Introduction to First Corinthians
I.
THE BOOK'SA. AUTHOR, Paul( ch. 1:1 ).
B. TIME, Around 57 A. D.
C. SETTING( Acts 18:1-18 ).
1. Second journey of Paul.
2. First contacts:
a. Priscilla and Aquilla, tentmakers, Roman Jew.
b. Preaching began in the Synagogue.
3. Alone at first - joined by Silas and Timothy.
4. Great opposition by the Jews. Goes to the Gentiles.
5. Converts: Titus Justus? Crispus, ruler of the synagogue, Gaius, Stephanas' household.
6. The Lord's encouragement - 1 1/2 years work.
7. Gallio( vs. 17 ) and Sosthenes( 1 Cor. 1:1? ).
8. Apollos( Acts 18:24-27 ). A favorite of the Corinthians and Paul.
9. Return on the 3rd journey( Acts 20:1-3 ).
10. Written sometime between, perhaps while Apollos was there. Paul was at Ephesus.
D. AUTHENTICITY - Clement quotes in a letter to Corinth in 95 A. D.
II.
CORINTH.A. GREAT COMMERCIAL CITY, Strategic location in Greece.
B. TWO SEAPORTS, Cenchrea and Lechaeum.
C. 500,000 PEOPLE, Capital of Achaia.
D. CULTURE DERIVED, NOT ORIGINAL. Like a man with sudden wealth.
E. GOOD TIME CITY, Temple of Aphrodite, and a great stadium.
III.
PAUL'S RELATION TO THE CHURCH.A. INTIMATE, Could be rough and harsh on minute, tender the next.
B. 2nd LETTER( 1 Cor. 5:9 ), Much teaching previous to this. There was enough trust between Paul and a number of brethren that they felt at ease in writing him for answers to problems in the church( 7:1; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1 )
C. THE DISASTROUS EFFECT OF THE JEWS.
1. False teaching.
2. False accusations.
3. Paul's great care not to give the wrong impression( 1 Cor. 9; 2 Cor. 11 ).
4. Many converts after Paul leaves( 1:10-13 ).
IV.
PURPOSE.A. ADDRESS DIVISION.
B. ANSWERS QUESTIONS THEY ASKED.
C. REMIND THEM OF THEIR PLEDGE( 1 Cor. 16:1 ).
V.
GENERAL OUTLINE.A. THE GOSPEL EXTOLLED, DIVISION CONDEMNED( ch. 1-4 ).
1. Division Condemned( 1:1-17 ).
2. The Wisdom of God vs. Man's wisdom( 1:18-31 ).
3. Paul's part( 2:1-16 ).
a. The gospel over Paul( 2:1-5 ).
b. Delivered by inspiration..., the mind of Christ( 2:6-13 ).
c. Lost on the carnal mind( 2:14-16 ).
4. Paul and Apollos, co-workers with God( 3:1 - 4:21 ).
a. Good Stewards( 3:1-9 ).
b. The ONLY foundation( 3:10-22 ).
c. The solution to division( 4:1-13 ).
d. A personal appeal( 4:14-21 ).
B. SPECIFIC ISSUES ADDRESSED( ch. 5-15 ).
1. Sin in the church - Discipline( 5:1-13 ).
2. Sin of lawsuits( 6:1-11 ).
3. Liberties abridged( 6:12 - 11:1 ).
a. Difference between unlawful acts and exercise of liberty( 6:12-20 ).
b. The present distress and marriage( ch. 7 ).
Consider the effect on you.
c. Meats sacrifice to idols( ch. 8 ).
Consider the effect on a brother.
d. Paying preachers( ch. 9 ).
Consider the effect on the church and the work.
Rights aren't always right!
e. A warning against falling( 10:1-13 ).
f. Fellowship with demons( 10:14 - 11:1 )
3. Women in the Assembly( 11:2-16 ).
4. The Lord's Supper profaned( 11:17-34 ).
5. Spiritual gifts, miracles( ch. 12 - 14 ).
6. The resurrection( ch. 15 ).
C. THE COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS AND FINAL EXHORTATIONS ( ch 16 ).