Transcript NT Survey I - Berachah Bible Church

NT Survey II
1 Corinthians
Paul’s Third Journey
(Acts 18:23 – 21:17)
1 Corinthians
written from Ephesus.
Paul’s Series of Contacts with the
Corinthian Church
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Establishes the church on his second journey (Acts 18:1-11).
Writes the “previous letter” (now lost) warning the Corinthians not
to associate with immoral persons (1 Cor 5:9).
Heard reports of misunderstanding of previous letter and of
divisions in the church (1 Cor 1:11); also possibly received a
delegation from Corinth with questions on several issues (1 Cor
16:17). First Corinthians is written in response.
Sends Timothy to minister in Corinth after he has gone through
Macedonia (1 Cor 16:10,11; Acts 19:22).
Heard reports of adverse developments in Corinth, prompting his
“painful visit” from which he had to withdraw in haste; may have
written “severe letter” (now lost).
Sent Titus to Corinth to see how the Corinthians were progressing.
Titus later re-joined Paul in Macedonia and gave him a good report.
Paul wrote Second Corinthians to express his relief over the success
of his earlier letter and Titus’ mission.
Later spends 3 months in Corinth, from which he writes Galatians
and Romans (Acts 20:2,3).
About the City of Corinth
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The city of Corinth was located on the isthmus of land
that connected the peninsula of Achaia to the mainland,
giving it both an Eastern and a Western seaport.
From the earliest times it was a very wealthy city.
It was destroyed by the Romans in 146 BC but was
repopulated and rebuilt 100 years later by Julius Caesar
c. 46 BC.
Under Roman supervision, Corinth quickly regained its
former beauty and wealth, and more than its former
size. An estimate of its population at this time is
660,000 people there, a large city for those days.
Along with this growth there was a growth in licentious
living. In Paul's day, to live like the Corinthians did was
to live in luxury and licentiousness (sexual sin).
The city was also known for its “Isthmian Games” and
as a center for Greek philosophy.
Introductory Matters for 1
Corinthians
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Author: The Apostle Paul. He wrote this letter
on his second missionary journey, during his 3
year stay at Ephesus.
Date: Paul wrote this letter near the end of his 3
year stay at Ephesus, c. 55 AD.
Audience: The church at Corinth, which Paul had
established during an 18 month stay on his
second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-11).
Character of the book: Soteriological, with a
special emphasis on sanctification.
Major Themes in 1 Corinthians
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God, Jesus Christ, and the Spirit
Factions Versus Christian Unity
God's Wisdom Versus Human Wisdom
Admonitions Against Immorality and Idolatry
The Gospel
The Church/ The Body
Seeking Profit of Others/Restraint of Christian Liberty
Proper Exercise of Spiritual Gifts
Love
Resurrection and the New Body
Purpose Statement for 1
Corinthians
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Paul writes to correct various problems in
the church at Corinth and encourage unity,
and to provide instruction on various
matters about which the Corinthians had
written him earlier.
Survey of 1 Corinthians
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Salutation and Thanksgiving for the Corinthians (1:1-9)
Answer to Chloe’s Report of Divisions (1:10 – 4:21)
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Report of Divisions (1:10-17)
Reasons for Divisions (1:18 – 4:21)
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Answer to Reports of Fornication and Lawsuits (5:1 – 6:20)
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Case of Incest (5:1-13)
Litigation between Believers (6:1-11)
Warning against Sexual Immorality (6:12-20)
Answer to the Letter of Questions (7:1 – 16:24)
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Misunderstanding of the Gospel Message (1:18 – 3:4)
Misunderstanding of the Gospel Messenger (3:5 – 4:5)
Misunderstanding of Paul’s Ministry (4:6-21)
Concerning Marriage (7:1-40)
Concerning Things Offered to Idols and Christian Liberty (8:1 – 11:1)
Concerning Public Worship (11:2 – 34)
Concerning Spiritual Gifts (12:1 – 14:40)
Concerning the Resurrection (15:1-58)
Concerning the Collection for Jerusalem (16:1-4)
Conclusion (16:5-24)
Next Week: 2 Corinthians
Eric Flintoff will be teaching.