1 Corinthians
Consequences of Denying the Resurrection
This verse stands as a focal point around which the first nineteen verses revolve (v. 12). “Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead†directs our attention to the first eleven verses. “How say some among you that there is no resurrection?†This question looks ahead to verses thirteen …
God Will Help You Resist Temptation
Paul points out that the Corinthian church was guilty of the same sins that the Jews committed…
Stay Sexually Pure
In these verses, the apostle once more takes up the question of sexual immorality, a sin that was prevalent in Corinth. The temple of the love goddess, Aphrodite, was there. It employed more than a thousand prostitutes and sex was part of the worship ritual. In other words, Corinth was a morally …
Comparison of the Natural and Spiritual Body
In the previous passage, we were told that the body is buried in corruption because it is going to decay; but it is raised so that it cannot decay. With this change there is no decay or death in heaven. The expression “last Adam,” was coined by the Apostle Paul as a reference to Christ (v. 45). Today …
Qualifications for Leadership
Paul begins a series of closing remarks, exhortations, challenges, and greetings. Faith, conviction, courage, and love are essential ingredients for success and victory. As the Corinthians wait for Paul’s next visit, he exhorts them to a fivefold commitment: …
The Message of the Cross
It is interesting to see how Paul approached this problem of division in the church. First, he pointed to the unity of Christ: there is one Savior and one body. Then he reminded them of their baptism, a picture of their spiritual baptism into Christ’s body (v. 17). The true condition of the Corinthian …
Love Is More Important than Knowledge
Paul answers one of the most controversial subjects that the Corinthians had asked in their letter. “Is it a sin for Christians to eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols?” The basic principle involved is, “What is the proper Christian attitude toward things that are harmless in themselves but have …
Preoccupation with Tongues
From the various gifts mentioned in chapter 12, the apostle selects three for discussion in this chapter. These are (1) prophecy, (2) speaking in tongues, (3) and interpretation of tongues. Paul compares the Corinthians’ preoccupation with tongues and their apparent disinterest in prophecy …
Spiritual Gifts That Unite
No body part can say to another “I have no need of you†(v. 21). When a part of the human body becomes independent, you have a serious problem that often leads to sickness and even death. An amputated finger only has about 12 hours to be reattached before it is too late. Even if it is …
Adopting a War-time mindset
Paul now turns his attention to those about to be married: the betrothed. Jesus never gave instruction for those about to be married (v. 25a). Paul was confident, however, that his counsel, through the Holy Spirit, would be accurate and helpful (v. 25b). The question was, “Must a …