Bible Study Guide: 1 Corinthians Volume I: Ancient Words Bible Study Series

By Andrew J. Lamont-Turner

Step into a world of ancient challenges, timeless truths, and transformative wisdom. In "Bible Study Guide: 1 Corinthians," journey through the depths of Paul's heartfelt letters to the Corinthians and discover a wellspring of guidance for your own life. Join a vibrant community wrestling with divisions, moral dilemmas, and the pursuit of wisdom. As you turn each page, you'll encounter Paul's powerful words that transcend time, speaking directly to the complexities of your modern world. Uncover the secrets of true wisdom and the transformative power of love. Explore the dynamics of leadership, relationships, and the profound calling to live as members of the body of Christ. Dive into the depths of freedom, holiness, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and equipped to navigate life's challenges with confidence and grace. Discover how the unchanging truths of God's Word can shape your perspective, transform your relationships, and bring hope to a hurting world. Are you ready to embark on a journey that will ignite your faith, deepen your understanding, and empower your life? Get ready to unveil the wisdom of 1 Corinthians and unlock the transformative power of God's Word within your own story.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrew J. Lamont-Turner
• Release date: Apr 19, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224340927

Andrew J. Lamont-Turner

Andrew Lamont-Turner is a theological scholar, author, and Bible teacher who has dedicated his life to pursuing theological knowledge and disseminating spiritual wisdom. With a profound understanding of the scriptures and a passion for teaching, Andrew has emerged as a leading voice in the field of theology. His extensive academic qualifications and love for God and his family have shaped him into a multifaceted individual committed to nurturing spiritual growth and intellectual exploration. Academic Journey: Andrew's academic journey reflects his thirst for theological understanding. He holds a Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Theology (Honours), Master of Theology, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Theology. These qualifications represent years of rigorous study and a commitment to excellence in his field. Furthermore, Andrew's intellectual curiosity extends beyond theology, as he also possesses a Bachelor of Education (Honours) and several Postgraduate Certificates in various commercial fields. This interdisciplinary approach has enriched his perspective and broadened his ability to connect theological principles with everyday life. Teaching and Writing: Andrew's knowledge of theology has been expressed through his teaching and writing endeavours. As an educator, he has inspired countless students through his engaging lectures and insights into the scriptures. His ability to distil complex theological concepts into accessible teachings has garnered him a reputation as an exceptional communicator. In addition to his teaching, Andrew is a prolific author who has published several books and a comprehensive Bible study series. His books delve into various aspects of Christian theology, offering insights, practical guidance, and thought-provoking reflections. With meticulous research, clear exposition, and a genuine desire to bridge the gap between academic theology and everyday faith, Andrew's writings have touched the lives of many, nurturing their spiritual growth and deepening their understanding of God's Word. Pastoral Leadership: Living his faith ensures Andrew takes his Pastoral Leadership very seriously. He is the Pastor of a community church in rural South Africa, where he ensures the flock entrusted to him by God is well-fed and looked after.

Book preview

Foreword

Welcome to this insightful journey through the book of 1 Corinthians. Within its chapters, we find a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance that remains relevant today. As we embark on this exploration, we are invited to delve into the heart of the early Christian community in Corinth and uncover the timeless truths that Paul imparts to the believers.

The Corinthian church was a vibrant yet troubled community, grappling with various issues that still resonate with us today. Through his inspired words, the apostle Paul addresses divisions, moral dilemmas, relational struggles, and the pursuit of wisdom. He offers practical advice, spiritual insights, and a heartfelt plea for unity among believers.

In the pages ahead, we will encounter profound teachings on true wisdom, the importance of love, and the call to live lives that honour God. We will reflect on the challenges of leadership, the sanctity of marriage, and our responsibility as members of the body of Christ. We will explore freedom, holiness, and the power of the Holy Spirit in shaping our lives and communities.

As we navigate the complexities of our time, the book of 1 Corinthians serves as a compass, pointing us toward the unchanging truths of God's Word. It invites us to examine our hearts, challenge our perspectives, and seek a deeper understanding of what it means to live as followers of Christ in a world that often contradicts His teachings.

May this journey through 1 Corinthians be a source of inspiration, conviction, and encouragement. Let us approach it with open minds and hearts, ready to embrace the transformative power of God's Word. May the wisdom and truths in these chapters illuminate our path and guide us to a greater love for God and one another.

As we embark on this exploration, let us remember that the message of 1 Corinthians is not confined to history; it is a living, breathing word that continues to shape and challenge us today. May the insights gained from these pages inspire us to live authentically, love fervently, and serve selflessly in a world that desperately needs the message of hope in Christ.

May this journey through 1 Corinthians be both enlightening and transformative as we seek to live out the call of God in our lives, communities, and world.

Blessings,

Andrew

Introduction to this Study

This study comprises questions based on the various verses of Scripture taken from the Book of 1 Corinthians.

Part 1 of this study explores the background information of the book, for example, who wrote it, when, to whom, why and other aspects of the book.

Part 2 consists of the verse-by-verse study and draws particular attention to specific knowledge that can be gained from verses within the Book of 1 Corinthians.

Part 3 is the knowledge check, which consists of true or false questions, multiple choice questions, fill-in-the-gap questions, and reflective questions.

Suppose you are using the ebook version of this study. In that case, it is advisable to have a notebook handy to record the answers to the questions. Additional space may also be required to work through the test your knowledge questions.

Answering the questions is not a race. Careful thought should go into writing down the answers, specifically the life application of these questions and their answers.

Engaging in a Bible Study suggests that the reader recognises their need to understand Scripture and the depth of wisdom that follows knowing and understanding God and His ways. This is a spiritual journey and takes time as you investigate the verses, their meaning as the writer intended and their life application. Ensure prayer precedes each step of the way, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you and opening your heart and mind to the knowledge of God.

This study matters as it might apply to your life’s reality. In other words, this study considers the Book’s Theology and other principles derived from the book within a framework that makes it easier to apply principles to our daily lives. This study is not a commentary, and although specific information about each book is provided, this study does not engage in textual criticism.

PART 1: Book Information

Book Title & Writer

The writer of 1 Corinthians in the Christian Bible is the apostle Paul. Paul, originally known as Saul, was a devout Jew and a Pharisee who zealously persecuted Christians until his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. Following this encounter with the risen Christ, Paul became one of the most influential figures in the early Christian church.

Paul's authorship of 1 Corinthians is widely accepted among scholars and theologians. In the opening verses of the letter, Paul explicitly identifies himself as the author, stating, Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God (1 Corinthians 1:1). Paul also refers to his experiences and interactions with the Corinthian church throughout the letter, confirming his personal involvement.

The city of Corinth, located in southern Greece, was known for its diverse population and cultural influences. The Corinthian church faced various challenges and issues, including divisions within the church, immorality, misuse of spiritual gifts, and questions regarding marriage and Christian freedom. In his letter, Paul addresses these concerns and provides guidance and instructions to the Corinthian believers.

Paul's writings in 1 Corinthians reflect his deep theological insights, pastoral care, and concern for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthian church. He emphasizes the importance of unity among believers, the supremacy of love, the proper use of spiritual gifts, and the significance of Christ's resurrection. Paul's teachings in 1 Corinthians are relevant and instructive for Christians today, addressing timeless principles of faith, love, and Christian living.

Audience

The history of Corinth may be traced back to the Bronze Age, which occurred before 1200 B.C. During the time of Paul, it was a Roman colony that served as the capital of the province of Achaia and was possibly the fourth-largest city in the Roman Empire. The population was made up of native Greeks, Roman citizens who had moved there from Italy, Jews (according to Acts 18:4), and people from other parts of the world who had made the decision to dwell there.

Corinth, an ancient city in Greece, was situated in a location that made it ideally suited to serve as a trade hub. It was situated just to the southwest of the Isthmus of Corinth, the land bridge that united Northern Greece with Southern Greece (the Peloponnesus). Corinth became a hub for trade on land, north and south, as well as sea, east and west, due to its location at this crossroads.

In Paul's day, large ships would offload their commodities onto land vehicles, transporting them from the Corinthian Gulf, west of the isthmus, to the Saronic Gulf, east of it, or vice versa. This process would take place on both sides of the isthmus. Stevedores at that location would reload them onto different ships. If a ship was tiny enough, its entire hull could be dragged across the 4.5-mile-long isthmus, connecting one of the gulfs to the other. This allowed them to avoid the lengthy and perilous journey that would have been required to get around the Peloponnesus through Cape Malea. Later, Romans dug a canal connecting these two gulfs together. Nero started this project, but it wasn't finished until 1893.

Ships arrived in her harbours from every ocean, even though her colonies were dispersed along the coasts of faraway lands to the east and west. Corinth's strategic location brought commerce and all that goes along with it to the population of Corinth, including prosperity, a regular stream of travellers and merchants, and vice versa. As a result, she became the common destination and the universal market of the Greeks.

In the time of Paul, many pagan religions made the practice of prostitution a central tenet of their devotion to their god or goddess. As a direct result of this, fornication was rampant in Corinth.

Aristophanes, who lived between 450 and 385 B.C., is credited with coining the term korinthiazo, which means to act like a Corinthian, which is another way of saying to commit fornication. Old Corinth had developed a notorious reputation for sexual immorality.

The old city had a reputation for being the most immoral place to live in all of Greece, and it may have even held that distinction throughout the Empire.

The Temple of Aphrodite was the most well-known religious structure in Corinth. It was located on top of the Acrocorinthus. This mountain is located to the city's south and is roughly 600 metres (1,900 feet) high. The males who worshipped at that location were served by hundreds of enslaved women. The Greek geographer Strabo said that there were one thousand prostitutes in the ancient city; however, this most likely refers to the early history of the city, and it's possible that this was an exaggeration. Melicertes, the patron saint of seamen, and Poseidon, the god of the sea, were two of the other main deities honoured in Corinth.

When taken together, these pieces of evidence point to the conclusion that Paul's Corinth was, at one point, the equivalent of New York City in the ancient world.

Several additional locations in the area were significant for a student of Paul's letters to the Corinthians. These included the judgement seat or platform known as the bema, which was the location where major cases were tried by the judges, including the case against Paul (Acts 18:12). Acts 18:18 describes the town of Cenchrea as being the port of Corinth on the Saronic Gulf of the Aegean Sea, and as being the place from which Paul set sail for Ephesus during his second missionary journey. Isthmia was a small town located east of Corinth and not far from Cenchrea. It was known for being the location of the Isthmian Games every two or three years. Paul made reference to these athletic competitions in this epistle (9:24-27), demonstrating their significance in the culture and daily lives of the Greeks.

Paul had initially made his way to Corinth from Athens, which is located east of Corinth. He spread the gospel in the city of Corinth and established new churches. In addition, it was there that he met Priscilla and Aquila, two Jews who had just recently relocated from Rome. When the local Jewish authorities ejected the church from the synagogue, the members of the church moved their meetings to a huge mansion that Titus Justus owned next door. Paul continued his ministry in Corinth for 18 months, likely in 51 and 52 A.D. He embarked on his journey, bringing Priscilla and Aquila to Ephesus. The next stop on Paul's journey was Syrian Antioch, which he reached through Caesarea.

Date and Place of Writing

After completing his third missionary journey, Paul returned to Ephesus, making it his home base for nearly three years (A.D. 53–56). During this time, he received troubling reports about the church in Corinth. Learning of immorality within the congregation, Paul was prompted to address the issue directly. He referenced this concern in 1 Corinthians 5:9, urging the believers not to tolerate such behaviour among themselves.

Moreover, Paul was informed by Chloe's people (1 Corinthians 1:11) that the Corinthian church was experiencing division, with various factions emerging. Additionally, the church sought Paul's counsel on several pressing matters, as detailed in their letter to him. These issues encompassed topics such as marriage and divorce, consuming food sacrificed to idols, properly exercising spiritual gifts within the church, and collecting funds for impoverished saints in Jerusalem. Reports conveyed alongside the letter also highlighted further problems, including tolerance of immoral behaviour, internal disputes leading to Christians suing each other in secular courts, and disruptions during church gatherings.

In response to these concerns, Paul composed a second epistle addressed to the Corinthian church, 1 Corinthians. Within its pages, Paul tackled the issue of factions within the congregation, expressed his intention to visit them soon, and announced the dispatch of Timothy to Corinth (chapters 1–4). This epistle is a testament to Paul's pastoral care and commitment to addressing the challenges early Christian communities face.

Indeed, 1 Corinthians is an occasional epistle crafted by Paul in response to specific events and concerns within the Corinthian church. After addressing the reports he received and clarifying previous writings, Paul delved into oral and written inquiries from the Corinthians, from chapters 5 to 16. This structured approach highlights the epistle's purpose as a direct response to the challenges facing the early Christian community in Corinth.

The dispatch of trusted messengers from Ephesus in the latter part of winter or early spring of 56 A.D. underscores the urgency with which Paul sought to address these issues. Tensions had evidently arisen between Paul, the church's founder, and the Corinthian congregation. The epistle reveals internal disagreements within the church, with some members influenced by external forces promoting ideologies divergent from Paul's teachings.

Central to these tensions was the interpretation of the term spiritual, which became a focal point of contention between Paul and the Corinthians. The Corinthian church's susceptibility to outside influences led to questioning Paul's authority and the authenticity of his preached gospel. This echoes similar conflicts Paul faced elsewhere, notably documented in his letter to the Galatians, where challenges to his authority and teachings were prevalent.

Ultimately, 1 Corinthians serves not only as a response to the immediate concerns of the Corinthian church but also as a timeless guide for addressing challenges within Christian communities. Paul's insights into unity, spiritual gifts, love, and the centrality of the gospel remain relevant for believers navigating diverse theological perspectives and external pressures throughout history.

Special Features

Comparing the Romans and 1 Corinthians epistles offers valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of Paul's gospel and ministry. While Romans provides a comprehensive and illuminating presentation of Paul's theological framework, 1 Corinthians offers a vivid portrayal of theology in action within the context of a vibrant and often tumultuous Christian community.

In Romans, Paul assumes the role of a contemporary professor of Biblical Theology, meticulously laying out theological doctrines and principles. Here, Paul delves deeply into topics such as sin, justification by faith, the role of the law, and God's redemptive plan for humanity. This epistle is a foundational text for understanding Paul's theological worldview and his interpretation of the gospel message.

Conversely, in 1 Corinthians, Paul takes on the persona of a pastor-teacher, grappling with the Corinthian congregation's practical challenges and conflicts. The letter reflects a pastoral concern for a community entrenched in internal divisions, moral dilemmas, and doctrinal disputes. Through his guidance and admonitions, Paul addresses issues ranging from sexual immorality and lawsuits among believers to the misuse of spiritual gifts and the importance of Christian unity.

Despite its specific focus on the Corinthian context, 1 Corinthians stands out for its wide variety of topics, showcasing Paul's ability to address diverse issues within the Christian community. Moreover, the epistles of 1 and 2 Corinthians offer a unique glimpse into the character of Paul himself, revealing him not only as an apostle and theologian but also as a compassionate pastor deeply invested in the spiritual well-being of his congregants.

In these letters, Paul condemns arrogance, self-promotion, and reliance on human wisdom, emphasizing humility, service, and self-denial. The famous passage on love in 1 Corinthians 12:31–13:13 highlights the centrality of love as the defining characteristic of Christian life and witness, transcending spiritual gifts and doctrinal knowledge.

While Romans provides a systematic exposition of Paul's gospel, 1 Corinthians offers a rich tapestry of practical wisdom and pastoral guidance, showcasing theology in action within the complexities of first-century Christian communities. Both epistles contribute significantly to our understanding of Paul's theology and his enduring legacy as a teacher, pastor, and apostle of Christ.

Understanding 1 Corinthians

The central idea of the remarkable epistle of 1 Corinthians is subtly hinted at in its opening verse. Here, the church of God that is located in Corinth encapsulates two distinct entities: the spiritual community of believers, known as the church of God, and the physical city of Corinth itself. Throughout the epistle, these two entities serve as focal points for discussion, highlighting their contrasting natures and the conflicts that arise from their juxtaposition.

The church of God represents those who have surrendered their will to God's divine authority and actively participate in His work. In contrast, the city of Corinth symbolizes a society ignorant of God's existence, governed by human desires, and resistant to God's plans. The tension between these opposing forces forms the backdrop against which the epistle's themes unfold.

A thematic progression emerges in Paul's other epistles, such as Galatians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and 1 and 2 Corinthians. Galatians primarily addresses soteriology, or the doctrine of salvation, emphasizing the need for correction in deviating from the true gospel. In contrast, 1 and 2 Thessalonians focus on eschatology, exploring future events and the return of Christ. Then, 1 and 2 Corinthians delve into ecclesiology, examining the nature and function of the church within the context of real-life challenges and conflicts.

J. Sidlow Baxter's insightful observation further elucidates this progression. He notes that Romans primarily deals with doctrinal teachings, establishing a normative framework for Christian belief. In contrast, 1 and 2 Corinthians pivot towards reproof, addressing specific issues and challenges within the Corinthian church. Finally, Galatians shifts towards correction, confronting deviations from the true gospel and restoring theological integrity.

In this progression, Romans sets the doctrinal foundation, 1 and 2 Corinthians address practical challenges within the church, and Galatians confront deviations from the established norm. Together, these epistles offer a comprehensive exploration of Christian theology and practice, guiding believers towards spiritual maturity and fidelity to the gospel message.

In 1 Corinthians, the focus extends beyond the abstract concept of the universal church of God to the specific congregations that constitute this larger body. These local gatherings serve as microcosms of the broader Christian community, reflecting its strengths, weaknesses, and challenges. While each congregation may differ in its cultural context and individual dynamics, they collectively embody the essence of the global church.

Essentially, the local church mirrors the universal church and vice versa. The truths and principles applicable to one congregation are equally relevant to the entirety of the Christian community. Thus, insights from examining a particular assembly can illuminate broader patterns and realities within the worldwide church.

Throughout the New Testament, church consistently refers to a community of individuals rather than physical structures. It denotes a group of believers set apart for a specific mission, namely, the proclamation of the gospel and the demonstration of God's love for the world.

In addressing the Corinthian Christians, Paul acknowledges their status as members of the body of Christ. Despite their imperfections and shortcomings, they are affirmed as recipients of God's grace and participants in the life of God through the indwelling Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). They have recognized God's authority over their lives and are entrusted with the sacred task of spreading the gospel message.

Understanding the Corinthian congregation in this light is crucial for interpreting Paul's epistle accurately. While their behaviour may sometimes seem contradictory to their professed faith, it does not negate their belief in God. Rather, it underscores the ongoing spiritual growth and transformation process within the Christian community, wherein individuals grapple with their humanity while striving to live out their faith in a fallen world.

Understanding the city of Corinth is integral to grasping the overarching message conveyed in the epistle of 1 Corinthians. In the first century, Corinth was emblematic of Greco-Roman society's worldly values and vices. To be labelled a Corinthian was synonymous with being associated with lust, immorality, and opulence. The city itself was a bustling hub of commerce and culture. Yet, it remained ignorant of the true God, governed by Roman law, and characterized by self-centeredness.

This stark contrast between the values of Corinth and the calling of the Christian community is a central theme of the epistle. While the church is called to follow the path laid out by God, the city of Corinth epitomizes a way of life diametrically opposed to God's will. The influence of local culture on the church is undeniable as believers navigate the tension between societal norms and their allegiance to Christ.

Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians to fulfil their responsibilities within their local context is underscored by his reference to fellowship with Jesus Christ in 1 Corinthians 1:9. This fellowship entails privileges and obligations. While believers have access to God's abundant resources, they are also called to steward these resources faithfully, aligning their lives with God's purposes.

In Romans 1:14–16, Paul emphasizes the church's responsibility to proclaim the gospel to those in its immediate vicinity. This sense of duty forms the underlying motivation behind Paul's writing of 1 Corinthians. The epistle serves as a practical guide for the Corinthian church, urging them to engage with their local culture while remaining steadfast in their commitment to Christ.

Ultimately, 1 Corinthians reminds believers that their faith is not lived out in isolation but within the complex fabric of society. As they navigate the challenges of their local context, they are called to embody the gospel's transformative power, shining as lights in the darkness and bearing witness to the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

The church in Corinth faced numerous challenges, including financial struggles and a reputation for carnality. However, these issues were symptomatic of a larger problem: the church's failure to fulfil its essential mission in its cultural context. Despite their professed faith, the Corinthian Christians lacked the preparation, boldness, and conviction necessary to effectively proclaim the gospel—a crucial task for any Christian community.

Carnality, characterized by worldly desires and behaviours, plagued the Corinthian church, hindering its ability to fulfil its mission. This spiritual condition undermined their effectiveness and compromised their ethical integrity as representatives of Christ on earth. The letter to the Corinthians sheds light on the reasons behind the church's decline while also providing insights into the keys to its restoration and prosperity.

One significant factor contributing to the church's downfall was the pervasive influence of the city's culture within the congregation. Like a virus infiltrating its host, the sinful practices prevalent in Corinth permeated the church community. Paul's references to various sins within the church reflect the broader moral climate of the city. Among these sins, three stand out:

Sexual immorality: Corinth was notorious for its lax attitudes toward sexuality, and this mindset had infiltrated the church, leading to moral compromise and division within the congregation.

Idolatry: In a city teeming with temples and cultic practices, the temptation to compromise one's faith in pursuit of social acceptance or material gain was ever-present. Some Corinthian Christians struggled to resist the allure of idol worship, jeopardizing their spiritual integrity.

Division and