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Introduction to 1 Corinthians: Don't Empty the Cross of Its Power
As always, I want to give some quick introductory material as begin a new book (in this case, letter). Here's what the ESV notes have to say as an introduction to 1 Corinthians:
"The city of Corinth was at the heart of an important trade route in the ancient world. Like many cities that thrive on trade, Corinth had a reputation for sexual immorality, religious diversity, and corruption. The church that Paul planted there (Acts 18) floundered under all of these influences and began to divide over various issues. First Corinthians addresses many practical questions dividing the church—questions concerning such things as spiritual gifts, marriage, food offered to idols, and the resurrection. Paul urged the Corinthians to be unified and to give themselves fully to “the work of the Lord” (15:58). Chapter 13 includes a well-known passage on the nature and importance of love. Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians from Ephesus about A.D. 55." [1]
Also, here's a really helpful outline of the book to give you the "big picture" of what it's about:
" A. Introduction (1:1–9)
1. Greeting (1:1–3)
2. Thanksgiving (1:4–9)
B. Reported problems at Corinth (1:10–6:20)
1. Factions within the church because of the misunderstanding of Christian leadership’s (Paul, Apollos, Peter) motives and message (1:10–4:12)
2. Shocking immorality (5:1–13)
3. Christian lawsuits (6:1–11)
4. Christian freedom limited by responsibility (6:12–20)
C. A letter from Corinth asking the nagging questions (7:1–1–16:4)
1. Human sexuality (7:1–40)
2. Relationship to an idolatrous culture and Christian freedom (8:1–11:1)
3. Christian worship and spirituality (11:2–14:40)
4. Insights on eschatology, especially the resurrection (15:1–58)
5. The contribution for the mother church in Jerusalem (16:1–4)
D. Concluding remarks
1. Paul’s (and his fellow ministers) travel plans (16:5–12)
2. Final exhortation and greetings (16:13–24)" [2]
In closing, I just want to say that I think this is a VERY important book. Romans is important for its deep theology; 1 Corinthians is important for its deeply practical nature. The church in Corinth was messed up, but the fact is that many of our churches today are ridiculously messed up as well (many of them in exactly the same ways).
Take a look at today's reading: what's the issue? Division. Why? Because rather than following Jesus, people instead follow factions and heroes. Paul appeals to them to have unity FOR THE NAME OF JESUS. Jesus is not divided, therefore we shouldn't be. The Gospel is not for the purpose of making "teams". The Gospel is not about who wins and who loses. The Gospel is not about eloquent words, lest the cross be emptied of its power.
Our goal is not to be the most powerful or liked or to have our group "win" the argument with nice words. The cross is about sacrifice. Don't empty the cross of its power.
Introduction to 1 Corinthians: Don't Empty the Cross of Its Power
As always, I want to give some quick introductory material as begin a new book (in this case, letter). Here's what the ESV notes have to say as an introduction to 1 Corinthians:
"The city of Corinth was at the heart of an important trade route in the ancient world. Like many cities that thrive on trade, Corinth had a reputation for sexual immorality, religious diversity, and corruption. The church that Paul planted there (Acts 18) floundered under all of these influences and began to divide over various issues. First Corinthians addresses many practical questions dividing the church—questions concerning such things as spiritual gifts, marriage, food offered to idols, and the resurrection. Paul urged the Corinthians to be unified and to give themselves fully to “the work of the Lord” (15:58). Chapter 13 includes a well-known passage on the nature and importance of love. Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians from Ephesus about A.D. 55." [1]
Also, here's a really helpful outline of the book to give you the "big picture" of what it's about:
" A. Introduction (1:1–9)
1. Greeting (1:1–3)
2. Thanksgiving (1:4–9)
B. Reported problems at Corinth (1:10–6:20)
1. Factions within the church because of the misunderstanding of Christian leadership’s (Paul, Apollos, Peter) motives and message (1:10–4:12)
2. Shocking immorality (5:1–13)
3. Christian lawsuits (6:1–11)
4. Christian freedom limited by responsibility (6:12–20)
C. A letter from Corinth asking the nagging questions (7:1–1–16:4)
1. Human sexuality (7:1–40)
2. Relationship to an idolatrous culture and Christian freedom (8:1–11:1)
3. Christian worship and spirituality (11:2–14:40)
4. Insights on eschatology, especially the resurrection (15:1–58)
5. The contribution for the mother church in Jerusalem (16:1–4)
D. Concluding remarks
1. Paul’s (and his fellow ministers) travel plans (16:5–12)
2. Final exhortation and greetings (16:13–24)" [2]
In closing, I just want to say that I think this is a VERY important book. Romans is important for its deep theology; 1 Corinthians is important for its deeply practical nature. The church in Corinth was messed up, but the fact is that many of our churches today are ridiculously messed up as well (many of them in exactly the same ways).
Take a look at today's reading: what's the issue? Division. Why? Because rather than following Jesus, people instead follow factions and heroes. Paul appeals to them to have unity FOR THE NAME OF JESUS. Jesus is not divided, therefore we shouldn't be. The Gospel is not for the purpose of making "teams". The Gospel is not about who wins and who loses. The Gospel is not about eloquent words, lest the cross be emptied of its power.
Our goal is not to be the most powerful or liked or to have our group "win" the argument with nice words. The cross is about sacrifice. Don't empty the cross of its power.
[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton: Standard Bible Society, 2001), 1 Co.
[2] Robert James Utley, vol. Volume 6, Paul’s Letters to a Troubled Church: I and II Corinthians, Study Guide Commentary Series (Marshall, TX: Bible Lessons International, 2002), 5.
[2] Robert James Utley, vol. Volume 6, Paul’s Letters to a Troubled Church: I and II Corinthians, Study Guide Commentary Series (Marshall, TX: Bible Lessons International, 2002), 5.
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