Bible Studies 1991 - The First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians: Bible Studies, #59

By Hayes Press

Bible Studies has been the scripture discussion and research magazine of the Churches of God since 1933.  Each year, a different subject is explored via editorials, group discussions, Q&A and special focus articles.  This volume explores the first epistle to the Corinthians.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hayes Press
• Release date: Oct 2, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386827139

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JANUARY 1991 - THE FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH OF GOD IN CORINTH (Acts 18:1 — 19:1; 1 Cor. 1:1—9)

EDITORIAL 9101 - CONSTRAINED BY THE LORD

It is instructive to see the work of God in the life of the apostle Paul and in the purpose that brought him to the city of Corinth. He knew the Word of God and cared about the teaching concerning it which had been revealed to him. He imparted the word of faith and stayed long enough to make disciples, making known the necessity for baptism and remaining to establish the faith of the disciples by teaching the word of God among them. For the Lord had spoken to Paul through the vision. This word from the Lord Be not afraid assured him of the Lord’s leading and protection.

Looking back on the church, he saw the grace of God among them, and that they were enriched in the Lord in all utterance and all knowledge, and they came behind in no gift. These things gave the apostle cause for thankfulness to God, and he thanked God continually. How he must have yearned to persuade those of his own race of the significance of the cross of Christ, and it must have been an exceeding joy to him to deliver the teaching to those who believed. The Gentiles also received the word, and we are all indebted to the example of those many Corinthians who heard, believed, and were baptized. He now told the church of the faithfulness of God who had called them and was able to confirm them unto the end.

It is an evidence of a renewed desire to share the study of God’s word that so many contributors have commenced this year’s subject, and the value of the magazine is dependent on such fellowship on the part of assemblies. We as editors extend a welcome to new, returning, and seasoned contributors, and look forward to a year of rewarding study in the

Lord’s will.

E.A.

CONTRIBUTIONS

From Birkenhead: Paul received a divine call to service as an apostle (1 Cor. 1:1) to which he was not disobedient (Acts 26:19). He was told by Ananias that he would have revelation of God’s will for him (Acts 22:14-15). He constantly sought the Holy Spirit’s power and direction in all the service he undertook.

There should be no doubt that it was by the Spirit’s overruling that Paul found’ Aquila and Priscilla, who in turn had been told to leave Rome. Together they laboured as they served in the gospel, and they would be able to strengthen each other. Commencing in the synagogue, they witnessed to Jews and Greeks. They were joined by Silas and Timothy and the opposition arose. They were excluded from the synagogue, but were able to continue the work in houses. They were encouraged in a number of ways (a) many believed in the Lord (b) the Lord assured Paul of His purpose to bless the work at Corinth and (c) Gallio refused to be involved in the plans to hinder the work.

The time came for Paul to travel further on his journeys and Priscilla and Aquila went with him. Paul purposed, God willing, to return to ‘stab­lish the saints — something he had in mind to do wherever he planted a church. Further evidence of the working of the Spirit is seen in the meeting at Ephesus of Apollos with Priscilla and Aquila. Scripture outlines the qualities of Apollos — a learned man mighty in the Scriptures instructed in the way of the Lord fervent in spirit, spake and taught carefully. Priscilla and Aquila noting his ignorance of any baptism other than John’s, took him for private instruction, expounding the way of God more care­fully. Thus divinely equipped, he was exercised to go over to Achaia, and in full fellowship he was able to continue the work at Corinth, using the Scriptures to bring down the arguments of his opponents and help to strengthen believers.

Paul in writing to believers at Corinth describes them collectively as the church of God. They were called ones, called by God out of the world, called into the Fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ. They were, according to apostolic teaching, epi to auto — together physically and doctrinally. They were called upon to be what they were, saints, sanctified in Christ Jesus. They were linked in fellowship with other believers in churches of God elsewhere. They were rich in spiritual gift to the end that they should be established and preserved to the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It is encouraging to see how in every respect God made it possible for His purposes of grace to be revealed to His called ones.

R.D. Williams

From Birmingham: Paul arrived at Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1), which commenced at Antioch (Acts 15:41) in AD 50 and finished again in Antioch (18:22) around AD 53-54. The Holy Spirit forbade Paul to journey into the regions of Asia and i3ithynia but directed him to Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10) which ultimately led to his arrival in Corinth through such major cities as Thessalonica, Beroea and Athens.

During Paul’s eighteen-month stay (Acts 18:11) a church of God was planted (Acts 18:8). The church was made up predominately of Gentiles (1 Cor. 12:2), Crispus (a Jew) (Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 1:14) Erastus and Gaius (1 Cor. 1:14; Acts 19:22; Rom. 16:23) being the most prominent members of it.

The two epistles to the Corinthians are undoubtedly written by Paul, the first probably written from Ephesus (Acts 19:22; 1 Cor. 4:17; 1 Cor. 16:8-9) which Paul again visited during his third journey.

The subject of this epistle is the church of God and the purpose in writing was to correct certain evils within it. Corinth was a city of rank evil, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality and drunkenness (1 Cor. 6:9-10) from which the Corinthian church was washed, sanctified, and justified. Sadly the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19) continued to have sway and to afflict the church. This caused division (1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Cor. 6:1), fault—finding (1 Cor. 9: 1-15), immorality (1 Cor. 5:1), and pride (1 Cor. 14:37-38). Paul described them, though abounding in spiritual gifts as children (1 Cor. 14:20) and carnal (1 Cor. 3:1). Thus we have an epistle which is largely concerned with correction.

We might have expected B.S. editors to have used the phrase the planting of, and it is perhaps not without its significance that the term foundation of is used instead. The ‘planting’ of a church of God is a term we commonly use and this is not unscriptural. We raise the question, who ‘plants’?

Paul said I planted (1 Cor. 3:6) which at least means he, following on from the sowing, implants the word. The Greek word phuteuo means to set out in the earth and speaks figuratively of ‘instilling doctrine’ [Comment 2].

This he did during his eighteen months in Corinth, and many responded, believed, were baptized (Acts 18:8) and obviously (though not stated) added (Acts 2:41-42). Because of this Paul tells this Corinthian church you (not we) are God’s husbandry, i.e. tilled land (RVM). This paints a little more of the picture begun by Paul in his use of the term ‘planted’, and throws us back to such scriptures as Is. 5:1-7 (see also Mat. 21:33-43), and reveals that the church of God in Corinth (God’s New Testament people) is identical in character to God’s Old Testament people. They were God’s vineyard, a digged piece of land (Is. 5:2-16), the purpose of which was to bring forth fruit by obedience (Is. 5:6; Mat. 21:34).

The Corinthians were God’s husbandry i.e. a tilled piece of land, and their purpose was to bring forth fruit to God as they would do as they built on the foundation of Jesus Christ and were obedient to His word. The parallel is clear. The church of God is an enclosed plot of land (fenced) with a clear within and without, into which disciples are planted and within which God’s ministers dig or till the land so that growth may be promoted and fruit produced for the pleasure of the husbandman.

All of this begins with planting and it would appear as men ‘plant’ doctrine so God can ‘plant’ the vineyard (or perhaps it should be vice-versa) or rather the church of God for as Paul reminds us we are God’s fellow-workers (see also 1 Cor. 9:7; Mat. 15:13) (Comment 3).

R. Wood

From Bolton and Leigh: Corinth’s population has been estimated by historians to have comprised some 250,000 free persons and approximately 400,000 slaves. It was a centre of pagan worship boasting of at least twelve temples, the most notable of these being the temple of Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love. The worshippers of Aphrodite practised ritual prostitution and the name of Corinth was synonymous in the ancient world with sexual immorality.

It is against this background that the church of God in Corinth was founded and perhaps it is not surprising that one of the problems to arise in the Corinthian assembly was fornication (1 Cor. 5:11). The planting of the church in Corinth was the work of Paul, who followed his established mode of operation by speaking first in the Jewish synagogue (Acts 18:4). Paul’s converts were from both the Jewish and Gentile populations, consequently the church in Corinth would be of a heterogeneous nature. Encouraged by the Lord (Acts 18:9) Paul laboured for the space of eight­een months and could truthfully say, as a wise master-builder I laid a foundation.

The other great exponent of God’s Word, whose name is associated with Corinth was Apollos. Paul acknowledged the part played by this man in the establishing of the work there (1 Cor. 3:5, 6). We felt that Apollos was one who believed and taught that Jesus was the Messiah, and had perhaps even been in Israel during the time of the Lord’s ministry but, had not learned the truths of discipleship as outlined in Acts 2:41, 42. The way of the Lord, that is, discipleship and the truth of the house and kingdom of God, was taught to Apollos by Priscilla and Aquila and this he gladly embraced (Acts 18:26). The marked ability of Apollos had its effect, for when he eventually came to Achaia he is said to have: helped them much which had believed through grace (Acts 18:27).

The opening verses of 1 Corinthians, particularly verses 2 and 9, proved of special interest to us. Since the letter from Paul is addressed to: the church of God which is at Corinth, we felt that the, all, who called on the Lord’s name in every place, must be other groups of believers, likewise gathered into churches of God in various locations (v.2) [Comment 4]. We also noted that the common link between these groups of believers was not just their membership of the Church the body of Christ, but the Lordship of Christ.

In 1 Cor. 1:9 we particularly noted the use of the definite article before the word ‘fellowship’, this use being common to both the R.V. and A.V. text. But if we read a modern version such as the NIV, the definite article is not used, thus giving a different slant to the words. If the NIV reading of verse 9 is followed, then the ‘fellowship’ mentioned is that which an individual believer has with Christ. If the RV text is followed, ‘The Fellowship’ appears to be a distinct group of believers, into which others are called and over which the Son of God is Lord [Comment 1].

Alex Reid

From Derby: The apostle Paul first visited Corinth, travelling from Macedonia via Athens. He had spent some time in Athens preaching the gospel, apparently not with such success as to warrant him to remain there. He was alone in Athens, having expected to be joined there by Silas and Timothy, but he was disappointed and travelled on to Corinth by himself. On arrival at Corinth Paul joined Aquila and Priscilla who had come from Rome and with them he waited there for Silas and Timothy. When they finally arrived Paul entered on the great work of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in that splendid cosmopolitan city. He spoke to the Jews first and when it was obvious that many of them would reject the message Paul turned to the Greeks (Acts 18:1-6).

Paul’s feelings then are exposed in this epistle (1 Cor. 2:1-4); he was preaching not with excellency of speech but in weakness, fear and much trembling. Yet the message was dynamic in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Paul was not sidetracked into complicated arguments but preached a straightforward message centred on the cross of Christ and summed up in those words which should characterize our evangelism today: We preach Christ crucified (1 Cor. 1:23). God graciously promised that He would be with Paul and would not leave him; reassuring him of the vast potential within the great city (Acts 18:9-10).

Paul spent eighteen months freely preaching the word of the cross until he was opposed by the Jews under Sosthenes their leader. It may be that Sosthenes, perhaps the principal agent of the Jews in bringing Paul before Gallio, was eventually converted (see 1 Cor. 1:1). It is evident, however, that although there may well have been prominent people in the Corinthian church, the majority were from more humble backgrounds (1 Cor. 1:26-27). It was a mighty example of the grace of God and the power of the gospel that a church was formed in this city of affluence, luxury, fashion and wickedness. It shows the effect of the cross of Christ in subduing corruption and bringing all classes of people under its constraining power.

Paul subsequently visited Corinth some years after the establishment of the church there. He passed the winter on Greece, doubtless partly in Corinth and its neighbourhood, on his journey from Macedonia to Jerusalem (Acts 20:1-3). The vision of a church of God in Corinth had come to fruition. The ministry of Paul had sought to tackle the problems of Christian life in that place as a result of which a centre for evangelism had been firmly established.

A.K. Smith

From Hayes: Acts 18:1-19. The Apostle met a like-minded Jewish couple, Aquila and Priscilla, lately come from Rome. They had a similar trade of tentmaking although some suggest that the word means leather-workers because tents were often made of leather. Paul’s preaching every Sabbath in the synagogue met with success among the Jews and the Greeks. The apostle, reinforced by Silas and Timothy from Mace­donia, powerfully preached the word. Again he faced severe opposition from unbelieving Jews. Paul moved next door and lived with Titus Justus, who worshipped God.

Many Corinthians believed and were baptized. It was reckoned to be a large church, which came behind in no gift. Fierce opposition from the Jews came to a head when a new proconsul called Gallio was appointed. The accusation against Paul did not stand, as Gallio saw it was a religious matter and not one of wrong-doing.

It had been suggested that Christianity received a valuable breathing space as a result of this judgement, and Paul was able on other occasions to appeal for help from the civil authorities. It may be that the Roman authorities considered the Jewish religion, which was protected under Roman law, and Christianity as somewhat similar, and so the latter required similar protection.

1 Corinthians 1:19. This letter was written from Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:8) and possibly in the spring of 54AD. Paul in his opening remarks states his name and calling and gives a greeting to the church of God in Corinth. Grace and peace is what the sinner needs and what he receives by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, but this reference is to the qualities needed in the Christian life. The apostle praises God in a paean of praise. He was thankful for the grace God had given them in Christ. He was very full in praise of their qualities as Christians in the church of God in Corinth. They were enriched in the Lord in all speaking and knowledge of the word, possibly a reference to spiritual gifts — charismata (see 1 Cor. 14:1-6). This was evident, and they were not lacking in gift. God would confirm this approval, manifested to all and they would be kept, blameless until the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. God would be faithful on His part in that they were called into fellowship with His Son the Lord Jesus Christ [see Comment 1). True compliments and praise were given here to the church, before Paul had to set in order things that required correcting by the church.

R.F. Robertson

From Leicester: The purpose of Paul’s second journey, during which the church in Corinth was planted, was to revisit established churches to strengthen their faith. However, Paul was ever open to the leading of the Spirit and was led further afield, so the effect was to spread the gospel message to an ever-widening audience. Paul, as always, went first to the synagogue, preaching to the Jews, but his experience again was that the Jews could not accept Jesus as Messiah, so Jewish interest waned whilst Gentile interest increased. It was no coincidence that he met and befriended Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth; the overruling hand of God had purposed it even down to their having the same trade.

On receiving good news of the work in Macedonia, Paul was encouraged to testify to the Jews that Jesus was Messiah (Christ). Their almost wholesale rejection of this drove Paul to seek out Gentiles. The hand of God is here seen again, in that on leaving the synagogue gathering, the place found for the company to meet was only next door.

Paul, together with Aquila and Priscilla, eventually left for Ephesus, Paul having his head shaved because of a vow. He was of course a Jew, and even those Jews who believed did not give up their customs. Since he was trying to convert fellow-Jews, and found himself in a transitional period, out of deference to them, he still partook of the customs, whilst not including them in his teaching. The customs amongst the converted would thereby eventually die. The elders in Jerusalem appear to have encouraged him in this (Acts 21:17-25) [Comment 5]. Paul left Ephesus, promising to return soon, if God willed.

The greeting which opens Paul’s first letter contains much teaching about churches of God and the people in them: that apostles and saints are called of God; that this company constitutes a church of God; separ­ated unto Christ Jesus; linked in testimony with others elsewhere; and called by a faithful God into the Fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sid. Edwards

From Lerwick: In Acts 2:41 and 42 seven basic steps are seen in the building of the church at Jerusalem, some of which are evident in the planting of the church in Corinth.  In the establishment of any church of God the cornerstone is the Lord Jesus Christ. This is where Paul began in Acts 18:5 when testifying that Jesus was the Christ.

Those who believed in the Lord (v.8) were baptized and were taught of Paul. This teaching was of Christ, showing that God seeks to be worshipped in spirit and in truth (John 4:23, 24). In v.13 it is evident that God was being worshipped in this manner, indicating that a church had been planted in the eighteen months Paul taught there. The term brethren as used in v.18 generally speaks of those in association with churches of God. It is evident from the story of Apollos that there is more to the way of God than salvation, where many people stop today, and it is interesting to note that Apollos was taken in private by Aquila and Priscilla his wife and taught the way of God more carefully. Thus taught, he was used of God to teach powerfully in Corinth.

Paul was writing to people who were called, as he was, by the will of God. They were called to be saints. The word church means an assembly of called out people. It is clear, therefore, that an unsaved person has no place in a church of God.

The church in Corinth was greatly blessed of God because we read ye were enriched in Him (Christ Jesus), in all utterance and all know­ledge; and ye come behind in no gift. Thus we may say, in all infancy the Corinthian church was an example to all churches of God. They are seen in v.7 waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. With the ability to see the changes it could perform in their lives, a gift in itself, was the understanding and realising of the power of God. In v.9 we are again reminded that God is faithful, and remains so (2 Tim. 2:13), whether we in return are faithful to Him or fall by the wayside.

A. Nicol, S. Nicol

From Liverpool: Background.  The Church in Corinth provided a little green patch for God in an otherwise barren environment. Corinth was a by-word for evil living: to be a Corinthian was to live in drunken and immoral debauchery. It was in this environment that the Spirit of God began to work.

Paul’s Activities in Corinth Paul sowed the seed in the world (the open field) and that was where it germinated. He made a little place for them (God’s field or cultivated land). He then took the little plants from the open field and planted them in God’s cultivated land. Such was the planting (we still use that figure of speech today) of the church of God. We noticed parallels with Acts 2:41-42 in the progress of the work: (1) Paul