The Problematic People

By Robert L. Wagner

The Corinthian church were continually called saints (1:2; 6:1-2; 14:35; 16:1, 15), the called (1:2, 9, 26), brethren (1:10, 26; 2:1; 3:1; 7:24) and sanctified (1:2; 6:11) yet their practice did not complement their position. As Stan Toussaint says, "Paul wrote the book with a special emphasis on sanctificat

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robert Wagner
• Release date: Feb 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781087948959

Robert L. Wagner

Robert L. Wagner is an artist, author, speaker and media personality. One of his generations most creative bible expositors and the “master of integration.” He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary and Lead Pastor-Teacher at Ark Bible Fellowship in Arlington, Tx. His blog, social media platforms and youtube channel draws countless viewers daily.

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INTRODUCTION

The principal city of Greece known as Corinth was a place of many great things. It was a place where many flocked for trade, wealth and affluence. Amongst the material possessions gained in this city another thing was great, "It was in a particular manner noted for fornication, insomuch that a Corinthian woman was a proverbial phrase for a strumpet, and korinthiazein, korinthiasesthai—to play the Corinthian, is to play the whore, or indulge whorish inclinations."[1] Paul journeys to Corinth during his second missionary journey and labors for approximately 18 months in the midst of this. After leaving and continuing his ministerial efforts, internal evidence shows that Paul takes time to write this letter dealing with various problems within this church (1:1, 13; 3:4-6; 4:15; 16:21). Some extrinsic evidence strongly views Paul as the writer, including Clement of Rome (95 AD), Ignatius (110 AD), Polycarp (135 AD), and Tertullian (200 AD). It seems that Paul writes this letter nearing the end of his stay in Ephesus during his third missionary journey (56 AD).

The Corinthian church were continually called saints (1:2; 6:1-2; 14:35; 16:1, 15), the called (1:2, 9, 26), brethren (1:10, 26; 2:1; 3:1; 7:24) and sanctified (1:2; 6:11) yet their practice did not complement their position. As Stan Toussaint says, Paul wrote the book with a special emphasis on sanctification.[2] Ultimately, the letter exists to remind the Corinthian church and believers everywhere to make sure practice matches their position, as they were sanctified positionally they must progress practically in sanctification. This inconsistency in the Corinthians’ practice and position can be seen through seven major problems within the entire church: divisions, discipline, divorce, doctrine, doxology, dialect, and doubts.

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Purpose Of Discussion {Epistle} (1:1-9)

As we know, letters in Paul’s day often began by mentioning first the author and then their audience. Paul’s apostleship was often questioned, as well as the legitimacy of it (1 Cor. 9:3) was defended heavily in 2 Corinthians but only affirmed here. Before He reproves the church for their sins, Paul begins this letter in gently and tactfully listing their spiritual blessings from God 1) Called of God (v. 2), though not living like it, they were saints, which means they were set apart belonging to the church 2) Grace of God (v. 3-4) indicating that God granted what they did not deserve and it came through faith in Christ 3) Gifts from God (v. 5, 7) although greatly expanded upon in chapters 12-14, he discloses they were enriched in speech and knowledge. 4) Hope from God – the church was living unbecoming of their position. They were faithless! Yet, Paul reminds them that God is faithful, and as they wait on the return of Christ, God was able to present them