Kevin's Kommentary: Life of Paul - Paul's Letters to Corinth

Life of Paul - Paul's Ministry to Christians at Corinth

Series on the Life of Paul

Possible Date: 56 A. D.

The book of 1 Corinthians is penned from Ephesus when Paul stayed in the city during his third missionary journey.

Scripture: 1 & 2 Corinthians

NOTE:

#Paul

#Apostle Paul

Paul continues his writing ministry. We will focus on the relationship and communication with the Christians in Corinth. The apostle Paul is almost universally recognized as the author of 1 Corinthians. In the letter, probably written about A.D. 55 during the third missionary journey, he remarked, “I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost” (1 Cor. 16:8). Since he was planning his departure, he probably wrote 1 Corinthians during the last of his 3 years in Ephesus (Acts 20:31).

Paul sent a letter to the Church in Corinth by the hands of Timothy, who recently would have passed through Corinth on his way to Macedonia. In a second letter, perhaps AD 55 to 56, Paul mentions the previous Corinthian letter and indicates that he has received a return letter from the Corinthians which has been brought to Ephesus by a group including Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. Although the content of Paul's first letter is unknown, the letter Paul received from the Corinthians poses specific questions regarding marriage and singleness, food sacrificed to idols, spiritual gifts, and certain special contributions which the Corinthians were making.

Paul’s writing of 1 Corinthians was apparently prompted by the visit with him in Ephesus of a delegation from the Corinthian church. This delegation from “Chloe’s household” (1 Cor. 1:11) may also have included Stephanas (the head of another important household), Fortunatus, and Achaicus (16:15–17). They seem to have brought not only an oral report (5:1), but perhaps also a formal letter. Paul answers these questions in his second letter (traditionally referred to as 1 Corinthians) and expresses concerns about various divisions among the Corinthians which have been reported to Paul by members of Chloe's family. Additionally, Paul addresses some of the particular problems which these Christians are facing in the pagan city of Corinth, including matters about sexual morality and modesty, and the issue of fellowship with pagans.

The Corinth which Paul knew had been founded as a Roman colony during the century before Christ. It was strategically located in the Roman province of Achaia on a narrow strip of land between the Aegean Sea and the Adriatic, with two adjoining ports. Corinth’s location made it a center of the trade routes passing from east to west. Prosperity brought luxury and immorality. The expression “To live like a Corinthian” to one Athenian writer meant living in gross immorality.

The church which Paul had established in Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1–17) was very diverse, including men and women, rich and poor. The report from Chloe’s household informed Paul of divisions in the church; they were developing conflicting loyalties to different human teachers (1 Cor. 1:10–13). He wanted them to understand that salvation is not based on human wisdom or personalities, but on Christ crucified and the work of God in building His church.

Corinth was located near the isthmus of land joining the mainland of Greece to the peninsula called the Peloponnesus (1 Cor. 1:2). It was the site of the Isthmian Games, an important competition similar to the Olympic Games. Not only men but women competed in these games, with the prize being a sprig of celery. The Isthmian Games were held in A.D. 49 and 51.

Paul answered each of the questions raised in their letter to him, usually indicating his transition from topic to topic by the phrase “now concerning” (see 7:1, 25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1, 12). His instructions to them covered Christian marriage and sexual practice (7:1–40). They might eat food that had been offered to idols, but they should do nothing that gave even the appearance of idol worship (8:1–11:1). Church worship should be conducted decently and with consideration for others (11:2–34). Spiritual gifts should be used for building up others (12:1–31) in true Christian love (13:1–13). Prophecy is better than tongues because it edifies (14:1–40). Because Christ has risen (15:1–11), we too will rise (15:12–34) with a new spiritual body (15:35–58).

During this period of time, several things may have happened...

Paul made a short visit to Corinth, his second - cf. 2 Co 12:14; 13:1

1) His first visit was during the second journey - Ac 18:1
2) His third visit was later on the third journey - Ac 20:1-3
3) The book of Acts is silent about his second visit, but most place it sometime during his extended stay at Ephesus

Paul wrote a letter to the Corinthians (now lost), alluded to in 1 Co 5:9

First Corinthians

Though he himself stayed “for a time”, during which he writes First Corinthians (spring of 57 A.D.) - 1 Co 16:5-8

Purpose: To correct sinful practices and refute false doctrine
Theme: Walk together in unity, love, and truth
Brief Outline:

Factions in the church - 1 Co 1:1-4:21
Sexual immorality in the church - 1 Co 5:1-13
Lawsuits among brethren - 1 Co 6:1-11
Moral defilements - 1 Co 6:12-20
Marriage and celibacy - 1 Co 7:1-40
Meats sacrificed to idols - 1 Co 8:1-11:1
Women praying and prophesying unveiled - 1 Co 11:2-16
The Lord’s Supper - 1 Co 11:17-34
Spiritual gifts - 1 Co 12:1-14:40
Resurrection from the dead - 1 Co 15:1-58
Collection for the saints - 1 Co 16:1-4
Concluding remarks, instructions, benediction - 1 Co 16:5-24

Paul sends Titus and “a brother” to Corinth - cf. 2 Co 12:17-18

To bring Paul word as to how the Corinthians received the first letter?
To encourage the Corinthians concerning the collection? - 2 Co 8:6a
Whose delayed return would later give Paul concern - 2 Co 2:12-13
But who would eventually bring Paul good news - 2 Co 7:5-7,13-16

Additional details about Paul’s stay in Ephesus

Sosthenes was there, joining Paul in writing to the Corinthians - 1 Co 1:1
Paul had been visited by Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus - 1 Co 16:17
Aquila and Priscilla hosted the church in their house, and sent greetings to those in Corinth - Ac 18:2,19,26; 1 Co 16:19
As mentioned in letters to the Corinthians - 1 Co 15:30-32; 2 Co 1:8-11