mean to do this? The Greek etc., but rather to lead them to Christ.
word for destruction here is olethros, a b. Positive - the New Testament lists at least
reference to the act of spoiling or marring three types of individuals to be dismissed
something. Apparently Paul was saying this, from the fellowship of a local church.
"If this fellow is having so much fun in his (1) A constant troublemaker (Prov. 6:19;
sin, then remove him entirely from your 2 Thess. 3:6, 11, 14).
fellowship and let Satan kick him around a (2) An immoral person (as seen here in
little. Let him taste what it's like to face a 1 Cor. 5).
hostile world without the prayers and (3) A heretic (one who denies the virgin
ministry of a local church! birth, etc.; Titus 3:10; Rom. 16:17, 18).
Thus, when a local Bible-believing church G. They were fragmenting the body of Christ.
removes a person like this, it literally fulfills "Dare any of you, having a matter against
the divine command of Job [Link] another, go to law before the unjust, and not
before the saints?" (6:1).
"And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is
in thine hand; but save his life." 1. In God's sight, this action was improper
(6:1-7).
Paul was forced to take this drastic action
a. Because of whom they were judging at
against two other individuals at a later date.
that time, namely other believers. Paul is
"Holding faith, and a good conscience: which not condemning the court system here as
some having put away concerning faith have an institution, for he himself had used it
made shipwreck: of whom is Hymenaeus and (see Acts 25:10, 11). What he is saying is
Alexander: whom I have delivered unto that feuding believers should use every
Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme" means at their disposal to settle their legal
(1 Tim. 1:19, 20). difficulties and not drag each other before
6. The reasons for discipline. pagan courts.
a. To help the man find his way back to God. b. Because of whom they would judge at a
It worked, too, for the fellow did indeed future time, namely the world and angels!
repent (see 2 Cor. 2:6-8). (See Dan. 7:18, 22; Mt. 19:28; 2 Pet. 2:4;
b. To keep the sin from spreading throughout Jdg. 6; Rev. 20:4.)
the church. "Know ye not that a little 2. In God's sight, this action was illegal (6:8).
leaven leaveneth the whole lump?" (5:6.) "Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that
Leaven is a type of evil in the Bible your brethren." In other words, they not only
(see Mt. 16:6; Gal. 5:9). refused to settle their petty problems out of
c. To maintain the standards of Christ to a court, but now planned to cheat one another
watching world. (See Acts 5:1-13.) One in court!
reason why the church has so little 3. In God's sight, this action was intemperate
influence in the world today is because the (6:9-14).
world has so much influence in the church. "All things are lawful unto me, but all things
are not expedient; all things are lawful for
me, but I will not be brought under the
power of any" (6:12).
16
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
By "all things" Paul, of course, refers to all 2. Paul taught that unmarried individuals
moral things. The word "expedient" is could always serve God better than married
sumphero in the Greek and literally means, ones.
"to bring together." (See Jn. 11:50 and 16:7 Again, this is simply not true!
where the same word is used.) (See 1 Tim. 3:2, 11.)
Verses 9 and 10 have bothered some 3. Paul admits to being uninspired in this
Christians, but here the emphasis is not on chapter.
the phrase "shall not inherit" in verse 9, but The following four verses are offered as
rather the phrase "and such were some of "proof" of this.
you" in verse 11. (See Eph. 2:1, 2; 5:5; a. "But I speak this by permission, and not of
Titus 3:3.) commandment" (v. 6).
4. In God's sight, this action was immoral b. "But to the rest speak I, not the Lord"
(6:15-20). (v. 12).
a. Because our bodies are the members of the c. "Now concerning virgins I have no
Savior. Paul asks: commandment of the Lord; yet I give my
"Shall I then take the members of Christ, judgment" (v. 25).
and make them the members of a harlot? d. "But she is happier if she so abide, after
God forbid" (6:15). my judgment: and I think also that I have
the Spirit of God" (v. 40).
The believer is thus forbidden to
4. Let us now briefly examine each of these
unscripturally involve himself in the
passages:
systems of this present evil world. The
a. The word "permission" is literally "a joint
child of God is to flee from unlawful
opinion" and may refer to the inspired
involvements in sex (1 Cor. 6:18;
"considered opinion" of both Paul and
2 Tim. 2:22), silver (1 Tim. 6:10, 11) and
Sosthenes. At any rate, Paul was simply
society (1 Cor. 10:14).
saying that this opinion was not a
b. Because our bodies are the temples of the
command but rather a divine suggestion.
Spirit (6:19, 20).
(For a comparable passage, see
(See also 1 Pet. 1:18, 19.)
Rom. 12:1.)
III. THE REPLY (7 - 16). b. Verse 12 can be explained by comparing it
with verse 10. In verse 10, Paul quotes a
Paul writes concerning a request made from the
command uttered by the Lord Jesus
church in Corinth. In these remaining chapters
himself while he was upon the earth (see
Paul answers at least six of their questions.
Mt. 19:6). But here is a group situation
Question Number 1: What about marriage?
(one partner saved, one unsaved) to whom
(chapter 7).
Jesus issued no command while on earth,
A. Various difficulties with this chapter.
but now does so in heaven through Paul's
Of all Paul's epistles, containing some 100
inspired pen.
chapters, no section has been more
c. The same answer given for verse 12 also
misunderstood than the one here in
applies here in verse 25.
1 Corinthians 7. Some have read these verses
d. The word "think" here could also be
and erroneously concluded that:
translated "persuaded" (1 Cor. 7:40).
1. Paul hated marriage in general and (See Mt. 22:42; 1 Cor. 8:2 where the same
women in particular. Greek word is used. See also Paul's
This is totally false. (See his statements in statements in 1 Tim. 3:16; 1 Cor. 2:4.)
Heb. 13:4; Eph. 5:25-33; 1 Tim. 4:1-5; 5:14.)
17
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
B. Various solutions to this chapter. unbeliever if at all possible. This should be
Chapter 7 of 1 Corinthians is, admittedly, a done:
difficult one. However, several facts should be a. Because the very institution of marriage is
kept in mind. ordained of God (7:14).
1. Chapters 7 - 16 contain Paul's answers to b. Because the unbelieving partner is
some questions asked him by the "sanctified" by the believing spouse (7:14).
Corinthian church. This is simply to say the Holy Spirit can
We must therefore remember that only the work more easily in the life of an unsaved
answers are recorded here. It is entirely husband if there is in that home the
possible that a knowledge of the nature of example of a godly and faithful wife.
their questions would shed much light on his 3. Those unmarried individuals (7:25-40).
answers! However, for some reason God did a. There are times when it may be best to
not choose to preserve this information for remain unmarried for awhile (7:29).
us. b. There are times when an individual can do
2. Certain verses in this chapter indicate that more for Christ single than married
the apostle is here giving particular advice (9:32-34).
to govern a particular church at a c. At all times a believer should seek God's
particular time in history. perfect will, concerning whether to marry
Some of these verses apply to all Christians, or remain single. (See especially 7:23, 24.)
but some do not. (See especially 7:7, 26, 29 35.) Question Number 2: What about Christian liberty
C. Various groups in this chapter. (8 - 10). As a child of God I have been liberated
It is addressed to three classes of people. from the law of sin and of death. Does this imply I
can now do any lawful thing I desire? Paul answers
1. Those marriages in which both partners this by citing three examples.
are saved (7:1-I1). A. A current example - the Corinthian believers
a. Both partners are to render "due (8:1-13).
benevolence" to each other (7:3). This 1. Their confusion:
phrase is translated "good will" in There were many pagan temples at Corinth
Ephesians 6:7. upon which tons of animal meat was
b. Neither partner is to "defraud" the other sacrificed daily. Some of this meat was
(7:5). The context shows this to be in consumed by the priests while the remainder
regard to sexual rights. Paul reminds both was placed on sale in the various city meat
that neither has "power" over his own markets. It probably sold cheaper, due to its
body. This is to say that separate previous usage. Some believers, spotting a
ownership of oneself does not exist in the bargain, were apparently buying this meat for
marriage state. No partner may rightfully their table. Other Christians were shocked at
quote the words of Matthew 20:15 to the this. Here, then, was the question: Should
other partner: "Is it not lawful for me to do saved people eat meat which had previously
what I will with mine own?" Thus to been sacrificed to idols?
defraud (deny) sexual rights one to the
2. Paul's correction:
other is to invite being tempted by Satan.
"But meat commendeth us not to God: for
(See also 2 Cor. 2:11; 1 Pet. 5:8.)
neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither,
2. Those marriages in which one partner is
if we eat not, are we the worse" (8:8).
unsaved (9:12-24).
(See also Mt. 15:11; Rom. 14:17).
Paul has one basic admonishment here and it
is that the believer should stay with the "As concerning therefore the eating of those
18 things that are offered in sacrifice to idols,
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
we know that an idol is nothing in the world, or a prettier shell than ordinary,
and that there is none other God but one" while the great ocean of truth lay all
(8:4). undiscovered before me"
"Howbeit there is not in every man that (Sir Isaac Newton).
knowledge" (8:7). b. To avoid becoming a stumbling stone.
3. The conclusion: "But take heed lest by any means this
"Wherefore, if meat make my brother to liberty of yours become a stumbling-block
offend, I will eat no flesh while the world to them that are weak" (8:9).
standeth, lest I make my brother to offend" The Scriptures declare that a Christian is
(8:13). responsible to at least five classes of
people.
Paul then admonishes the Corinthian
(1) the world in general
believers:
(Mt. 5:16; 1 Tim. 3:7)
a. To attempt becoming a stepping stone (2) his or her immediate family
(8:1). Knowledge puffeth up, but charity (Eph. 5 and 6)
edifieth." The Greek word for "edifieth" is (3) all believers in general (Eph. 4:32)
oikodomeo and speaks of that action (4) weaker believers in particular
which builds a house (see Jn. 2:20; (Rom. 14:1; 15:1) He is thus to be
Mt. 7:24). The New Testament teaches careful:
that: (a) Lest he cause a weaker brother to
(1) The believer is to build himself up (see defile his conscience
Jude 1:20). (1 Cor. 9:7, 10).
(2) He is to build up other Christians (b) Lest he cause a weaker brother to
(see 1 Thess. 5:11; Rom. 14:19). sin against Christ (8:12).
(3) He is to help build up the entire church (5) the local church (1 Tim. 3:10;
(see 1 Cor. 14:12). 1 Cor. 10:32)
The word "puffeth up" is found but c. How, though, can one decide upon that
seven times in the Greek New which is right or wrong? The Bible
Testament, six of which are used here declares an action may be wrong on two
in 1 Corinthians. (See 4:6, 18, 19; counts.
5:2; 8:1; 13:4.) In every case it is (1) Because of an inherent sin factor.
associated with worldly knowledge. There are certain things that are always
Note the following three quotes: wrong because they go against the very
"And if any man think that he grain of God's holiness. Such things
knoweth anything, he knoweth would be murder, lying, adultery,
nothing yet as he ought to know" stealing, idolatry, etc.
(1 Cor. 8:2). (2) Because of an acquired sin factor.
"Knowledge is that act of passing There are certain things that, in and by
from a state of unconscious ignorance themselves, are harmless, but through
to a state of conscious ignorance" time and custom have acquired the taint
(L. S. Shafer). of being evil. An example of this would
"I do not know what I may appear to be the wearing of cosmetics, once
the world; but to myself I seem to considered sinful but now (if modestly
have been like a boy playing on the applied) generally accepted among
sea shore and diverting myself, now Christian women.
and then finding a smoother pebble 19
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
This first factor is character sin, and the 18, 19, 22). His life was a living testimony of
second can be referred to as reputation these statements. Thus:
sin. The child of God is to avoid both. a. In ministering to the Jews (9:20). He
B. A personal example - the Apostle Paul circumcises Timothy in Lystra because the
(9:1-27). Jews in that area knew the young man's
In those verses Paul points out that no one had father was a Greek. He later preached in
more right to exercise Christian liberty than did Hebrew before a mob of Jews in Jerusalem
he . (see Acts 16 and 22).
1. The basis of his rights. b. In ministering to the Gentiles (9:21). He
a. He was an apostle and had seen Christ stands to preach, a practice of the Gentiles,
(9:1; see also Acts 9:17; 1 Cor. 15:8). while delivering a message in Antioch. He
b. He had founded their own church there in quotes from Greek literature when
Corinth (9:1, 2). addressing some Greeks on Mars' Hill (see
2. The extent of his rights. Acts 13 and 17).
a. To eat and drink any lawful thing (9:4). c. In ministering to the weak believers (9:22).
b. To marry and enjoy a family life (9:5). He refrains from eating meat and
c. To expect those churches he founded to commands that weak Christians
support him (9:6-11, 13, 14). This was everywhere be received into full fellowship
both reasonable and proper because: (see 1 Cor. 8:13; Rom. 14:1; I5:1).
(1) A soldier is paid to fight, and he was a d. In ministering to himself:
warrior for Christ. "But I keep under my body, and bring it
(2) A husbandman enjoys the fruit of the into subjection: lest that by any means
grapes, and he had planted many when I have preached to others, I myself
vineyards. should be a castaway " (9:27).
(3) A shepherd partakes of the milk of his Here the word "castaway" is adokimos in
flock, and Paul had nurtured many the Greek, meaning "disapproved." The
lambs. same word is found in 2 Timothy 2:15.
(4) A priest ministering in holy matters C. An Old Testament example - the nation
lived off the things in the Temple and Israel (10:1-33).
Paul was God's special minister to the 1. The narration (10:1-10).
Gentiles. "Even so hath the Lord No other nation in the history of the world
ordained that they which preach the had enjoyed the liberty, freedom, and
gospel should live of the gospel" (9:14). blessing of God as did Israel, yet she abused
3. The employment of his rights. all this and was judged by God.
"Nevertheless . . . we have not used this a. The review of this freedom (10:1-4).
power; but suffer all things" (9:12). (1) God guided them by his glory cloud
Paul then explains why he chose not to (Ex. 13:21, 22).
employ all his rights: (2) He led them across the Red Sea
"Lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ (Ex. 14:22).
... Lest any man should make my glorying (3) He sent them food and water
void ... : So that I may make the gospel of (Ex. 16:15; 17:6).
Christ without charge, that I abuse not my b. The rebellion against this freedom
power in the gospel ... that I might gain the (10:5-10).
more ... I am made all things to all men, that (1) They were guilty of idolatry
I might by all means save some" (9:12, 15, (Ex. 32:3, 4).
20
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
(2) They were guilty of immorality "There hath no temptation taken you but
(Ex. 32:6; Num. 25:1). such as is common to man; but God is
(3) They were guilty of insubordination faithful, who will not suffer you to be
(Num. 21:5). tempted above that ye are able; but will
c. The removal of this freedom. with the temptation also make a way of
(1) Their idolatry was punished by the escape, that ye may be able to bear it"
sword (Ex. 32:28). (10:13).
(2) Their immorality was punished by a It will prove helpful at this point to review
sickness (Num. 25:9). Note: A the biblical doctrine of temptation.
contradiction has been imagined here, (1) The definition of temptation.
for Moses tells us 24,000 were killed in (a) To entice to do evil. Satan tempted
this plague (Num. 25:9), while Paul Christ and tempts Christians this
says 23,000 died (1 Cor. 10:8). way. (See Mt. 4:1; Heb. 2:18; 4:15;
However, the apostle limits his number Jas. 1:13.)
to those who "fell in one day," while (b) To test or prove with the intent of
Moses gives the total death figure for making one stronger. God "tempts"
the entire period. his children this way.
(3) Their insubordination was punished by (See Gen. 22:1.)
serpents (Num. 21:6). (c) To presume upon the goodness of
2. The application (10:11-13). What was God. Israel tempted God in this
God's purpose in recording all these manner, as believers can today.
morbid events concerning Israel's failures? (See Ps. 78:18; Acts 5:9; Mt. 4:7.)
How do they apply to us today? The answer (2) The source of temptation.
is clear and concise: (a) The world. (See Mt. 13:22;
"Now all these things happened unto them Jn. 16:33; Titus 2:12; 2 Pet. 1:4;
for examples: and they are written for our Gal. 1:4; 2 Tim. 4:10; 1 Jn. 2:15.)
admonition, upon whom the ends of the (b) The flesh. (See Mt. 26:41;
world are come" (10:11). Rom. 7:18; Gal. 5:19-21.)
a. They are recorded to admonish us (c) The devil. (See 1 Chron. 21:1;
concerning our weakness. Eph. 4:27; 6:11; 1 Tim. 3:6, 7;
"Wherefore let him that thinketh he Jas. 4:7.)
standeth take heed lest he fall" (10:12; (3) The purpose of temptation. As we have
see also 1 Cor. 9:27; Gal. 6:1). already seen, God allows temptation to
Especially important here are Paul's two strengthen his children. It is therefore
words, "Take heed." In the Bible God indeed not a sin to be tempted!
commands us to take heed concerning: (See Jas. 1:2, 12; 1 Pet. 1:6, 7.)
(4) The victory over temptation.
(1) our speech (Ps. 39:1) (See 1 Pet. 4:19; 2 Pet. 2:9.)
(2) overconfidence (1 Cor. 10:12) 3. The summation (10:14-33).
(3) being deceived by others (Mt. 24:4) After three pointed examples concerning
(4) our Christian liberty (1 Cor. 8:9) Christian rights and responsibilities, the
(5) our ministry to others (Acts 20:28; apostle concludes with the following in
1 Tim. 4:16; Col. 4:17) regard to eating meat sacrificed to idols.
b. They are recorded to assure us concerning
a. A believer is not to become a meat-market
God's strength.
spy when buying his food in a worldly
21 store (10:25).
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
b. He is not to become a kitchen detective it is a shame unto him?" (11:14). In
when eating his food in an unsaved home Paul's day long hair on a male was
(10:27). associated with being effeminate.
c. He is, however, to refrain from eating idol Today it suggests (to some extent)
meat if warned against by a weaker rebellion against authority.
believer (10:28). (2) Because of a specific holy vow. This
d. He is always to remember that he shares was the Old Testament Nazarite vow.
the same body of Christ with all believers (See Num. 6:1-22; Jdg. 13:4, 5;
(10:16, 17). 1 Sam. 1:11; Lk. 1:15.)
e. He is never to give offense "to the Jews, 2. The woman's appearance.
nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of a. She is to wear her hair long to
God" (10:32). demonstrate:
Question Number 3: What about church conduct? (1) Her submission to her husband.
(11). (2) Her standards to the world. Harlots
A. Rules concerning clothing (11:1-I6). and slaves wore their hair short in Paul's
Nowhere in the Bible are we given the divine time. A Christian woman was decidedly
length for a woman's hemline or for that of a neither!
man's haircut. However, in this chapter Paul b. She is to wear something upon her head,
does list certain principles which should govern "because of the angels" (11:10). (Note:
the personal appearance of believers, especially verse 15 says "her hair is given her for a
while in the house of God. covering.") Some believe this passage
1. The man's appearance suggests church members may share their
a. The man is to wear nothing on his head. pews with angels! (See Ps. 138:1;
This is to demonstrate: Eph. 3:10; 1 Tim. 5:21; Heb. 1:14;
(1) His relationship to his Savior. "The 1 Pet. 1:10, 12.)
head of every man is Christ" (11:3). B. Rules concerning communion (11:17-34).
1. The person (11:23-25).
"For a man indeed ought not to cover
From these verses we learn that:
his head, forasmuch as he is the
a. The most important fact involved in the
image and glory of God" (11:7).
table of the Lord is the Lord of the table. It
(2) His relationship to his spouse. "The
is his table. He sanctioned it and suffered
head of the woman is the man" (11:3).
for it.
"The woman is the glory of the man"
b. Paul did not receive his information
(11:7).
concerning the historical details of the Last
Thus, no male in a Christian service
Supper from any of the apostles who
should wear a hat, as did the Roman
attended, but from Christ himself. This was
priests and Jewish Rabbis, who wore a
also true concerning the details
head covering called a tallis. The custom
surrounding the preaching, death, and
began due to a misinterpretation of Moses
resurrection of the Savior. (See
and his veil. (Compare Ex. 34:33 with
1 Cor. 15:3; Acts 20:35; Gal. 1:11, 12.)
2 Cor. 3:13.)
2. The perversion (11:17-22).
b. The man is to wear his hair shorter than
At their communion service the fickle and
that of the woman. Two factors may have
self-centered Corinthians had so involved
led to this divine rule.
themselves in the supper that they had totally
(1) Because of the general implications.
ignored both other saints and the Savior. As
"Doth not even nature itself teach a result some (the well-to-do) would stuff
you, that, if a man have long hair, 22
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
themselves with food and drink while others table service) has given sound advice to aid
(the poor) would go away hungry. Many both kinds of individuals here. To the
things happened on that momentous night in unsaved, he offers John 3:16, and to the
the upper room, but here in 11:23, Paul unclean (backslidden Christian), he extends
singles out Jesus' betrayal by Judas, which 1 John 1:9.
may have been a hint describing what the 6. The penalty (11:29, 30).
Corinthians were actually doing also. "For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily,
It should be noted that Paul does not teach eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not
here (11:22) against having fellowship discerning the Lord's body. For this cause
banquets in a church basement. He does, many are weak and sickly among you, and
how ever, seem to limit the communion many sleep."
service itself to that of bread and wine. The Here several words deserve our
little phrase "in remembrance of me" (11:25) consideration.
is important at this point, for it refutes two a. Unworthily. The word here is an adverb
additional errors concerning the Lord's and not an adjective. Paul does not say, "If
Supper. anyone who is not worthy partakes; " but
a. The bread and wine are memorials and not rather, "If anyone partakes in an unworthy
sacraments. The first (a memorial) takes manner."
place because one has already obtained b. Damnation. In the Greek this is the word
grace, while the second (a sacrament) is krima, and should here be translated
performed to obtain grace. "judgment." (See Rom. 11:33; 1 Pet. 4:17
b. The bread and wine are symbolic in nature and Rev. 20:4 where the same word
and not changed into anything. The Roman appears.) This judgment may be manifested
Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation in a twofold manner:
teaches that the elements are actually (1) Through physical sickness (11:30).
changed by the priest on the altar into the (2) Through physical death - "and many
body and blood of Christ. sleep." The Greek word for sleep here
3. The purpose (11:26, 28). At the Lord's is koimao and refers to physical death.
table we are told to: (See Jn. 11:11, I2; Acts 7:60;
a. Look backward. "For as often as ye eat 1 Cor. 15:6, 18, 20, 51.)
this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show 7. The plea (11:31-34).
the Lord's death." Question Number 4: What about spiritual gifts?
b. Look inward. "But let a man examine (12 - 14).
himself." A. The definition of a spiritual gift.
c. Look Forward. "Till he come " It is a supernatural ability given by Christ
4. The partakers. through the Holy Spirit to the believer at the
What group is invited to this table? The moment of his salvation. At this point two
Lord's Supper is only for believers, but it distinctions shall be made:
includes all believers. This would appear to
1. The distinction between the gift of the
be the case, whether they happened to be
Spirit and the gifts from the Spirit.
baptized members of a given local church or
The gift occurred at Pentecost when the
not.
Spirit was sent by the Father as promised by
5. The prerequisites. Christ (Acts 1:4-8). The gifts are given
Two kinds of individuals are forbidden to today.
partake: the unsaved and the unclean. John
the apostle (who attended the Lord's first 23
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
2. The distinction between spiritual gifts and 2. No believer possesses all the gifts
human talents. (see 1 Cor. 12:29, 30).
Talent is a human and natural ability given at C. The purpose of spiritual gifts.
birth. A gift is supernatural and is received at To glorify the Father (Rev. 4:11), and to edify
one's second birth. both the believers and the church
3. The distinction between a spiritual gift and (Eph. 4:12, 13).
an official office. To illustrate these two purposes, Paul uses an
Dr. Charles Ryrie has written the following: analogy of the human body here in 1 Corinthians
"Many think of a spiritual gift as an office in 12 and declares the following:
the church which only a privileged few can 1. All believers are a part of Christ's body
ever occupy. Or else they consider gifts so (12:12-14).
out of reach of the ordinary believer that the 2. Not all believers (as the members of a
best he can hope for is that someday he human body) have the same working
might happen to discover some little gift and function within that body (12:14).
be allowed to exercise it in some small way. 3. Each member is equally important to God
Both of these conceptions are wrong. A (12:18).
spiritual gift is primarily an ability given to 4. Each member needs the other members.
the individual. This means that the gift is not Thus:
a place of service, for the gift is the ability, a. The foot is not to say, "Because I am not
not where that ability is exercised. The gift of the hand, I am not of the body" (12:15).
pastor, for instance, is usually associated b. The ear is not to say, "Because I am not
the eye, I am not of the body" (12:16).
occupy in the pastorate. But the gift is the This attitude is one of envy.
ability to give shepherd-like care to people, c. The eye is not to say to the hand, "I have
regardless of where this is done. Of course, no need of thee" (12:21).
the man who occupies the office of a pastor d. The head is not to say to the feet, "I have
should have and exercise the gift of pastor, no need of thee" (12:21). This attitude is
but so should a dean of men in a Christian one of pride.
school. Indeed (though this may seem 5. All members both suffer and rejoice with
shocking at first), why shouldn't a Christian the other members (11:26).
woman be given the gift of pastor to use D. The abuse of spiritual gifts.
among the children in her neighborhood or in 1. Not using those gifts imparted to us
her Sunday school class or as dean of (see 1 Tim. 4:14; 2 Tim. 1:6).
women? Now I did not say that women 2. Attempting to use those gifts not imparted
should become pastors of churches to do the to us (see Num. 16:1-3; Acts 8:18-20).
preaching and take the leadership of the E. The number of the spiritual gifts.
people. I think that the office or position of In three main passages Paul lists some eighteen
the pastorate is reserved for men only; but separate gifts. (These passages are:
this does not mean that the gift or the ability Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:4-10, 28; Eph. 4:7, 8.)
cannot be given to women." (Balancing the
Christian Life, pp. 95, 96.) F. The time element of the spiritual gifts.
There is scriptural evidence to indicate that God
B. The extent of spiritual gifts. has placed his gifts into two time categories:
1. Each believer possesses at least one
spiritual gift (see 1 Cor. 7:7; 12:7, 11;
Eph. 4:7, 1 Pet. 4:10).
24
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
1. The sign gifts (given during the first must have seen the resurrected Christ to
century and then phased out). qualify.
These are the gifts of apostleship, prophecy, b. The number:
healing, miracles, knowledge, tongues, and (1) the original twelve (Lk. 6:13)
the interpretation of tongues. The sign gifts (2) Matthias (Acts 1:26)
were given to meet a twofold need: (3) Paul (Rom. 1:1)
a. To validate the authority of the apostles (4) Barnabas (Acts 14:14; Gal. 2:9)
and early Christians. (See 2 Cor. 12:12; (5) James (1 Cor. 15:7; Gal. 1:19) (If these
Heb. 2:4; Rom. 15:19; Jn. 3:2; 20:30, 31; verses really refer to James, the
Mt. 10:5-8.) Those gifts used to half-brother of Jesus, rather than James,
accomplish this purpose would be healing the cousin/apostle.)
and miracles. 2. The gift of prophecy. (See Rom. 12:6;
(See also Mt. 10:5-8; 11:4, 5.) 1 Cor. 12:10; 14:1, 3-6; Eph. 4:11.)
b. To disseminate new revelation and divine The supernatural ability to receive and
information. Those gifts used to transmit a revelation from God, especially
accomplish this end would be prophecy, that which concerns itself with future events.
knowledge, and tongues. (See Mt. 13:14; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21; Rev. 1:3;
However, with the completion of the canon in Acts 11:27, 28; 21:10, 11.)
A. D. 95, the sign gifts became unnecessary. 3. The gift of miracles (see 1 Cor. 12:28).
(See 2 Tim. 3:14-17; 2 Pet. 1:16-21.) A supernatural ability to perform those
Note: From these two remarkable passages we events outside and beyond the realm of
learn that: nature. In the Bible there are three periods
which witnessed a great outpouring of
c. The written Word of God by itself can and
miracles.
does provide every conceivable need for
the man of God in the work of God. a. During the time of Moses and Joshua
d. This written account is better fitted to b. During the time of Elijah and Elisha
accomplish God's work today than even c. During the time of Christ and his apostles.
that of Christ's miraculous transfiguration 4. The gift of healing (see 1 Cor. 12:9, 28, 30).
as witnessed by Simon Peter. A supernatural ability to cure human ills,
2. The stationary gifts (given on a permanent whether of physical, mental, or demonic
basis throughout church history). origin. As has been previously stated there is
These are the gifts of wisdom, faith, evidence that the sign gifts were phased out
discerning of spirits, helps, teaching, during the latter part of the first century at
exhortation, giving, ruling, showing of the completion of the scriptural canon. Paul
mercy, evangelism, and that of the decidedly possessed the gift of healing
pastor-teacher. (Acts 14:10; 16:18; 19:12; 20:10; 28:8. 9),
but for some reason did not employ it during
G. The description of the spiritual gifts.
the final months of his ministry. (See
1. The gift of apostleship. (See Eph. 4:11;
Phil. 2:26, 27; 1 Tim. 5:23; 2 Tim. 4:20.)
1 Cor. 12:28.)
A reference to certain men called by Christ Here it should be emphasized that the
himself (Jn. 15:16) and endowed with special removal of the sign gifts does not mean God
authority to function as the official "charter cannot and will not supernaturally heal a
members" of the early church. believer today. I believe it does mean,
however, that the gift of healing through an
a. The requirements. According to both Peter
individual has ceased. God's present-day plan
(Acts 1:22) and Paul (1 Cor. 9:1) one
25 for healing is found in James 5:14-I6.
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
5. The gift of knowledge flames of fires (Acts 2:3); thirty-three
(see 1 Cor. 12:8; 13:8). times it refers to human language.
There is some uncertainty about the nature of (2) Because the word rendered "interpret"
this gift. It is mentioned but twice. Most in 1 Corinthians 14:13 is diermeneuo,
likely it is connected with the gift of and literally means "to translate " Out of
prophecy and may involve the ability to the twenty-one occasions where this
receive and record parts of God's Word. word is found in the New Testament,
6. The gift of tongues. eighteen definitely refer to translation.
There is perhaps no other single subject in (See Acts 9:36.)
the entire Bible which has generated more (3) Because of the description of the
heat, hatred, confusion, and division than that events at Pentecost (Acts 2:6-I1).
of tongues. This sad situation existed in Also, Peter says (Acts 11:15) that the
Corinth even as Paul wrote to them. Today tongue-speaking he witnessed at
the charismatic movement is literally Caesarea was identical to that at
sweeping the world of Christendom. Pentecost.
Views on tongues. There is no universal (4) Because ecstatic gibberish could not be
agreement in either the camp of the pro- or a sign to unbelievers (1 Cor. 14:22).
anti-tongues movement concerning the exact (5) Because Jesus warned against
nature of New Testament tongue-speaking. tongue-babbling. The Greek words
a. The unlearned human language view: batta and logeo in Matthew 6:7 refer to
This view says that all accounts of New the act of babbling, or speaking without
Testament tongue-speaking refer to the thinking.
same event, that is, the supernatural ability (6) Because Paul offers no redefinition or
to suddenly speak in previously unlearned clarification of Acts 2 when he writes
human languages. The following are 1 Cor. 14.
arguments for this view. (7) Because Paul quotes Isaiah 28:11, 12
(1) Because of the usage of the same in 1 Cor. 14:21, which reference is
vocabulary. definitely connected to human language.
Dr. John Walvoord writes: A brief background of Isaiah 28 is
needed here.
"The use of identical terms in
(a) In 721 the northern kingdom was
reference to speaking with tongues in
destroyed.
Acts and First Corinthians leaves no
(b) Isaiah warns the southern kingdom
foundation for a distinction. In all
(Judah) that the same thing will
passages, the same vocabulary is
happen to them unless they repent.
used: laleo and glossa, in various
(c) He is ridiculed by a group of
grammatical constructions. On the
drunken priests and prophets who
basis of the Greek and the statement
disbelieve the warning.
of the text, no distinction is found "
(d) Isaiah responds by saying that since
(The Holy Spirit, p. 183)
they would not listen when God
It is also pointed out that the word spoke to them in Hebrew, they
glossa is found fifty times in the would when he spoke to them
Greek New Testament. Of these: (through enemy soldiers) in the
sixteen times it refers to the physical, Assyrian language. (See also
organ (see Jas. 3:5); once it refers to Moses' words in Deut. 28:15-68,
26 especially v. 49.) (Concerning
the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
Titus's invasion in A. D. 70, see Greek word heteros, which means,
Jeremiah 5:15.) Thus, to be "another of a different kind." (See also
addressed in other tongues was a Gal. 1:6, 7.)
symbol of judgment to the Hebrew (7) Because of the suggestion in
mind. 1 Cor. 3:1, "Though I speak with the
(8) Because of the advent of higher tongues of men and of angels." Note:
criticism in the eighteenth and Here it may be asked what kind of
nineteenth centuries. In other words, language do angels speak? While
the critics of the Bible rejected the talking to men on earth they have been
miracle of speaking unlearned human known to speak both Hebrew (Gen. 19)
languages and advocated the ecstatic and Greek (Lk. 1). Even during their
utterance view, thus identifying biblical heavenly ministry they spoke languages
tongues with other ancient mystery which were understandable to men.
religions. (See Isa. 6; vvs. 4-5.)
b. The nonhuman (angelic?) ecstatic c. The purpose of tongues.
utterance view: This position holds that the (1) Negative:
language spoken is decidedly nonearthly; (a) It was not for church edification
rather, it is heavenly in its structure. (1 Cor. 14:4, 19).
Arguments supporting this view are: (b) It was not for personal edification.
(1) The tongue-speaking disciples at Here an objection may be raised,
Pentecost are accused of drunkenness For does not Paul say, "He that
(Acts 2:13), a charge which would not speaketh in an unknown tongue
be made if the language was of an edifieth himself"? He does indeed
earthly nature. (1 Cor. 14:4). However, a problem
(2) Paul says tongues would cease is seen here. If tongues are for
(1 Cor. 13:8), a ridiculous statement if personal edification, and if the
the gift is simply speaking unlearned church house was filled with
human language. tongue-speaking (as the context
(3) Because of Paul's words in 1 Cor. 14:2, definitely indicates - 14:23), then
"For he that speaketh in an unknown how do we explain that, apart from
tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto the church at Laodicea
God: for no man understandeth him " (Rev. 3:14-18), this group at
(4) Paul had the gift of tongues Corinth was the most carnal and
(1 Cor. 14:18), yet he could not confused church in the entire Bible?
understand the human speech of No gift was to be used for personal
Lycaonia in Acts 14:11. edification in a selfish way. Here
(5) Because of the distinction made Paul may actually be rebuking them
between mind and spirit in for their unscriptural usage of this
1 Cor. 14:14, 15. Here it is claimed (by gift.
some) that God uses the mind to reveal (c) It was not to demonstrate Spirit
certain revelation in human language baptism. (This erroneous concept is
and employs the spirit of man to reveal totally refuted in 1 Cor. 12:13;
other information in nonhuman Rom. 6:3, 4; Col. 2:9-12; Eph. 4:5;
language. Gal. 3:27, 28.)
(6) Because of the phrase "other tongues"
in Acts 2:4. This is a translation of the
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the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
(2) Positive: (4) This distinction can sometimes mean
(a) To validate the authority of the the difference between life and death
apostles and early Christians. (14:8).
(b) To demonstrate God's judgment (5) Although Paul is said to have spoken in
upon unbelieving Israel. tongues (14:18), there is no stress on
(c) To serve as a sign to seeking (but this whatsoever during any of his
lost) individual Jews. testimonies (as before Felix and
(d) To impart new truths prior to the Agrippa) or missionary trips. While he
completion of the canon. When did not forbid the speaking in tongues,
Paul wrote 1 Cor. 14 there were neither did he especially encourage it,
but three New Testament books in for he realized that not all Christians,
existence (James, 1 and 2 even during those days, had the gift.
Thessalonians). There was no (See 1 Cor. 12:30; 14:39.)
written record available concerning (6) Paul taught that in the church
such important issues as: preaching (both foretelling and
The doctrine of the church (later forthtelling) was 2,000 times to be
discussed in Ephesians and preferred over tongues (14:19).
Colossians). (7) Unanimous tongue-speaking was
The doctrines of justification, forbidden (14:23).
sanctification, and glorification (8) Preaching, not tongues is God's
(later written about in Romans). method for saving the lost (14:24, 25).
The doctrine of apostasy (Jude). (9) Tongue-speaking was to be limited in
Christian forgiveness (Philemon). number, with each to speak in turn
The priesthood of Christ (14:27).
(Hebrews). (10) Women were absolutely forbidden to
The life of Christ speak in tongues (14:34).
(the four Gospels). In 1 Cor. 11:3-10 Paul allowed a
Practical Christian service woman to speak in her natural and
(1 and 2 Peter). native tongue, but here he forbids her to
Christian love use foreign tongues.
(as found in l, 2, and 3 John). (11) All things in God's house are to be
Advice to pastors and deacons done decently and in order (14:40).
(as discussed in 1 and 2 Timothy 7. The gift of interpretation of tongues
and Titus). (see 1 Cor. 12:10).
In view of all this, no believer could This was the supernatural ability to clarify
quote or claim the blessed truth in and translate those messages spoken in
2 Timothy 3:16, 17, simply because tongues.
it had not yet been written. 8. The gift of wisdom (see 1 Cor. 12:8).
d. The regulation of tongues (1 Cor. 14). The supernatural ability to apply rightfully
(1) Speaking in tongues helps no Christian both human and divine knowledge.
in the church (1 Cor. 14:3, 4). 9. The gift of spirit discernment
(2) Speaking in a known tongue helps all (see 1 Cor. 12:10; 1 Jn. 4:1).
(1 Cor. 14:3 4). The ability to distinguish between demonic,
(3) The tongue, like a musical instrument, human, and divine works. Both Peter
is useless unless heard and distinctly (Acts 8:23) and Paul (Acts 13:10; 16:16-18)
understood (14:7). possessed this gift.
28
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
10. The gift of giving (see Rom. 12:8). b. Aquila and Priscilla possessed it
The ability to accumulate and give large sums (Acts 18:26).
of money to God's glory (see Acts 4:32-37; 17. The gift of evangelism (see Eph. 4:11).
Gal. 4:15; Phil. 4:10-18; 2 Cor. 8:1-5. The supernatural ability to point sinners to
See also Lk. 21:1-4.) Christ and to burden Christians about soul
11. The gift of exhortation (see Rom. 12:8). winning. All believers of course, are to
The ability to deliver challenging words witness for Christ, whether they have this
(Prov. 25:11). Various New Testament special gift or not (2 Tim. 4:5). Philip, among
people had this gift: others in the book of Acts, had this gift
a. Barnabas (Acts 11:22, 24). (Acts 8:5-12, 26-40).
b. Judas (not Iscariot) and Silas 18. The gift of pastor-teacher (see Eph. 4:11).
(Acts 15:32). The supernatural ability to preach and teach
c. "True yoke fellow" (Phil 4:3). the Word of God and to feed and lead the
12. The gift of ministering (or of helps) flock of God (see 1 Pet. 5:1-4; Acts 20:28).
(see Rom. 12:7; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:12). This is the only "double-portion" gift of the
The ability to render practical help in both eighteen gifts. Thus all teachers are not called
physical and spiritual matters. to be pastors, but all pastors are to be
a. Dorcas had this gift (Acts 9:36-39). teachers!
b. Phoebe had this gift (Rom. 16:1, 2). H. The indispensable ingredient in the spiritual
13. The gift of mercy-showing gifts (13).
(see Rom. 12:8). The eighteen spiritual gifts may be thought of as
The ability to minister to the sick and God's divine bricks to be used in the
afflicted. construction of his holy and earthly temple. In
14. The gift of ruling (or administrating; the analogy, charity (love) serves as the
see Rom. 12:8; 1 Cor. 12:28). "celestial cement" which holds the bricks
The ability to organize, administer, and together.
promote either people or projects. (See Titus Paul ends the previous chapter with the
1:4, 5; see also the book of Nehemiah.) words:
I5. The gift of faith. The Bible describes three "But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet
kinds of basic faith: show I unto you a more excellent way"
a. Saving faith - given to all repenting sinners (12:31). Thus, chapter 13 is this more
(Acts 16:31; Rom. 4:5; 5:1; 10:17). excellent way.
b. Sanctifying faith - available to all believers It should furthermore be noted that God used
(Gal. 2:20; 3:11; 5:22; Eph. 6:16; Paul, the mighty theologian, to write the
Rom. 1:17; Heb. 10:38). greatest poem on love in the history of the
c. Stewardship faith - given to some believers world. Each Christmas season the National
(Rom. 12:3; 1 Cor. 12:9). This is the gift Safety Council issues the following admonition:
kind of faith and is a supernatural ability to "If you drink, don't drive, and if you drive, don't
believe and expect great things from God. drink, because alcohol and gasoline don't mix."
16. The gift of teaching (see Rom. 12:7; Some have erroneously concluded the same
1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11). about theology and love. But God has
The ability to communicate and clarify the commanded that they are not to be separated
details of the Word of God. (see Rev. 2:1-4). Theology without love leads
a. Apollos had this gift (Acts 18:24, 25). to dead orthodoxy. Love without theology leads
to outright heresy.
29
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
1. The importance of love (13:1-3). Without these three virtues even in heaven. Love is
love: greater because:
a. The gift of tongues is as noisy brass and (1) It is the root of faith and hope.
clanging cymbal. (2) It is for others, while faith and hope are
b. The gift of prophecy becomes nothing. largely personal.
c. Understanding all mysteries is of no avail. (3) It is the very essence of God himself.
d. Possessing all knowledge is useless. Question Number 5: What about the
e. Exercising mountain-moving faith is resurrection? (15). Without doubt this chapter
vanity. (along with Rom. 8) simply must be considered as
f. Giving away one's goals counts for naught. one of the two greatest in the entire Word of God.
g. Sacrificing one's own body is totally Here we have the oldest written account of Christ's
without merit. resurrection.
2. The impeccability of love (13:4-7). A. The prominence of the resurrection (15:1-4).
a. It suffereth long. Love is patient. 1. The fact of Christ's resurrection:
b. It is kind. Love is not harsh or abrupt. "He rose again " (15:4).
c. It envieth not. Love is not jealous. It does 2. The time element in Christ's resurrection:
not desire to deprive another of what he "the third day" (15:4).
has. There are two main theories concerning this
d. It vaunteth not itself. Love does not brag. phrase.
e. It is not puffed up. Love is not arrogant. a. He was crucified on Friday. The well
f. It does not behave itself unseemly. Love known custom of the Jews was to count a
does not act unbecomingly. part of a day as a whole day. Thus he
g. It seeketh not its own. Love is not self- would be in the tomb a portion of Friday
centered. (from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.), all day
h. It is not provoked. Love is good-natured. Saturday, and a part of Sunday.
i. It thinketh no evil. Love does not meditate b. He was crucified on Wednesday. If
upon evil inflicted by another, as if to Matthew 12:40 is to be taken at face value,
avenge it. then Wednesday is the only day which
j. It rejoiceth not in iniquity. Love does not would allow the necessary three full days
find joy in evil. and nights.
k. It rejoiceth in the truth. Love finds its joy 3. The reason for the resurrection of Christ:
in goodness. "for our sins" (15:3).
l. It beareth all things. Love covers (literally) Christ was not a martyr dying for his faith,
all things. but a Savior dying for our sins. He did not
m. It believeth all things. Love is not say, "I am finished; " but, "It is finished." All
suspicious. three persons in the Trinity were involved in
n. It hopeth all things. Love is his death and resurrection.
unconquerable.
a. The Father (Jn. 3:16; Acts 2:24).
3. The indestructibility of love (13:8-13).
b. The Son (Jn. 10:11, 18).
a. Contrasted with prophecy, tongues, and
c. The Holy Spirit (Heb. 9:14; Rom. 1:4).
knowledge, love is continuous (13:8).
4. The results of the resurrection of Christ:
b. Contrasted with faith and hope, love is
"By which also ye are saved" (15:2).
supreme (13:13). Note: Paul does not say
here that love is more durable than faith
and hope, but simply is greater. In some
divine manner we will continue using
30
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
B. The proof of the resurrection (15:5-11). Paul 5. The heart theory - that he was only
refers to two here. resurrected in the hearts of his friends.
l. The New Testament records ten main But in these verses Paul declares that if the
appearances of the resurrected Savior. doctrine of the resurrection is denied, then
They are to: one is forced to nine horrible conclusions.
a. Mary Magdalene (Jn. 20:11-18). 6. All gospel-preaching has been and will
b. The other women (Mt. 28:9, 10) continue to be completely useless.
c. The two disciples (Lk. 24:13-32). 7. All gospel preachers become notorious
d. Simon Peter (Lk. 24:33-35). liars and fools.
e. Ten apostles (Lk. 24:36-43). (Note: These 8. All living Christians are still in their sins.
five appearances were made on the first 9. All departed Christians are in hell.
resurrection day 10. All reason and purpose for life itself is
f. Eleven apostles (Jn. 20:26-31). destroyed.
g. Seven apostles (Jn. 21:1-14). 11. The Savior himself is still rotting in some
h. Five hundred disciples (1 Cor. 15:6). Middle-Eastern grave.
i. James (1 Cor. 15:7). 12. Christian service becomes a farce. Note
j. Eleven apostles on Mt. Olivet verse 29:
(Lk. 24:44-49; 1 Cor. 15:7). (These last "Else what shall they do which are baptized
five were made during the forty-day for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why
period.) are they then baptized for the dead?"
2. Paul then refers to his personal visit by the The verse has been somewhat of a problem.
Savior. In fact, Jesus appeared to the a. Negative: Whatever its meaning, it does
apostle on at least five occasions.
not support the totally unscriptural practice
a. On the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9;
of the Mormon church of living people
22:6-11; 26:12-19).
being baptized by proxy for dead people.
b. In Corinth (Acts 18:9).
To die lost is to forever remain lost. (See
c. In Jerusalem (Acts 23:11).
Lk. 16:19-31; Heb. 2:3; Rev. 22:11.)
d. On a sinking ship (Acts 27:23).
b. Positive. lnasmuch as baptism refers to
e. At an undesignated spot (perhaps Lystra;
identification, Paul may be saying here
2 Cor. 12:1-4).
that, if there be no resurrection of the
C. The priority of the resurrection.
dead, then what is the purpose of living
(15:12-19, 29-32).
believers picking up the standard left by
In Paul's day, as in our own time, there were
departed believers?
those who denied the subject of the resurrection
13. Suffering for Christ is stupid and
in general. Today unbelievers advocate various
senseless (15:30, 32).
theories to explain away his resurrection.
14. The sensual way is the only way. "Let us
1. The fraud theory - that the disciples eat and drink; for tomorrow we die"
invented the whole thing. (15:32).
2. The swoon theory - that Christ merely D. The parade of the resurrection (15:20-28).
fainted on the cross and later revived in the "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and
coolness of the tomb. become the first fruits of them that slept"
3. The vision theory - that the disciples only (15:20).
imagined they saw him.
In this verse Paul refers to the third of seven
4. The spirit theory - that only his spirit arose.
Jewish feasts mentioned in Leviticus 23. It was
This is refuted by Luke 24:39.
called the Feast of the First Fruits. Note:
31
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
l. On the first day, selected delegates marked Paul does not describe the method used by God
out the spot in the grain field from which in raising the dead, but instead gives a glorious
the sheaf would be cut. example, a grain of wheat (15:37).
2. On the second day the sheaf was cut and Several thrilling conclusions can be drawn from
brought into the Temple. this illustration.
3. On the third day it was presented to the
1. The old body, like a grain of wheat, has no
Lord as a pledge sample.
power to change itself.
Note now verses 23, 24:
Only God can grow wheat and raise the
"But every man in his own order: Christ, the dead.
firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at
2. The old body, like a grain of wheat, must
his coming. Then cometh the end, when he
die to be changed.
shall have delivered up the kingdom to
"Verily, verily I say unto you, except a corn
God, even the Father; when he shall have put
of wheat fall into the ground and die, it
down all rule and all authority and power."
abideth alone; but if it die, it bringeth forth
The Greek word for "order" here is tagma, a much fruit" (Jn. 12:24).
military term referring to troops in order of
Thus death does not suppress the grain, but
rank, as in a parade. Thus we see:
simply releases it.
a. The resurrection of Christ (Mk. 16:2-8;
3. The new body, like a grain of wheat, does
Mt. 28:5-8; Lk. 24:1-8). His resurrection
not lose its identity.
leads the parade, for it was the very first of
Both still retain a certain likeness of the
its kind. The miracle Christ performed
former state (1 Cor. 13:12).
upon Lazarus (Jn. 11), for example, was
not true resurrection, but simply the G. The perfection of the resurrection
restoration of a dead mortal body to that (15:39-49).
of a living mortal body. Lazarus died again 1. Attributes of the old sinful body:
at a later date. But ultimate resurrection a. Sown in corruption (a perishable body)
carries with it immortality. (15:42).
b. The rapture resurrection. "Afterwards they b. Sown in dishonor (in a tinsel world)
that are Christ's at his coming " (15:23). (15:43).
These "troops" follow behind the head of c. Sown in weakness (subject to disease and
the parade. (See 1 Cor. 15:53; infirmities) (15:43).
1 Thess. 4:16.) d. Sown a natural body (bounded by the laws
c. The premillennial resurrection of Old of nature) (15:44).
Testament and tribulation saints. "Then 2. Attributes of the new sinless body:
cometh the end" (15:24; see Jn. 5:24; a. Raised in incorruption (an imperishable
Dan. 12:2; Rev. 20:5, 6). body) (15:42).
E. The plea of the resurrection (15:33, 34). b. Raised in glory (in a perfect world)
1. We are to "awake to righteousness, and sin (15:43).
not" (15:34). c. Raised in power (not subjected to disease
2. We are to avoid those who deny the and infirmities) (15:43).
resurrection (15:33). d. Raised a spiritual body (not bounded by
F. The pattern of the resurrection (15:35-38). the laws of nature) (15:44).
"But some men will say, How are the dead In verse 44 Paul writes, "There is a natural
raised up? and with what body do they come?" body and there is a spiritual body." What is
(15:35). the difference? Consider a book with a sheet
of plain white paper stuck inside it. In this
32
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
illustration the book is man's body and the But now the secret is out, and here it is:
paper sheet is his spirit. Down here the book Millions of Christians will someday reach
"bosses" the spirit. It has the final say. This is heaven without dying. "Behold I show you a
the natural body, governed by the physical mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall
laws of gravity and time. all be changed" (1 Cor. 15:51). This, then, is
But now take the white sheet out of the book the mystery of the rapture.
and wrap it around the book like a cover. 2. "We shall all be changed." Observe the
Now the sheet (spirit) is on top. It has the word all.
final say. This is the spiritual body, which is The Bible does not support a partial rapture
unaffected by the physical laws of gravity or theory.
time, but enjoys the blessings of eternity. 3. "In the twinkling of an eye."
In verses 39-41 Paul suggests that the new This occurs as quickly as a gleam of light
spiritual body is as superior to the old natural shines in the eye, about one fifth of a second.
body as: 4. "This corruptible must put on
(1) The human body is to those of animals incorruption."
(15:39). This is a reference to the bodies of departed
(2) The heavens are to the earth (15:40). believers.
(3) The sun is to the moon (15:41). 5. "This mortal must put on immortality."
H. The promise of the resurrection (15:50-53). This is a reference to the bodies of living
"Behold, I shew you a mystery; we shall not all believers. (See also 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.)
sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment,
I. The purpose of the resurrection (15:54).
in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;
"So when this corruptible shall have put on
for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall
incorruption and this mortal shall have put on
be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
immortality, then shall be brought to pass the
For this corruptible must put on incorruption,
saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in
and this mortal must put on immortality"
victory" (see Isa. 25:8; Hosea 13:14).
(15:51-53).
The purpose of the resurrection should be
We now note the following phrases:
clearly understood by Christians. It is a tragic
1. "I shew you a mystery." fact that our world is indeed a materialistic one.
What mystery? Let us suppose you began Materialism has been defined as the art of
reading the Bible in Genesis chapter 1, and knowing the price of everything, but the value
read through 1 Corinthians chapter 14. If you of nothing. On occasion, however, in an attempt
stopped your reading here, you would to avoid this philosophy, believers go to the
already have learned about many important other extreme and conclude God is only
facts, such as creation, man's sin, the flood, interested in nonphysical matters. This sad error
Bethlehem, Calvary, the resurrection, and the is sometimes seen in our churches in the
existence of heaven and hell. separate deacon and trustee boards. Often this
But you would be forced to conclude that a attitude imposes a higher moral standard upon
Christian could get to heaven only after deacons than trustees, for, after all, aren't the
physically dying. You would, of course, note "spiritual" matters more important than the
the two exceptions of Enoch (Gen. 5:24) and "physical" areas? The truth of the matter is that
Elijah (2 Ki. 2:11), but apart from these it God is very much interested in physical things,
would be clear that believers have to travel especially in the bodies of Christians!
the path of the grave to reach the goal of (See 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 2 Cor. 6:16;
glory. Eph. 5:28, 29; Rom. 12:1, 2
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 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
What, then, is the purpose of the resurrection? B. The source of the offering:
Among other things, it is to destroy man's final "Let everyone of you" (16:2). The local church
enemy. Paul has already written: "The last is to be supported by its members. We note also
enemy that shall be destroyed is death" (15:26). it was to be done by everyone.
Mankind has five natural enemies: C. The time of the offering:
1. The world (Gal. l:4; 1 Jn. 2:15; Jas. 4:4). "The first day of the week" (16:2). This is, of
2. The flesh (Rom. 7:18; 8:8; Gal. 5:17; course, on Sunday. (See Mk. 16:2, 9; Lk. 24:1;
1 Jn. 2:16). Jn. 20:1, 19; Acts 20:7).
3. The devil (Mt. 13:39; Eph. 6:11). D. The amount of the offering:
4. Spiritual death (Jn. 5:24; 8:51; Rev. 2:11). "As God hath prospered" (16:2). Although no
5. Physical death (Ps. 55:4; Heb. 2:15). actual proportion is laid down, it is unthinkable
J. The power of the resurrection (15:55-58). that a believer would give less to God than that
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is amount he tips a waitress in a restaurant.
thy victory? But thanks be to God, which giveth E. The purpose for the offering:
us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" "For the saints" (16:1). This was a special
(15:55, 57). collection to meet the immediate need of the
Here death is pictured as a venomous serpent poor in Jerusalem (see Rom. 15:26).
and its poisonous fang is sin. But someday God F. The custodians of the offering:
will destroy both the rattler and its fang. Note "Whomsoever ye shall approve" (16:3). In all
also the twin phrases: financial affairs of an assembly, the
1. "O death, where is thy sting?" This may responsibility should be in the hands of more
refer to living believers who will escape than one brother, to avoid the slightest suspicion
physical death at Christ's coming. of improper handling.
2. "O grave, where is thy victory?" This may Paul concludes this epistle with some personal
refer to departed believers, whose bodies comments and a powerful challenge.
the graves will be forced to give up.
A. The comments:
Paul ends this great, grand, and glorious
1. He was planning to visit them again soon
chapter with the following:
(16:5-9).
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye 2. Timothy also might drop by (16:10 11).
stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in 3. He had urged Apollos to come there but
the work of the Lord, for as much as ye God had willed otherwise for the time being
know that your labour is not in vain in the (16:12).
Lord" (15:58). 4. He urges them to follow the spiritual
Question Number 6: What about the collection? advice of Stephanos, his first convert while
(16) in Greece (16:15, 16).
A. The location of the offering: 5. Various believers in Ephesus with Paul
"the churches of Galatia" (16:1). The mention of sent their welcome (16:17-20).
"the churches of Galatia" is to be noted. The B. The challenge:
New Testament never speaks of the church in or "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like
of a country or province. The official "state men, be strong. Let all things be done with
church" institution in various countries today is charity" (16:13, 14).
totally foreign to the Bible.
"If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let
him be anathema. Maranatha!" (16:22).

34
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
1. The word "anathema" means "fitted for escaped from the enraged populace at Ephesus - 'wild
destruction" (See Rom. 9:3; Gal. 1:8, 9.) beasts' with whom he had long been fighting, and at
2. The word "maranatha" means "the Lord whose mercy he had left his flock in that turbulent city.
comes" Under this continued strain of excitement and anxiety,
(See Phil 4:5; Jas. 5:7, 8; Rev. 1:7; 3:11.) his strength succumbed; he was seized with an attack
of sickness which threatened to terminate his life."
SECOND CORINTHIANS The apostle's own comment is: "We were pressed
INTRODUCTION: by J. Sidlow Baxter out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we
despaired even of life. ... We had the sentence of death
While others of Paul's epistles may be more in ourselves" (1:8,9). In chapter 4 he tells of "bearing
profound, scarcely any could be more precious than about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus" and of
this second heart-outpouring to the Corinthians. It was "the outward man perishing" (vs. 10, 16). These and
written with a quill dipped in tears, from the apostle's other expressions leave no doubt as to the mental
"anguish of heart," and contains more of human pathos distress and physical prostration of our wonderful hero.
than any other of his letters. Yet there is a lovely "He had been at death's door. His life and work, to all
rainbow shinning through it all, for in his dire distress appearance, were coming to an end, and under
and deep disappointments he is discovering more than circumstances of the most ominous nature. Together
ever before that "the Father of mercies" is the "God of with his life, the fate of his mission and of Gentile
all comfort," and that the heavenly Master's strength is Christianity trembled in the balance. Never had he felt
made perfect in His servant's weakness. himself so helpless, so beaten down and discomfited, as
As we have seen, Paul's earlier letter to Corinth on that melancholy journey from Ephesus to
was written at Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:8). Soon afterward Macedonia, and while he lay upon his sick-bed
he was compelled to flee because of the fanatical (perhaps at Philippi), not knowing whether Titus or the
uprising instigated by the shrine-makers of Artemis messenger of death would reach him first."
(Diana). From Ephesus he made his way up to Troas, Incidentally, how characteristic of the man it is,
thence across the north-eastern end of the Aegean Sea, that, although so apprehensive and tired while
to revisit churches which he had founded in anxiously awaiting Titus at Troas, he discovers "a door
Macedonia, and then travel south again to Corinth, in opened of the Lord (2:12) and preaches the Gospel so
Achaia (Acts 20:1,2). He eventually did reach Corinth, effectively as to form a church there, which he revisits
and stayed there three months (Acts 20:3), but in the some month later on his return journey to Palestine
interval between leaving Ephesus and reaching Corinth (Acts 20:6-12).
he wrote this further letter, presumably from Philippi, Titus did eventually reach Paul in Macedonia (7:6)
and under deeply affecting circumstances. - whither Paul had hasted forward, unable to check his
PAUL'S HOUR OF DARKNESS restless anxiety any longer at Troas. Tension was
His valued helper, Titus, was to have met him at relieved. There was much to comfort and cheer the
Troas, with an anxiously awaited report on apostle (7:7-16). In response to the earlier epistle his
developments at Corinth, but he did not turn up Corinthians had dealt with the grievous offender
(2 Cor 2:13), which accentuated the apostle's concern. (1 Cor. 5). There had been an upsurge of grief, and a
Disappointment, apprehensiveness, and physical illness flaming-out of new zeal, and a new expression of
now swooped in concerted attack upon Paul to make affection for Paul. So consoled was the poorly apostle
this perhaps the darkest hour in his heroic but costly that he purposed to dictate this further letter and send
struggle for the propagation and preservation of the it by the hand of Titus, who should return to Corinth
true Gospel. "When we were come into Macedonia," and finish the good work which he had started there
he writes, "our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled (7:15,16, 8:6)."
on every side. Without were fightings; within were (Explore the Book; Vol. 6; pp. 121-123)
fears" (7:5). As G. G. Findlay says: "Corinth
appeared to be in full revolt against him. Galatia was
falling away to 'another Gospel.' He had narrowly 35
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
Introduction by Willmington. writes the epistle of Romans (Acts 20:3;
1. Paul had organized the Corinthian church Rom. 15:22-29; Rom. 16:1, 23).
during his second missionary trip
(Acts 18:1-18). I. CONSOLATION (1:1-7)
2. During his third missionary trip he visits the A. The source of consolation and comfort:
church (2 Cor. 12:14; 13:1). "The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
3. He sends Titus to Corinth to organize a special Father of mercies and the God of all comfort"
love offering for the poverty-stricken saints in (1:3).
Jerusalem (1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8:6, 10). Titus
These two words "comfort" and "consolation"
does this and returns to Paul.
(both from the same Greek word) are found ten
4. He writes a letter (now lost) to the Corinthian
times in the first seven verses. Paul begins this
church (1 Cor. 5:9).
5. After a while, Paul writes another letter. This epistle (1:3) and ends it (13:11) with the word
letter is the 1 Corinthians of the New comfort. Each member of the blessed Trinity is a
Testament. There were two basic reasons why Comforter.
he wrote this epistle. 1. The Father
a. To rebuke the church. Paul had heard about (2 Cor. 1:3; Isa. 49:13).
some tragic church factions from the 2. The Son
household of Chloe, living there in Corinth (Jn. 14:1; Isa. 61:2; 2 Thess. 2:16).
(1 Cor. 1:11). 3. The Holy Spirit
b. To instruct the church. Paul was visited (Jn. 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7).
while in Ephesus by a three-man The word for "comfort" comes from
delegation from Corinth, who handed him a list two Greek words, para (alongside) and
of questions the church had for him kaleo (to call). Thus, to comfort a person is
(1 Cor. 16:17; 7:1; 8:1; 12:1). to answer his call and walk alongside him to
6. He then sends Timothy to Corinth with this cheer him, guide him, and, on occasion, to
New Testament epistle (1 Cor. 4:17; 16:10, 11). defend him. The Greek word was often used
7. Timothy returns to Paul in Ephesus. This young
in a court of justice to denote a legal counsel
preacher was apparently unable to straighten
for the defense, one who would plead
things out in Corinth (2 Cor. 1:1).
another's cause. (See 1 Jn. 2:1.) Furthermore,
8. Paul desires to visit the church himself at this
time, but is unable to (2 Cor. 1:15-17). it may be stated that God is the only source
9. He soon hears that his work there is being of real comfort. The prophetical prayer of
undermined by some legalistic Judaizers who Jesus on the cross as given in the Psalms
had just arrived from Jerusalem (69:20) perfectly describes all human beings:
(2 Cor. 3:1; 10:12-18; 11:22, 23). "Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am
10. He now sends Titus back to Corinth with full of heaviness: and I looked for some to
orders to straighten things out and meet him in take pity, but there was none; and for
Troas (2 Cor. 2:12, 13; 7:6, 7). comforters, but I found none."
11. Paul comes to Troas, but does not find Titus. B. The need for consolation and comfort:
After a restless period, he departs to ". . . Our trouble, which came to us in Asia,
Macedonia (2 Cor. 2:12, 13). that we were pressed out of measure, above
12. Here he meets Titus, who gives him a favorable strength, insomuch that we despaired even of
report concerning the work at Corinth. life" (1:8).
13. With great relief Paul writes 2 Corinthians
(2 Cor. 7:5-15). There are two types of people which need no
14. Paul is finally able to visit Corinth at a later comfort: the unborn and the dead
date for a period of three months. Here he (see Isa. 40:1, 2). C. H. Spurgeon said that the
36
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
preacher who prepared his sermons for 1. "Who delivered us."
heartbroken people would never lack for an This speaks of justification.
audience! 2. "Who doth deliver."
C. The purpose for consolation and comfort: This speaks of sanctification.
"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that 3. "Who will yet deliver."
we may be able to comfort them which are in This speaks of glorification.
any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we B. Concerning his trip to Macedonia
ourselves are comforted of God. For as the (1:15-24; 2:1, 12, 13).
sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our 1. What he meant to do:
consolation also aboundeth by Christ" (1:4, 5). "I intended at first to come to you, that you
There is a vast difference between sympathy and might twice receive a blessing; that is, to pass
empathy. The first can only say "I'm sorry for your way into Macedonia, and again from
what you're going through," but the second may Macedonia to come to you, and by you to be
state, "I know exactly what you are going helped on my journey to Judea"
through." Thus, because our Lord Jesus suffered (1:15, 16, NASB).
all things, he is able to offer all comfort. 2. Why he did not do this:
(See Heb. 2:14 - 18; 4:14 - 16.) The Savior not "But I determined this with myself, that I
only comforts us, but suffers with us (Acts 9:4). would not come again to you in heaviness"
The spiritual rule therefore in this: The more (2:1). (See also 1:23.)
one suffers for Christ, the more comfort he Paul realized he would be running into a
receives from Christ, and the more ability hornet's nest if he visited them at this time,
he has to comfort other suffering people. Thus, and thus felt led to come at a later date.
he who has suffered much speaks many 3. Where he finally did go:
languages. "When I came to Troas to preach Christ's
gospel, and a door was opened unto me of
II. EXPLANATION (1:8 - 2:13).
the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I
A. Concerning his travail in Asia (1:8-14). found not Titus my brother; but taking my
Paul writes: "We were pressed out of measure, leave of them, I went from thence into
above strength, insomuch that we despaired Macedonia" (2:12, 13).
even of life" (1:8). Just what he suffered here is C. Concerning his tears in Ephesus (2:2-11).
not known. Some have connected this epistle "For out of much affliction and anguish of heart
with the account in Acts 19:23-41, but it would I wrote unto you with many tears" (2:4). Here
seem Paul himself did not suffer at that time. Paul apparently refers to the epistle of
(See 1 Cor. 15:32 for a possible clue.) At any 1 Corinthians.
rate, it was so severe that he resigned himself to
dying at that time. 1. He had wept over the fact that the church
had once refused to rebuke the unrepentant
"But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, man in 1 Corinthians 5.
that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God 2. He now wept over the fact that the church
which raiseth the dead" (1:9). refused to restore the repentant man.
Paul's faith here was like that of Isaac and "Ye ought rather to forgive him and comfort
Abraham in the Old Testament. him, lest perhaps such a one should be
(See Gen. 22:1-18; Heb. 11:17-19.) swallowed up with overmuch sorrow" (2:7).
Note his testimony concerning God's threefold This restoration was to be forthcoming
deliverance. immediately:
37
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: are guilty of this horrible sin.
for we are not ignorant of his devices" (See Acts 8:18-23.)
(2:11). C. It is an approved one (by God himself).
"Do we . . . need . . . or some others, epistles . .
III. DEMONSTRATION (OF THE or letters of commendation" (3:1-3).
NATURE OF THE MINISTRY
The legalistic Judaizing teachers who plagued
(2:14 - 6:18). Paul's work carried formal and impressive letters
A. It is a triumphant one (2:14-16). of introduction from Jerusalem. Prior to his
"Now thanks be unto God, which always conversion, the apostle had done this also
causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh (Acts 9:2). But now all that had changed. Paul's
manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in letters were:
every place" (2:14). 1. Personal ("Ye are our epistle").
God has thus assured us of victory - total 2. Permanent ("written in our hearts").
victory: 3. Public ("known and read of all men").
1. Regardless of when the problems arise D. It is a dependent one (3:4, 5).
(always). "Not that we are sufficient (qualified) of
2. Regardless of where the problems arise ourselves . . . but our sufficiency is of God"
(every place). (3:5; see also Phil. 4:13).
To illustrate this promise, Paul likens E. It is a superior one (3:6-18).
the ministry to a victorious Roman parade 1. Its program is superior.
during which the successful general (in this Here Paul refers back to Exodus 34:29-35,
case, Jesus) would lead both conquerors (the when Moses came down from Mt. Sinai after
saved) and captives (the unsaved) to their receiving the Ten Commandments. On that
respective destinies. occasion his face had so radiated God's glory
From the marching parade there would that he wore a veil, lest he frighten the
ascend a sweet fragrance, caused by the waiting Israelites below. But in
burning of incense. Thus: 2 Corinthians 3:13 Paul explains that the real
"To the one (captives) we are the savour of reason for the veil was to prevent Israel from
death unto death; and to the other viewing the glory which soon faded away.
(conquerors) the savour of life unto life" But God's new program is superior to that of
(2:16). Moses, for its glory, as given by Christ, will
In the Old Testament, Joseph's presence was never fade away. (See also Mt. 26:28;
death for the baker (Gen. 40:16-19, 22) but Heb. 8:8, 13.)
life for the butler (Gen. 40:9, 13, 21). "For the letter (Old Testament law program)
Likewise, in the New Testament, Jesus killeth, but the spirit (New Testament grace
presence meant death for the unrepentant program) giveth life" (3:6).
thief (Lk. 23:39), but life for the repentant 2. Its power is superior.
thief (Lk. 23:40-43). "Now the Lord is that spirit; and where the
B. It is a sincere one. spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (3:17).
"For we are not as many, which corrupt the 3. Its purpose is superior. God's new ministry
word of God: but as of sincerity" (2:17). in Christ has a twofold purpose:
(See also 2 Pet. 3:14-16.) a. Concerning Israel - to remove the veil of
The word "corrupt" means to peddle, or to unbelief from their eyes (3:16).
huckster the Word of God. All false prophets
38
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
b. Concerning the church - to transform 3. The results from this suffering. Immediate
Christians into the very image of Christ blessings:
(3:18). a. The privilege of bearing the marks of
F. It is an open one (4:1-4). Christ (4:10, 11; see also Rom. 8:36;
1. An open walk - 1 Cor. 15:31; Gal. 6:17; Col. 1:24).
"But have renounced the hidden things of b. The privilege of sharing the glory of God
dishonesty, not walking in craftiness." (4:15).
2. An open talk - Future blessings:
"Nor handling the word of God deceitfully; c. resurrection (4:14)
but by manifestation of the truth, d. rewards (4:17, 18; see also Mk. 10:28-30)
commending ourselves to every man's I. It is a confident one (5:1-9).
conscience in the sight of God" (4:2). 1. That God will give to us (in the future)
This openness is vital, for sinners are " ... an house not made with hands, eternal in
already blinded by Satan and should not the heavens" (5:1).
suffer additional harm by the lives of 2. That God has given to us (at the present)
deceitful Christians. "... the earnest (literally, the seal or pledge)
G. It is a Christ-honoring one (4:5-7). of the Spirit" (5:5).
Paul's message highlighted three points. Note Paul's supreme confidence as a result of
1. Who Christ is - he is the Lord. these facts: "Therefore we are always
2. What Christ has done. confident" (5:6). The word "always" appears
"For God, who commanded the light to shine many times in Paul's writings.
out of darkness (a reference to creation), concerning prayer (Rom. 1:9)
hath shined in our hearts (a reference to concerning praise (1 Cor. 1:4)
redemption), to give the light of knowledge concerning work (1 Cor. 15:58)
of the glory of God" (4:6). concerning obedience (Phil. 2:12)
3. Why Christ chose to use Paul. J. It is a compelling one (5:10-17).
"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, There were at least five compelling factors
that the excellency of the power may be of which prompted Paul to work day and night in
God, and not of us" (4:7). the ministry.
H. It is a suffering one (4:8-18). 1. The judgment of the saints (5:10).
1. The nature of this suffering: Note:
a. troubled on every side a. The plan - we must
b. perplexed b. The parties - all
c. persecuted c. The presence - appear
d. struck down d. The place - before the judgment seat of
e. perishing outer man Christ
2. The victory through this suffering: e. The purpose - that everyone may receive
a. troubled, yet not distressed the things done in his body, according to
b. perplexed, but not in despair that he hath done, whether it be good or
c. persecuted, but not forsaken bad.
d. struck down, but not destroyed Note: Here the word "bad" should be
e. renewed inner man rendered "worthless." (Compare with
1 Cor. 3:12.)
2. The need of sinners (5:14).
"Because we thus judge, that if one died for
39 all, then were all dead." Paul thus desired
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
that his converts would be able to give a 7. Of being poor, yet making many rich
good accounting to Christ on that day. (2 Cor. 6:10).
3. The "terror of the Lord" (5:11). 8. Of having nothing, yet possessing all
Here Paul refers to that reverential fear and things (2 Cor. 6:10).
respect which should characterize every 9. Of hearing words that cannot be expressed
believer. Paul's fear was that he might (2 Cor. 12:4).
displease his glorious Master. 10. Of being strong when one is weak
4. The love of Christ (5:14). (2 Cor. 12:10).
"For the love of Christ constraineth us." 11. Of knowing the love of Christ which
surpasses knowledge (Eph. 3:19).
5. The power of the gospel (5:17).
12. Of seeing the unseen (2 Cor. 4:18).
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a
N. It may be concluded that the very life and
new creature: old things are passed away;
ministry of our blessed Savior was itself a
behold, all things are become new."
divine paradox.
This glorious gospel therefore assures us 1. He hungered, yet fed multitudes
that: (Mt. 4:2; Jn. 6).
a. We might live through Christ (1 Jn. 4:9). 2. He thirsted, yet is the water of life
b. We might live with Christ (1 Thess. 5:10). (Jn. 19:28; 4:14).
c. We might live for Christ (2 Cor. 5:15). 3. He wearied, yet is our rest
K. It is a representative one (5:18-21). (Jn. 4:6; Mt. 11:29, 30).
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ." 4. He paid tribute, yet is the King of kings
1. An ambassador must be a citizen of the (Mt. 17:27; Rev. 19:16).
state he represents (Phil. 3:20; Col. 3:1, 2). 5. He prayed, yet hears our prayers
2. He is chosen (Jn. 15:16). (Mk. 14:32-42; Jn. 14:13, 14).
3. He is called home before war is declared 6. He wept, yet dries our tears
(1 Thess. 1:10; 5:1-10). (Jn. 11:35; Rev. 21:4).
L. It is a blameless one (6:1-8). 7. He was sold for thirty pieces of silver, yet
"Giving no offense in anything, that the ministry redeems the world
be not blamed: But in all things approving (Mt. 26:15; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19).
ourselves as the ministers of God" (6:3, 4). 8. He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and
The Bible has suffered much at the hands of its yet is the Good Shepherd
friends. (Isa. 53:7; Jn. 10:11).
9. He was put to death, yet raises the dead
M. It is a paradoxical one (6:9, 10).
(Jn. 19:33).
A paradox is an apparent (but not real)
O. It is a separated one (6:11-18).
contradiction. The Bible lists a number of
1. The nature of this separation.
paradoxes. Note:
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with
1. To find one's life, yet to eventually lose it unbelievers" (6:14).
(Jn. 12:25).
This separation would no doubt cover such
2. Of losing one's life, yet to eventually find
human ties as:
it.
3. Of being unknown, yet to be well known a. marriage
(2 Cor. 6:9). b. certain business partnerships
4. Of dying, yet to possess life (2 Cor. 6:9). c. unsound ecclesiastical organizations
5. Of being sorrowful, yet always rejoicing 2. The logic of this separation.
(2 Cor. 6:10). "What fellow ship hath . . .
6. Of dying, yet able to give life (Jn. 12:24). 40 a. righteousness with lawlessness
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
b. light with darkness 2. The Son:
c. Christ with Belial "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus
d. believers with unbelievers Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your
e. the temple of God with idols sakes he became poor, that ye through his
3. The rewards of this separation (6:17, 18). poverty might be rich" (8:9).
"Wherefore come out from among them, and Thus, our Lord became what he was not
be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not (poor), that we might become what we were
the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and not (rich). The sinless Son of God became
will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my the Son of man that sinful sons of men might
sons and daughters, saith the Lord become the sons of God.
Almighty." 3. The Father:
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable
IV. GRATITUDE (7).
gift" (9:15).
A. Paul's gratitude to God upon seeing Titus B. The spirit of giving:
(7:1-6). "For if there be first a willing mind, it is
"For, when we were come into Macedonia, our accepted according to that a man hath, and not
flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every according to that he hath not" (8:12).
side; without were fightings, within were fears.
Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that "Every man according as he purposeth in his
are cast down, comforted us by the coming of heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of
Titus." necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (9:7).
B. Paul's gratification to God upon hearing C. The grace of giving:
Titus (7:7-16). "Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith,
Titus reported he had been well received by the and utterance, and knowledge, and in all
Corinthian church and that Paul's previous letter diligence, and in your love to us; see that ye
had produced the desired twin goals of remorse abound in this grace also" (8:7).
and repentance over their various sins. One such Jesus' words to the rich young ruler would apply
sin was the case of a man living in sexual sin here (Mk. 10:21).
with his stepmother (1 Cor. 5). Paul exclaims: D. The results of giving:
"For godly sorrow worketh repentance to 1. The facts.
salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow a. Giving will bring blessing to the needy.
of the world worketh death" (7:10). "For the administration of this service...
supplieth the want of the saints" (9:12).
V. SOLICITATION (8, 9). b. Giving will bring blessing to the giver.
A. The examples of giving: (1) He will be provided for by the Lord.
1. The Macedonians (8:1-5). "And God is able to make all grace
a. They gave by surrendering themselves to abound toward you; that ye, always
the Lord. "But first gave their own selves having all sufficiency in all things, may
to the Lord" (8:5). abound to every good work" (9:8).
b. They gave by submitting themselves to the
"Now he that ministereth seed to the
apostle. " ... and unto us by the will of
sower both minister bread for your food,
God" (8:5).
and multiply your seed sown, and
c. They gave by sharing their resources with
increase the fruits of your righteousness;
the needy saints. "The fellowship of the
being enriched in every thing to all
ministering to the saints" (8:4).
41
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
bountifulness, which causeth through us "For the weapons of our warfare are not
thanksgiving to God" (9:10, 11). carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling
(2) He will be prayed for by the needy. down of strongholds" (10:4).
"While they also, by prayer on your In defeating Satan one cannot fight fire with
behalf, yearn for you because of the fire. He must use blood (see Rev. 12:11).
surpassing grace of God in you" 2. He did not employ a fake system of
(9:14, ASV). measurement (10:12, 17, 18).
"For we dare not . . . compare ourselves with
c. Giving will bring blessing to God.
some that commend themselves by
"For the ministry of this service is not themselves, and comparing themselves
only fully supplying the needs of the among themselves, are not wise" (10:12).
saints, but is also overflowing through
All too often both saved and unsaved people
many thanksgivings to God. Because of
are guilty of this false measurement system.
the proof given by this ministry they will
glorify God" (9:12, 13, NASB). a. The unsaved man can usually find some
poor miserable wretch who is worse than
2. The proof. he is, thus relieving his own uneasy
a. Proof from the world of God: conscience and causing him to conclude his
"But this I say, He which soweth "superior morality" is sufficient, apart from
sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and Christ's righteousness.
he which soweth bountifully shall also b. Sometimes Christian leaders fall victim to
reap bountifully" (9:6). this snare also by comparing their own
(See also Prov. 22:9; Gal. 6:7, 9). ministry to that of another believers work.
b. Proof from the Word of God: This can lead to envy (if his work is bigger
than mine) or pride (if the opposite is true).
"As it is written, He that had gathered
But Paul carefully avoided this trap. Note
much had nothing over; and he that had
his words: "But he that glorieth, let him
gathered little had no lack"
glory in the Lord. For not he that
(8:15; see also Ex. 16:18).
commendeth himself is approved, but
"As it is written, He hath dispersed whom the Lord commendeth" (10:17, 18).
abroad; he hath given to the poor: his 3. He did not build upon other men's
righteousness remaineth forever" foundations (10:13-16).
(9:9; see also Ps. 112:9). The apostle asked, "Do ye look on things
after the outward appearance?" (10:7).
VI. VINDICATION (10:13). Apparently they had, for his enemies claimed
Paul pens these final chapters to defend his that "his bodily presence is weak, and his
apostleship. Both his good name and ministry speech contemptible" (10:10). Paul answered
were being undermined by some jealous this by saying: "But though I be rude in
Judaizers who had probably come to Corinth speech, yet not in knowledge" (11:6).
from Jerusalem to stir up trouble. In his able (See also 1 Cor. 2:1-4.)
defense he demonstrates that: A difficulty is seen here, for another passage
A. His methods were superior to those of his seems to suggest that Paul was an eloquent
accusers. and powerful speaker. (See Acts 14:9-18.)
1. He did not use carnal and fleshly weapons At any rate, Paul did not glory in whatever
of war in fighting Satan (10:3-5). physical qualities he may have possessed. In

42
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
this he was supported by both Old and New have preached to you the gospel of God
Testament teachings. freely? I robbed other churches, taking wages
a. 1 Samuel 16:6, 7: of them, to do you service. And when I was
"And it came to pass, when they were present with you, and wanted, I was
come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, chargeable to no man: for that which was
Surely the Lord's anointed is before him. lacking to me the brethren which came from
But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have
not on his countenance, or on the height kept myself from being burdensome unto
of his stature; because I have refused you, and so will I keep myself"
him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; (2 Cor. 11:7-9). (See also Phil. 4:15, 16.)
for man looketh on, the outward 4. His warning to the church.
appearance, but the Lord looketh on the Paul warns the Corinthian believers about the
heart." real nature of his enemies.
b. John [Link] "For such are false apostles, deceitful
workers, transforming themselves into the
"Judge not according to the appearance, apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan
but judge righteous judgment." himself is transformed into an angel of light.
B. His motives were superior to those of his Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers
accusers. also be transformed as the ministers of
1. His jealousy over the church (11:1, 2). righteousness; whose end shall be according
"For I am jealous over you with godly to their works" (2 Cor. 11:13-15).
jealousy: for I have espoused you to one Paul then lists (11:20) at least five
husband, that I may present you as a chaste crimes committed by these false ministers
virgin to Christ" (11:2). (See also Col. 1:28.) upon true believers:
At this point let us distinguish between a. They made slaves of them.
jealousy and envy. b. They devoured them.
a. Jealousy. "The desire to possess one's own c. They took advantage of them.
things." Contrary to popular opinion, this d. They exalted themselves at the expense of
is a good and natural trait, if kept in proper others.
bounds. e. They (spiritually) struck them on the face.
b. Envy: "The desire to possess the things of 5. His sufferings for the church.
another." This is always wrong. "Of the Jews five times received I forty
2. His fear for the church (11:3-6). stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with
"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered
beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in
minds should be corrupted from the the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of
simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine
cometh preacheth another Jesus whom we own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in
have not preached or if ye receive another perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in
spirit, which ye have not received, or another perils in the sea, in perils among false
gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might brethren; in weariness and painfulness, in
well bear with him" (11:3, 4). (See also watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in
Mt. 24:4, 5; Eph. 4:14; Gal. 1:6-8.) fastings often, in cold and nakedness, beside
3. His unselfish service to the church. those things that are without, that which
"Have I committed an offense in abasing cometh upon me daily the care of all the
myself that ye might be exalted, because I 43 churches.
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities,
offended, and I burn not? It I must needs that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
glory, I will glory of the things which Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in
concern mine infirmities. The God and Father reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in
of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am
forevermore, knoweth that I lie not. In weak, then am I strong (2 Cor. 12:7-10).
Damascus the governor under Aretas the Note: This passage marks the fifth reference
king kept the city of the Damascenes with a to Satan by Paul in 2 Corinthians. From these
garrison, desirous to apprehend me: And verses we learn:
through a window in a basket was I let down a. His title: the god of this world (4:4).
by the wall, and escaped his hands" b. His tactics:
(2 Cor. 11:24-33). (Note the many other (1) To take advantage of believers (2:11).
references to Paul's sufferings in this letter. (2) To inflict suffering upon believers
See 1:3-11; 4:8-11; 6:4, 8-10; 7:5; 12:7-10.) (12:7). See especially Job 1 and 2.
C. His miracles were superior to that of his (3) To blind unbelievers (4:4).
accusers. c. His treachery: disguising himself as an
1. His supernatural sight (12:1-6). angel of light (11:14).
"I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years d. His trustees: false ministers (11:15).
ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or What was the nature of this thorn in the
whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God flesh? There are various views. The
knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third main theory is that he suffered from
heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in chronic ophthalmia, a disease of the eyes,
the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: not extremely painful, but at times
God knoweth;) how that he was caught up repulsive. It came upon Paul fourteen
into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, years prior to his writing this epistle, which
which it is not lawful for a man to utter" was about the time of his entrance into
(2 Cor. 12:2-4). Galatia. This was occasioned by some sort
Note: We cannot even speculate upon what of physical infirmity.
Paul actually witnessed on this occasion. At a (See also Gal. 4:13-15; 6:11.)
later date John the apostle apparently viewed It should also be remembered that he was
a similar sight. (See Rev. 10:4.) blinded for awhile at his conversion
Some believe Paul actually died during his (Acts 9:9). Satan thus may have exploited
stoning at Lystra (Acts 14:19) and that a natural infirmity.
during this time he experienced the vision 3. His supernatural signs:
here in 2 Corinthians 12, prior to being raised "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought
again from the dead by God. among you in all patience, in signs, and
2. His supernatural strength (12:7-10). wonders, and mighty deeds" (12:12).
"And lest I should be exalted above measure D. His mission was superior to that of his
through the abundance of the revelations, accusers.
there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the Paul was planning to make his third visit to
messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I them.
should be exalted above measure. For this "This is the third time I am coming to you. In
thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every
depart from me. And he said unto me, My word be established" (13:1).
grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is (See also Deut. 19:15.)
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly 44
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
His proposed mission was based upon two
principles:
1. He was a devoted parent.
"Behold, the third time I am ready to come
to you; and I will not be burdensome to you:
for I seek not yours, but you: for the children
ought not to lay up for the parents, but the
parents for the children" (12:14).
2. They were disobedient children.
"For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find
you such as I would, and that I shall be found
unto you such as ye would not: lest there be
debates, envyings, wraths, strifes,
backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults"
(12:20).
E. His Messiah was superior to that of his
accusers.
Their master was either Satan (11:13-15) or self
(10:12). But not Paul's.
"Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me,
which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in
you. For though he was crucified through
weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God.
For we also are weak in him, but we shall live
with him by the power of God toward you."
(2 Corinthians 13:3-4 )

45
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS - J. Sidlow Baxter

Key Verse - 1:30

"Jesus Christ Made Unto Us Wisdom"
Introductory 1:1-9
I. REPROOF - CONCERNING SCHISMS (1 - 6).
( The Corinthians were factiously glorying in men - 1:12)
Ch. 1. Man-exalting schisms (vs. 10-17) wrong because salvation by the Cross sets aside man's wisdom
altogether (vs. 18-31).
Ch. 2. Man-exalting schisms wrong because the true wisdom imparted by the Spirit, not by man
(vs. 5:13).
Ch. 3-4. Man-exalting schisms wrong because human teachers only stewards: power is of God
(3:5, 6, 21; 4:1).
Ch. 5-6. Such "gloryinggs" (v. 2) a mockery (v. 6) while flagrant evils condoned - incest, law-suits,
impurity!
II. REPLIES - CONCERNING PROBLEMS (7 - 15).
(The Corinthians had written Paul about problems - 7:1).
Ch. 7. Reply concerning marriage and celibacy.
Ch. 8 -10 Reply re meats. The principle (8); Paul's example (9); Scripture warning (10); issue
(10:23 - 11:1).
Ch. 11. Reply on sex propriety in the assembly (vs. 2-16) and general behaviour at the Lord's Table
(vs. 17-34).
Ch. 12-14. Reply re spiritual gifts. Dispensed by the Spirit (12); poor without love (13); prophecy the
best (14).
Ch 15. Reply concearning resurrection of Saints. Relation to Christ's (vs. 1-19); the prospect (vs. 20-34);
the body (vs. 35-49); the "mystery" (vs. 50-58).
Supplementary ch. 16.
SUPPLIMENTARY MATERIAL FROM THE OPEN BIBLE
Keys to First Corinthians
Key Word: Correction of Carnal Living.
Key Verses: 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 and 10:12,13
Key Chapters: 1 Corinthians 13 and 15

ANSWER TO
FOCUS CHLOE'S REPORT OF ANSWER TO REPORT OF FORNICATION ANSWER TO LETTER OF QUESTIONS
DIVISIONS
REFERENCE 1:1--------1:18--------5:1--------6:1--------6:12---------7:1----------8:1--------11:2-------15:1---------16:1-----16:24
DIVISION REPROT OF REASON FOR INCEST LITIGATION IMMORALITY MARRIAGE OFFERINGS PUBLIC RESUR- COLLECTION
DIVISON DIVISION IN IDOLS WORSHIP RECTION FOR JERUSALEM

DIVISIONS IN DISORDER IN DIFFICULTIES IN THE CHURCH

THE CHURCH THE CHURCH
TOPIC
CONCERN CONDEMNATION COUNSEL

LOCATION WRITTEN IN EPHESUS

TIME A.D. 56
46
 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
OUTLINE CHART FOR 1 CORINTHIANS
THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS By J. Sidlow Baxter
Key 1:3 - CHRIST OUR COMFORT AMID TRIAL
Introduction 1:1,2
I. PAUL'S ACCOUNT OF HIS MINISTRY ( 1 - 5).
(Explanation: Paul the Minister.)
A. As to the motive (1,2).
B. As to the message (3-5).
II. PAUL'S APPEAL TO HIS CONVERTS ( 6 - 9).
(Exhortation: Paul the Father.)
A. Concerning things spiritual (6,7).
B. Concerning things material (8,9).
III. PAUL'S ANSWER TO HIS CRITICS (10 - 13).
(Vindication: Paul the Apostle.)
A. The critics and their pretensions.
B. The apostle and his credentials.
Conclusion, 13:11-14
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL FROM THE OPEN BIBLE
KEYS to 2 Corinthians
Key Word: Paul's Defense of His Ministry
Key Verses: 2 Cor. 4:5,6 and 5:17-19
Key Chapters: 2 Corinthians 8 and 9
COLLECTION VINDICATION
FOCUS EXPLANATION OF PAUL'S MINISTRY FOR THE SAINTS OF PAUL'S
REFERENCE 1:1-------------2:14-----------6:11-------------8:1--------------8:7--------------10:1-----------11:1-----------12:14-13:14
DIVISION HIS CHANGE PHILOSOPHY EXPECTIONS OF EXAMPLE OF THE EXHORTATION TO ANSWERS HIS DEFENDS HIS ANNOUNCES HIS
OF PLANS OF MINISTRY THE CORINTHIANS MACEDONIANSS THE CORINTHIANS ACCUSERS APOSTLESHIP UPCOMING VISIT

CHARACTER OF PAUL COLLECTION FOR SAINTS CREDENTIALS OF PAUL

EPHESUS TO MACEDONIA: MACEDONIA: TO CORINTH:

TOPIC CHANGE OF ITINERARY PREPARATION FOR VISIT IMMINENT VISIT

LOCATION WRITTEN IN MACEDONIA

TIME C. A.D. 56

OUTLINE CHART FOR 2 CORINTHIANS

47
 Study Questions For 1 & 2 Corinthians
1 Corinthians
1. In 1 Cor. we have: doctrine reproof correction (circle one)
2. ________________ always has to do with wrong practice. while _________________ has to do with wrong
doctrine.
3. 1 Cor. is extremely important because of its great section of the __________________ of ____________
and the ______________in chapter _____.
4. Give the 3 point outline for 1 Cor. with chapters: (1) ______________________________
(2) ________________________________________ (3) _______________________________________
5. List the 7 Corruptions found in chapters 1 - 6. (1)______________________________________________
(2) _____________________________ (3) _______________________ (4) _________________________
(5) ______________________(6) __________________________ (7)______________________________
6. Who brought the report about the church to Paul? _________________
7. Who were the different men who had baptized some of these Corinthian believers? (1) ________________
(2) ______________________ (3) _____________________ (4) ___________________________
8. Write out with reference the strongest verse in the Bible refuting baptismal regeneration.
___________________________________________________________________________________
9. List the 3 spiritual categories of men. (1) ___________ ( ______________________ ) (2) _______________
( ________________ ) (3) _________________________ ( ______________________).
10. The __________ was not a judicial bench where someone was condemned; it was a __________________.
11. List the materials tested at the ___________ judgement. ______________________________________
____________________________________
12. Give the 6 pictorial examples of the work of a true minister: (1) He is a __________________ (2) _______
___________ (3) _________________ (4) __________________ (5) ______________ (6) _____________
13. In ch. 5 the church was failing to discipline a man living with _______________ in a ____________ way.
14. Paul's judgement was: "To deliver such an one unto ___________ for the destruction of the __________..."
15. In ch. 6 they were going to law before the ____________ and not before the ___________.
16. Ch. 7 (the ___________ ch.) is addressed to three classes of people: (1) ____________________________
(2) ___________________________________ (3) _________________________________
17. Ch. 8 asks "Should saved people _______ ___________
48 which had been _____________ to ________?"
 Study Questions For 1 & 2 Corinthians
18. Ch. 9 includes a personal example - __________________________

19. Ch. 10 gives an Old Testament example - ___________________________

20. Ch. 11 includes rules concerning ____________ and rules concerning _________________________.

21. Ch. 12 asks; "What about __________ ___________?"

22. Believers should seek to speak in tongues above all. __________true __________false.

23. What is a Spiritual gift? ________________________________________________________

24. We might call ch. 13 the _____________chapter.

25. What are the 2 greatest chapters in the Bible (1) ______________________ (2) _____________________

26. In Paul's example of the pattern of the resurrection he uses a ___________ of ____________.

27. Who is to give in the collection (offering)? _________________________________________

28. The word "maranatha" means ______________________________

2 CORINTHIANS
29. These 2 words ______________ and _________________ are found 10 times in the first 7 verses.

30. Give the 6 point outline of 2 Corinthians. (1) _________________ (2) _________________ (3) _________

____________ (4) ___________________ (5) ___________________ (6) ________________________

31. Give 6 characteristics of the Gospel Ministry: (1) ____________________ (2) _____________ (3) ______

_______________ (4) _____________________ (5) ____________________ (6) ____________________

32. The Macedonians first gave ______________________________________ to the Lord.

33. Paul pens these final chapters to ______________ his ______________________.

34. Four things we learn about Satan are (1) ________________________ (2) _________________________

(3) _____________________________ (4) _______________________________

35. In the final verses Paul says "be _____________, be of good ___________ be of one ___________, live in

_________ ... greet one another with _______________________. Would you like to practice that? ______.

36. I have read _______% of the printed material and ______% of the books of 1st. & 2nd. Corinthians from the
Bible.
37. I have looked up _____% of the Scripture references.

38. In my through the Bible reading I have read Matt. 1:1 to ____________ this school year.

39. Write the N. T. books in order: 49

 the First & Second Epistles to the Corinthians
Table of Contents
FIRST CORINTHIANS 1
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
I. Preliminaries (1:1-10). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
II. The Report (1:11 - 6:20). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
III. The Reply (7 - 16). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Question Number 1: What about marriage? (7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Question Number 2: What about Christian liberty? (8 - 10). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Question Number 3: What about church conduct? (11). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Question Number 4: What about spiritual gifts? (12 - 14). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Question Number 5: What about the resurrection? (15). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Question Number 6: What about the collection? (16). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

SECOND CORINTHIANS .................................................................. 35

INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
I. Consolation (1:1-7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
II. Explanation (1:8 - 2:13). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
III. Demonstration (2:14 - 6:18). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
IV. Gratitude (7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
V. Solicitation (8, 9). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
VI. Vindication (10:13). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Additional Outlines .................................................................................................................................46 - 47

Study Questions for 1st. & 2nd. Corinthians.............................................................................................48 - 49

REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS BLOCK:

1. Read all the material for this block.

2. Look up and read all the verses in the material as you read through the material.
3. Fill in the answers to your STUDY QUESTIONS ahead of time so you will be better
prepared for the EXAM during the final hour.
4. T-H-I-N-K as you read this material. It will be a blessing to you.
It will also change your life.
 Exam For 1 & 2 Corinthians
Student's Name:_________________ Teacher's Name:_____________ Date: / /
1 Corinthians
1. In 1 Cor. we have: doctrine reproof correction (circle one)
2. ________________ always has to do with wrong practice. while _________________ has to do with wrong
doctrine.
3. 1 Cor. is extremely important because of its great section of the __________________ of ____________
and the _____________________________in chapter __________________.
4. Give the 3 point outline for 1 Cor. with chapters: (1) ______________________________
(2) ________________________________________ (3) _______________________________________
5. List the 7 Corruptions found in chapters 1 - 6. (1)______________________________________________
(2) _____________________________ (3) _______________________ (4) _________________________
(5) ______________________(6) __________________________ (7)______________________________
6. Write out with reference the strongest verse in the Bible refuting baptismal regeneration.
___________________________________________________________________________________
7. List the 3 spiritual categories of men. (1) ___________ ( ______________________ ) (2) _______________
( ________________ ) (3) _________________________ ( ______________________).
8. The ____________ was not a judicial bench where someone was condemned; it was a __________________.
9. List the materials tested at the ______________ judgement. ______________________________________
____________________________________
10. In ch. 5 the church was failing to discipline a man living with ________________ in a _____________ way.
11. Paul's judgement was: "To deliver such an one unto ___________ for the destruction of the __________..."
12. In ch. 6 they were going to law before the ___________________ and not before the _________________.
13. Ch. 7 (the ___________ ch.) is addressed to three classes of people: (1) ____________________________
(2) ________________________________________(3)_______ _________________________________
14. Ch. 8 asks "Should saved people _______ ___________ which had been _____________ to ________?"

15. Ch. 9 includes a personal example - _________________________________________________________

16. Ch. 10 gives an Old Testament example - _____________________________________________________

17. Ch. 11 includes rules concerning ____________ and rules concerning _________________________.
 Exam For 1 & 2 Corinthians
18. Ch. 12 asks; "What about __________ ___________?"

19. Believers should seek to speak in tongues above all. __________true __________false.

20. We might call ch. 13 the _____________chapter.

21. What are the 2 greatest chapters in the Bible (1) ______________________ (2) _____________________

22. Who is to give in the collection (offering)? _________________________________________

23. The word "maranatha" means ______________________________

2 CORINTHIANS
24. These 2 words ______________ and _________________ are found 10 times in the first 7 verses.

25. Give the 6 point outline of 2 Corinthians. (1) _________________ (2) _________________ (3) _________

____________ (4) ___________________ (5) ___________________ (6) ________________________

26. Give 6 characteristics of the Gospel Ministry: (1) ____________________ (2) _____________ (3) ______

_______________ (4) _____________________ (5) ____________________ (6) ____________________

27. The Macedonians first gave ______________________________________ to the Lord.

28. Paul pens these final chapters to ______________ his ______________________.

29. Four things we learn about Satan are (1) ________________________ (2) _________________________

(3) _____________________________ (4) _______________________________

30. In the final verses Paul says "be _____________, be of good ___________ be of one ___________, live in

_________ ... greet one another with _______________________. Would you like to practice that? ______.

31. I have read _______% of the printed material and ______% of the books of 1st. & 2nd. Corinthians from the
Bible.

32. I have looked up _____% of the Scripture references.

33. In my through the Bible reading I have read Matt. 1:1 to ____________ this school year.

34. Write the N.T. books in order:

the First & Second Epistles
to the Corinthians
WILLMINGTON'S GUIDE TO THE BIBLE AND OTHERS

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