1 Corinthians 3:14

If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward (KJV)

Then: Paul closes out the foundation metaphor with a hope and a promise. Any work of the builders which survives the fire qualifies the worker for a reward. That had to encourage the Corinthians. Of course, as previously noted, the foundation will stand. Even if they were misled by itinerant teachers and spent time doing work with no value, they will still have Christ's forgiveness and eternal life. Morris (p. 66) clarifies that the fire which all endure is not for the purpose of purifying, but only for testing. On it's basis, none will be excluded from eternity, but work accomplished is measured.

Now: Paul doesn't describe what a heavenly reward is. It has to be above and beyond believers' hope of living in the presence of Christ is. It might rest with appointment to positions of authority in the kingdom of God. It might mean where one gets to be seated in heaven; however, in heaven the limitations of physical existence, close and far, no longer apply. There is just no way for us to understand "reward" in the here and now.

Extra source: The First epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: an introduction and commentary by Leon Morris (Grand Rapids MI: Wm B. Eerdmans, c1985, 2002) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=lNc0AYIqQvAC&dq=Corinthians+Morris&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=NwNTeWfd4I&sig=XgqcdeZIJ7jIfOrxTT7PUqQqo_4&hl=en&ei=F-MkS82TPIvWlAfW55D-CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CAwQ6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 3:13

Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is (KJV)

Then: Did the Corinthians already know this? They knew about the second coming of Christ. They knew that all would be judged on the last day. But they may not have thought about it in this way. One thing for sure, what's ahead is personal for every believer. This will not be a whole group experience. Baker (p. 57) reminds readers about the many ways buildings can be tested - weather conditions, decay through time, or military destructions by fire. Burning was Corinth's experience when Luccius Mummius sacked the city in 146 BC. Corinthians could still see the remains of some of those buildings. Baker also infers (p. 58) that some of the Corinthian leaders were doing good work. Otherwise the metaphor would have reflected complete destruction with nothing left standing.

Now: Matthew Henry understands the passage to apply to all believers, while Baker believes Paul's main concern is with the leaders and teachers. Since it looks like the teaching is universal, not limited, and since Paul speaks through access to the Holy Spirit, no one following Christ can set this aside. It's not an easy thing to anticipate, but, remembering that Paul's purpose is the salvation and eternal life for his hearers, believers should consider it to be a warning.

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.
Commentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online at
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.iv.html

Summary - 1 Corinthians 3:13-17

Then and Now:
Several of Wright's ideas for the passage need referenced.
a. The section's main topic is the value of work produced - eternally useful or unworthy for the kingdom.
b. Seeing the passage as meaning "a community," needs context because of Paul's constant use of the singular "any man," "each man," "no man," "he himself," etc. Only in verse 16, does the address change to "ye" signifying the use of plural in Greek.
c. As "a community," the temple is filled with groups who can work to destroy or build up. And one man alone can destroy - verse 17: "If any man destroyeth the temple of God."
d. Wright also addresses the problematic ideas surrounding being judged by our works and the teaching of justification of faith. The builders who perform poorly and suffer loss in the fire, will still be saved through faith. The whole is not lost. The fire is not literal, but it does refer to one final judgement.

Now: We are challenged to know how important it is to build well in the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 3:12

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble (KJV)

Then: Gold, silver and precious stones were construction materials used in building the temple. Paul is preparing the Corinthians for his upcoming thoughts in vs 16. Obviously, he's referring to spiritual foundations, not actually physical ones. He teaches through a the third metaphor in a series of four: laborers, fields, foundations, temples. Is the building of great value made from beautiful materials or poorly constructed with perishable materials? Will it stand in the final judgement? Wesley broadens the thought from solely personal applications to a concern for the church as a whole. He states any doctrines, ceremonies, or other man-created additions to the worship of Christ cannot stand the fire. Wright (p. 37) expands his discussion to the conflict between builders and destroyers. Paul's concentration on the Corinthian problem of divisions became a straight line-wind coming down on the Corinthians; not to destroy, but to purify before the last days.

Now: These words and what follows make all readers cringe as they question their personal work. "What is the quality of my work? Is it long-lasting and solid like gold, silver, or other stones which can withstand fire, or is it not?" The question deals with one part of a Christian, the temple. The other part of the person - the servant - emerges as the temple is built.

Extra source: John Wesley's Notes on the New Testament by John Wesley (on-line version: publisher and date not listed) http://www.ccel.org/ccel/wesley/notes.i.viii.iv.html

1 Corinthians 3:11

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ (KJV)

Then: Any other worker who comes to Corinth can not lay down another foundation, for the foundation is Christ. The new workers have tasks, but it is not to change the foundation. That job was done and done well (Baker, p. 57).

Now: We define the foundation, the gospel, the good news of Christ. He is the Son of God. He came to us through God's love and taught us that "We love, because he first loved us." Because Christ took the punishment for all our sins, was crucified for them, we are forgiven. Because in God's plan, he conquered death by being resurrected from the dead, we will be resurrected. Christ led the way to eternal life, and all who believe in him will also be resurrected into the eternal presence of the Lord. We have the promise of John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life." There is no other truth and there is no other foundation. Men cannot change the word of God.

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

1 Corinthians 3:10

According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon (KJV)

Then: Enter the wise, yet humble, masterbuilder, a person with experience who through Christ, does his own work well. He is not the paymaster (Baker, p. 53) or the bricklayer or the carpenter. Those other workers -- "Watch out! Be careful." If any one builds carelessly, he can destroy the whole building, cause it to be unsturdy, or leave places with cracks or splinters.

There's a lot in this verse. Another detail is Paul's statement that he laid the foundation which is Jesus Christ. He himself is not the foundation; it was just his joy to be the one who first brought Christ into the lives of individual Corinthians. A final word which strikes commentators is "grace." Morris likes its sense of dependence on God's power as it enables recipients more than its meanings of divine call and direction, loving kindness, or favor (p. 65).

Now: We look to Paul's metaphoric teaching to understand both our place and our work in God's kingdom. Following Paul we too hope to reach the ability to be wise masterbuilders while at the same time be under care of the buildings master architect. As builders we hear Paul's warning that we do our work with care, always checking with the Lord and not doing things "our own way," as "it might be convenient" or as "quick and dirty." We hope our work compares favorably to those who took years to build the cathedrals, inch by inch, detail by detail, and perfection by perfection.

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.
The First epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: an introduction and commentary by Leon Morris (Grand Rapids MI: Wm B. Eerdmans, c1985, 2002) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=lNc0AYIqQvAC&dq=Corinthians+Morris&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=NwNTeWfd4I&sig=XgqcdeZIJ7jIfOrxTT7PUqQqo_4&hl=en&ei=F-MkS82TPIvWlAfW55D-CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CAwQ6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building (KJV)

Then: Thinking of yourself as a field of dirt where others walk or a building where others occupy the rooms could be degrading, but Paul doesn't give the Corinthians any time to think. He's finished the cultural metaphor and adding one from industry. Instead, the point is working with others for God and, concurrently, being his handiwork. Morris (p. 64) notes that a translation of being "partners" with God doesn't really fit Paul's teaching. Corinthians could also see that the sentence was a brief segue into the next metaphor.

Now: We see Paul talking about himself and Apollos, and we include ourselves in that group of laborers for Christ. Christian maturity always puts us in two places at the same time - God's work and God's worker. We learn; we serve God; we learn more; we try to be better servants; and yet, in both phases it's not us, but God's work within us. Confusing? Yes, but perfectly sensible to those who depend upon the Spirit abiding within them.

Extra Source: The First epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: an introduction and commentary by Leon Morris (Grand Rapids MI: Wm B. Eerdmans, c1985, 2002) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=lNc0AYIqQvAC&dq=Corinthians+Morris&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=NwNTeWfd4I&sig=XgqcdeZIJ7jIfOrxTT7PUqQqo_4&hl=en&ei=F-MkS82TPIvWlAfW55D-CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CAwQ6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 3:8

Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour (KJV)

Then: The thought of the one who waters and the one who plants as being one entity matches the teachings of Christ that his followers be unified. Paul says it is a truth for he and Apollos. Even though, in the final judgement each shall receive a reward for the work which they did individually, that doesn't matter as far as the goal of serving Christ and bringing others into the kingdom is concerned. The natural man may respond well to incentives of competition, but the spiritual man responds more valiantly to the goal of not disappointing the Lord.

Now: Two other interesting parts of the rhetorical method were the incorporation of both antithetical and balanced phrases (Collins, p. 141). Verse 8, here shows one that is balanced: "he that planteth" and "he that watereth." Using them organizes thoughts in listeners' minds. When you remember one, you remember the other. Other commentators look at the broad reaching effect of these verses. Hays (p. 49) deals with the elitism which has crept into the churches - especially noticeable in the competitions between large and small ones. It takes conscious effort for believers to speak glowingly of the work in both, never intimating that that which is done in one has less eternal value than the work in another. This does not preclude the need for both small and large churches to be ever searching for better methods of cultivation. The work of a large church may be shallow and short range, while the work of a small church may be too narrow in focus.

Extra Source: First Corinthians by Raymond F. Collins and Daniel J. Harrington (Collegeville MN: Liturgical Press, c1999) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=c4VXq9fKoRwC&dq=Sacra+Pagina+and+1st+Corinthians&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=NqEJS7XzEITklAeejdiEBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CDUQ6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
First Corinthians by Richard B. Hayes (John Knox Press, 1997) on line at http://books.google.com/books?id=M_PC0PAs3VYC&dq=1+Corinthians+and+Richard+B.+Hays&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=2oPcStDCIIvf8Aaq0Ki3BQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CCMQ6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=1%20Corinthians%20and%20Richard%20B.%20Hays&f=false

1 Corinthians 3:7

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase (KJV)

Then: Paul explains the metaphor. The workers in the field have no signficance that they should be picked out to be more important than other workers. Only God, the head of the universe, and the one who occupies the hearts of each individual believer is to be valued, honored and glorified. Through him all things are accomplished. Without him, nothing of eternal consequence will ever be done.

Now: Farming is a necessity for providing life. As a metaphor it has enduring significance and meaning, age after age. Twenty-first century Christians can understand it just as well as first century Christians could. We learn from Paul and Apollos. We are glad for the work they did, but our worship and praise goes to the Lord, for without him our lives are empty.

1 Corinthians 3:6

I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (KJV)

Then: A succinct summary turns the wisdom of the sophists to the work of farming. That's a lowly occupation about which non-farmers usually know everything. So Paul tells them he did the planting, i.e, brought the word of Christ to the Corinthians. Afterwards Apollos did the watering by helping them understand and use what they'd learned. But all the time the true overseer, God, made sure the fruit was unblemished, plentiful, and full in order for the process to be replicated over and over.

Now: The church consists of workers with specific jobs. God directs the workers. No single one of his workers can be elevated by members of the church to being in charge of the process. Only God has the power, knowledge, and presence (omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent) to do that. Verses 6 to 9 are always noted as an outstanding metaphor in Paul's teaching techniques. Morris (p.63), among others, explains that verse 3 verbs are in the past completed tense when referring to Paul and Apollos, but the one for God is in the past imperfect designating an ongoing process. That means today's Christians and those who follow us are still part of that plan, an ongoing process until the time of the second coming. We are all blessed by his love.

Extra source: The First epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: an introduction and commentary by Leon Morris (Grand Rapids MI: Wm B. Eerdman's, c1985, 2002) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=lNc0AYIqQvAC&dq=Corinthians+Morris&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=NwNTeWfd4I&sig=XgqcdeZIJ7jIfOrxTT7PUqQqo_4&hl=en&ei=F-MkS82TPIvWlAfW55D-CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CAwQ6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Summary - 1 Corinthians 3:5-11

Then and now:
Paul continues to speak to the Corinthians helping them understand their situation and where they are wrong. The Lord gives jobs to everyone and no worker is greather than another. All success in church growth - numerical and spiritual - comes from God, not the workers. No one works alone; all work together. Each worker has to be sensitive to the quality of his work.

The Corinthians and those hearing the message today need to infer that if Paul is not special, neither are they. If Paul is a fellow-worker with a specific task (gift), so are they. If Paul is accountable for the work he does, so are they. They too will receive their own reward.Paul uses the image of being a servant to show that they are all servants (not masters or observers) in the kingdom. He uses two occupational images - farming and construction industry. Both industries require workers with specialized skills - all needed and none greater than another.

From another viewpoint, the hearers are "God's fellow workers, the farm, and the building (temple) who are being raised up to receive their gifts (place) of service in the kingdom. (Comments based on Dr. Magness' class handout.)[Side note about "God grants the increase": Christians may recognize that the work God did to create physical life is continued as a counterpart in the creation of spiritual life. Being "born again" is the essential starting point.]

1 Corinthians 3:5

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? (KJV)

Then: More than rhetorical, this question is designed to make the Corinthians move from their own point of view to a universal one. If they think about it, the Corinthians will see that Paul and Apollos are both ministers of the Word, serving the Lord through their dedication to him. They both know Christ, the truth of the Gospel, and were called to serve the Lord just as the Corinthians were. That part of the Lord's work is the same. The difference lies in the ways the Corinthians are living.

Now: A contentious spirit, a controlling spirit, a jealous spirit, and others cause unwary believers to behave just as if the Holy Spirit does not abide within them; however, the Christian who desires to be close to Christ, no matter how weak and tender the yearning, can trust the strength and directions of the Lord to overpower all uncleanness. Begin by standing on the truth that Christ died to forgive those who love him. Frontal attacks of recognition of evil, hours reading the Bible, confession, repentance, praying continuously, serving with other Christians, and listing the Lord's victories builds up his strength in the lives of individuals.

Further - Paul's use of "ministers" (others including E. T. Wright (p. 32) translate the word as "servants") counts as the first of four metaphors in Lee Magness' class note list. It touches believers who focus on economic concerns and reflects one of Paul's major themes that workers in the kingdom are not rulers, but servants.

I Corinthians 3:4

For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?(KJV)

Then: Paul returns to the opening problem of the Corinthian Church, the divisions and allegiances of varous groups. He's brought them through the ideal of being a follower of Christ and having the Lord's wisdom. Now he he is circling back to compare the two - most unfavorably - and give the details of how the Corinthians' behavior is such an affront. Ongoing disunity in a church conflicts and undercuts Jesus' final prayer in the garden - that they may be one as he and the Father are one. If less of a servant, Paul could have sided with the one group and put down those following Apollos, thus severing his own bond with Christ. Instead, he kept at it. He kept trying to teach the Corinthians the truth.

Now: The pattern of humanity's sincere desire to be close to Christ and serve him, while still filled with an inability to live up to that hope continues in the church and in the being of each individual. May we study Paul's teachings on wisdom and ask the Holy Spirit's help in instituting them.

1 Corinthians 3:3 - "Carnal Christians"

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (KJV)

Then: This word carnal slings across the room as the absolute worst epithet in Christianity. A carnal Christian is a contradiction. Paul means that the Corinthians are on the edge of not being Christian at all. The accusation hits them as Paul delineates: envying, strife and divisions. They have blocked the wisdom of the Holy Spirit from their hearts and minds. It's high time they grew up, passed the toddler stage and walked like those who were followers of Christ. Baker (p. 52) defines "carnal" as sinful nature." The word means flesh (meat as in the word "carnivorous"). For Paul, it describes a moral, ethical failure (Morris, p. 62).

Now: Sometime in Bible study and spiritual growth, every believer learns to abhor being carnal or fleshly. The goal is knowing the mind of Christ and serving him accordingly. It is a shame to exhibit actions close to Paul's description - not in the beginning, the initial stage of following him, but later, after years of calling on his name. All Christians have access to his strength and his wisdom and can do what is right. They can grow up. They want to do that and Christ wants it.

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.
The First epistle of Paul to the Corinthians: an introduction and commentary by Leon Morris (Grand Rapids MI: Eerdmans Pub., c1985, 2002) on line at http://books.google.com/books?id=lNc0AYIqQvAC&dq=Corinthians+Morris&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=NwNTeWfd4I&sig=XgqcdeZIJ7jIfOrxTT7PUqQqo_4&hl=en&ei=F-MkS82TPIvWlAfW55D-CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CAwQ6AEwATgK#v=onepage&q=&f=false

I Corinthians 3:2

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able (KJV)

Then: After 18 months of Paul's one-on-one teaching and even after five years (Baker, p. 55) of experience, the Corinthians are still toddlers in the faith. What can Paul do since they have not listened to the Holy Spirit and waste time bickering with each other? The divide between where they are and where they should be is so significant, they are unable to carry out the mission of a church. Actually all Paul can do is provide revelations of insufficiency and encouragement to change. Change and growth come through individual convictions and relationship with the Holy Spirit. But Paul's teachings are throughout this letter are key to starting the process and providing measurement standards.

Now: This verse contains the classic standard of comparison which believers and church leaders use time after time, year after year, as a measure of spiritual growth. Where do believers stand? How do they measure up? Which practices reveal knowledge of the Word, its application, and ultimate purpose? Both poles are seen here - the maturity of Paul and the immaturity of the Corinthians. That's why all scripture is useful for inspiration and teaching.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

1 Corinthians 3:1

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ (KJV)

Then: Quick switch right here. Paul's next two verses aren't theoretical, but practical and realistic. He hits the situation of the Corinthians with a smack. They must have been shocked. Here he had been dazzling them with an enlightening explanation. Now they had to think about themselves - as carnal, unspiritual no less. Wright observes that the language refers to determined choices in spite of their knowledge of Christ. Thistleton (p. 286) notes that Paul holds out hope for the future with his phrase "not yet" in verse 3:2.

Now: And thus begins the Paul's presentation of "baby" Christians. Church leaders cannot "talk around" the root of a problem if any change will be made in the believers. The issue is not bluntness as much as it is speaking plainly, but rarely do today's ministers address an entire congregation about its shortcomings.
Extra source - The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text by Anthony C. Thiselton (Eerdman, 2000) http://books.google.com/books?id=IHG_DNLpmroC&dq=First+Corinthians+online+commentaries&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=oCDBSpeoKZ_e8Ab-zKzBAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Organic Farming in Spiritual Fields - 1 Corinthians 3

Then and Now:
Farmers look for optimum conditions of sunshine, atmospheric elements such as CO2, soil nutrients, and water to grow the very best crops. They study the farming techniques of others and learn all they can. Spiritual farmers or teachers do the same thing. They study the teachings of Paul to find ways to insure spiritual life in the hearts of believers. What did Paul do? In chapter two he gave the Corinthians a vision of what it meant to be Christian, to have the Holy Spirit within them, to talk with the Lord, to know his wisdom, and to use it and not be judged by others, but be accountable to the Lord.

In chapter three Paul lets the Corinthians know they are a long ways away from that image. He starts showering them with the water and sunshine of four metaphors. Interestingly one is based on farming. Spiritual growth depends upon the desire of the believer. Paul wants to convince the Corinthians that growth is needed, not that growth is impossible. He wants the Corinthians to understand the process because later, they too, will become teachers of the Word. The metaphors carefully lead their thoughts to submission and acceptance of a sometimes painful process. Reminders of what Christ already did are encouragers to reach the one goal which is worth everything - living forever in the presence of the Lord.

I Corinthians 2:16 -- "The Mind of Christ"

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ (KJV)

Then: On the edge of the swimming pool, Paul philosophically challenges Corinthians to know wisdom, the mind of Christ. The words culminate Paul's teaching to the Corinthians. He only speaks and teaches those with the mind of Christ. He can teach because he himself has it. He did not tell them that he clothed his explanation (bent it) with the intellectual jewels or ideas valuable to Sophists: wisdom, oratory, maturity, mysteries, knowledge, revelation, gifts and talents, discernment, and being spiritual (a list from Magness' outline). He used the approach to draw in and mentally disarm their self-defenses. They heard what he said and recognized its truth. The teachings of the mysteries of God are special because the ability to know the mind of Christ is limited to those who believe.

Now: US citizens have so long lived in a culture pervaded by the teachings of Christ, a place where salt has been liberally spread, they have not noticed, the infilitration and increasing numbers of those who do not know Christ, who do not know and cannot discern his mind. The people speak two languages, but only the non-Christian seem to recognize the duplicity of words. Collins (p. 137) brings back thoughts of the hidden knowledge of mystery religions versus that which is open to believers. Even New Agers are fascinated by the mystery religions, but the only mystery in Christianity is crossing the line to revelation, opening the door to Christ's teachings, and severing the barrier between belief and non-belief.

Extra Source: First Corinthians by Raymond F. Collins, ed. by Daniel J. Harrington (Liturgical Press, Collegeville MN, c1999) on line at http://books.google.com/books?id=c4VXq9fKoRwC&dq=Collins+Harrington+Corinthians&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=uogjS7rkLJDflAfk2uX_CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CCkQ6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false

I Corinthians 2:15

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man (KJV)

Then: Paul stops and treads water just a bit. He wants to be absolutely clear that he's covered the subject of the Holy Spirit residing within and how that impacts believers. Each spiritual person, that is each one who has the spirit, is able to make good decisions about problems, situations, people, personal actions, or any aspect of life here on earth. What he does is accountable to Christ, not to anyone on earth - even ultimately, fellow believers.

Now: A secular world confuses the difference between right and wrong. It often teaches everything is gray and that there is no way to judge or know. On the contrary, Paul shows us that believers can make decisions according to the values of God. Collins (p. 136-137) uses the term "testing," which often brings to mind "testing the spirits." That's a different dimension of judging. More than deciding what actions to take, it goes to the level of deciding who is being followed in making a decision. Who is advocating a particular choice? God? Corruptible mankind? Satanic forces? The followers of Christ choose rightly and cannot be judged by anyone but the Lord.

Extra Source: First Corinthians by Raymond F. Collins, ed. by Daniel J. Harrington (Liturgical Press, Collegeville MN, c1999) on line at http://books.google.com/books?id=c4VXq9fKoRwC&dq=Collins+Harrington+Corinthians&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=uogjS7rkLJDflAfk2uX_CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CCkQ6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false

I Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned (KJV)

Then: Paul reached the deep end of the swimming pool, and turns around to swim across the same territory again. He wants to explain the thought from the other point of view, the side of non-believers in Christ. Anyone who denies God and lacks the Holy Spirit thinks that those asking a non-existent god for advice are foolish. It's non-sensical to think advice, wisdom, or knowledge can come from nothing. Corinthians have to know that. How can they talk to non-believers without understanding that point of view? They have to go back to their own days of non-belief to find common ground.

Now: Working with the same difficulties, Christians have to find words of the popular culture which can somehow match and bring enlightenment to those who do not hear and do not see into the kingdom of God. Studying Paul, studying the culture, listening to the Spirit the pathways open by which non-believers can come to understand.

I Corinthians 2:13

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual (KJV)

Then: Paul is swimming on the surface of deep water. He's trying to explain the spiritual in the physical realm and have it move into the spiritual realm of fellow believers. Tough. So the Holy Spirit speaks to Paul's inner man and teaches him ways to live and what to do to tell others the good news. Paul has to recognize the difference between his own thoughts and those of the Spirit. Then he uses God's words and ideas to talk to the Corinthians. He's also very careful to compare that which is spiritual to things which are spiritual, not physical. Henry elaborates that it is a waste of time to try to validate revelations of the spirit by looking at the things of science or art or anything of the physical world. Spiritual wisdom is revealed by comparing the side-by-side prophecies of the Old Testament with the work of Christ on earth and with the teachings given to the saints, apostles, or disciples.

Now: Spiritual maturity evolves with the faithful practice of prayer or conversations with the Spirit. Learning to discern the words of the Lord and separate them from personal thoughts takes a lot of time. Paul's guideline here is to be sure you compare things spiritual with things spiritual, i.e., the written words in the Bible, words given to other faithful Christians, and the past spiritual events of your own individual experience. If you thought the Lord told you to help someone, you did it, and God received glory; then later you will be able to recognize that same prompting of the Spirit as being valid, not personal or satanic.

Extra sources: Commentary on the Whole Bible Volume VI (Acts to Revelation) by Matthew Henry, online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.iii.html

1 Corinthians 2:12

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God (KJV)

Then: Paul hops back to his main topic of wisdom (Fitzmyer, p. 181 - 2:10-11 are a digression). Men know God's wisdom when his spirit is in them - not the spirit of the world. The connection starts at conversion, and enables a closeness with God (Baker, p. 49). Before the resurrection, only a few designated individuals could speak with the conviction of having God's direction. Now all believers and followers of Christ have access to his wisdom.

Now: Secular vs. Spiritual. With the Spirit's presence, we pay attention to words proceeding from our mouths, thoughts which tear down or build up others, ideas which can bring peace and hope to friends and neighbors. No more is life a "me first" kind of thing. The Spirit shows ways to "Love one another" and increase the kingdom of God. Paul helps us understand and expect to use the knowledge and wisdom coming into our lives.

Extra Source: Joseph A Fitzmyer First Corinthians: a new translation with introduction and commentary (New Haven CT: Yale University Press, c2008) http://books.google.com/books?id=W3b-mWk1SxoC&dq=Corinthians+and+Fitzmyer&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=fMkQjo3eGY&sig=MB1oT-4Ir0uoDeiFJ8C7J9oum2I&hl=en&ei=k_sgS_CYKc6SlAeRv6z3CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CBgQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=&f=false
Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

1 Corinthians 2:11

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God (KJV)

Then: Paul plops down two basics about the Holy Spirit. First he is omniscient and second he is a communicator. Paul deposits these thoughts in the Corinthians' minds for them to know and use. Henry describes what's happening between man to Spirit to God and God to Spirit to man. The connection is so close (Triune God) that God and the Spirit are united, one and the same. Paul is showing the proof of the divinity of the Holy Spirit.

Now: We don't spend a lot of time wondering about the place of the Holy Spirit in the trinity. As we come to know Christ, it's embedded in our learnings and conversations with the Lord. Paul's teachings have already clarified it for us. Confrontation sometimes occurs with those who argue a monotheistic (one) God cannot be three. They do not separate the various functions of the Lord and cannont understand "God in three persons." I personally compare it to my personal status as daughter, spouse, and parent. One person, doing three things. Or I compare it to the three dimensions of any physical object - height, width, and depth. One object, three sides. God is one. Paul's explanation helps our understanding of who God is.

Extra Source: Commentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.iii.html

1 Corinthians 2:10

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God (KJV)

Then: There's a dual teaching here. The Spirit reveals what the Corinthians know about God's plans for the salvation of mankind and provides the way for them to have eternal life. At the same time it enables them to look into their own hearts and see the ways in which they fall short of being the person God orignally planned. The deep things of God are sweet, but the contrasting presence of personal failings brings sadness. Paul wants members of the Corinthian church to do better and be better.

Now: Henry believes this is a statement of the divine authority of scripture. Paul teaches what he knows and that comes from the Spirit of God. I like the fact of "us." The Spirit teaches one-on-one to each of us, not just Paul. That truth comes through knowledge of pesonal relationship with the Triune God. Thinking that the Spirit searches the depths of our hearts is discouraging because we know man's deptravity, but encouraging to know that he cares so much that he wants us to be better. There's more than the acceptance and recognition that "Christ is Lord."

Fitzmyer (p. 169) discusses the first person plural use as different from the first person singular in 2:1-5. Some commentators may view it as "non-Pauline"; others see it as a particular view of "wisdom"; and some like Lindemann take the "us" to mean "we Christians."

Extra Source: Commentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.iii.html
First Corinthians: a new translation with introduction and commentary Joseph A. Fitzmyer (New Haven CT: Yale University Press, c2008). http://books.google.com/books?id=W3b-mWk1SxoC&dq=Corinthians+and+Fitzmyer&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=fMkQjo3eGY&sig=MB1oT-4Ir0uoDeiFJ8C7J9oum2I&hl=en&ei=k_sgS_CYKc6SlAeRv6z3CQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CBgQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 2:9

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him (KJV)

Then: The Corinthians probably understood this to mean that no one yet knows nor can even dream of the things God has in store for those who love him. They also knew the original references which Paul was using to talk to them. For readers, the imagery is striking: The things that no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard appeal to imaginations. God's world and work far surpasses human ability to see, hear, and imagine. The thoughts that the Lord has more to teach them would have encouraged the Corinthians.

Now: Grammar for the verse confuses the commentators because there is no main verb (Thiselton, p. 248-250). That difficulty compounds in trying to locate the exact source of Paul's quote - Maybe Isaiah 64:4 and maybe 65:16. Baker (p. 45) states that the Gospel of Thomas has Isaiah 64:4 reading with words closer to that of Paul's than those in the septuagint. The message still inspires readers today to know that the Lord is great and we can rejoice in being able to depend upon his greatness.

Extra source - The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text by Anthony C. Thiselton (Eerdman, 2000) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=aNkcqC9bdAMC&dq=Corinthians+and+Thiselton&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=eoboP0fSHQ&sig=DLgK1fuY0qIDxrDL1oog1wwHZ9w&hl=en&ei=MfofS9XKLJGHlAfY_8j7Cw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnu
Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

I Corinthians 2:8

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (KJV)

Then: The Corinthians knew Christ was crucified. Paul starts with that fact and then makes a highly political statement. He doesn't name names; i.e, specific rulers, but everybody already knew who they were. He judges them philosophically. Paul states that if they'd known their actions would free believers from life long subservience and dominions, they would never have crucified Christ. People who know there is more to life than a physical lifetime and are looking forward to eternity have no fear of temporal authorities (Baker, p. 26).

Now: Kingdoms of the world rise and fall. Rulers do all they can to keep their own self-power, riches, and prestige. Their interest is always self-preservation. For awhile, many Western Christians were blessed with rulers who understood their job as rulers to be servants or shepherds. Those convictions and that time is disintegrating. Wisdom and knowledge of the Lord is passing away. Soon many will actively need to choose earthly or heavenly allegiance. For those who choose Christ, temporal punishment will come, but the rulers themselves can never evade the Lord's authority either in the short term or the long term. That's why Paul teaches "all things work together for good for them that love the Lord" (Romans 8:28).

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

1 Corinthians 2:7

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory (KJV)

Then: Paul explains part of the Christian World View in an age when the term didn't exist. Christians -- believers in Christ, recipients of the Holy Spirit -- have access to knowledge and understanding which others don't. The words are just a mystery to non-believers. In a way it's like reading a book filled with PC words. Until you know the double definitions, you can't understand what's really being said. In Paul's presentation, of course, it's"the mystery" which provides the extra level of ability past human knowledge which is needed to understand hidden wisdom. The Corinthians were already prepared to understand. They had the Holy Spirit within them. Paul knew they needed to keep reading to learn more about what the "book" says. That's where he's going.

Now: The mystery is just as difficult for non-believers today as it was for those in Corinth. Only when the Holy Spirit resides within one's heart can the hidden wisdom be understood. It starts with wanting to know; it starts with being willing to accept spiritual evidence, not just physical evidence; and it starts with a reaching out conversation to the Creator of the world. It continues with recognition of events as not being coincidental, or fortuitous, but answers to prayer. It expects acceptance, not denial of inspired thoughts or inexplicable "audible" words, signs or knowlege. It moves to praise and thanksgiving for the presence of one who will love, teach, guide and direct you to the Truth of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit throughout your life -- if you ask.

1 Corinthians 2:6

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought KJV

Then: A status check reminder comes right in the first phrase. Those hearing the letter are already perfect, but not in the sense of being flawless. It's the kind of "perfect" related to time. Similar to the past perfect, present perfect and future perfect tenses of grammar, one thing joins them together. The believers have the Holy Spirit within them. That part of their spiritual journey is completed or finished. Within their hearts and minds they now have a wisdom which comes not from the world and cannot be understood by non-believers, even if they happen to be educated rulers. The wisdom of the world will come to nothing, be abolished, but the wisdom from God will abide forever.

Now: We put ourselves in the place of the Corinthians. We see our world tugged apart by the wisdom of the greenies, the druggies, the elitists, the populists, the boomers and the whatevers. Like the Corinthians we can take heart that only the wisdom revealed through the Spirit has lasting value. We know that we can depend on the source of our wisdom. We are perfect (completed) because of his presence.

Summary - I Corinthians 2:6-13

Then and Now: Paul wants the Corinthians to understand what he was doing as a teacher. Theoretically he could speak to them as mature individuals in the body of Christ. They knew what the world's rulers didn't - death was conquered in Christ's resurrection. No more would the power of the state be supreme because the fear of death was removed. The political powers were continuing to operate with world values and systems which Christ had put to death, but Christians now worked with knowledge and insight gained from the Spirit. They could look past the present age to the one which was coming. Indeed, its presence already existed with Christ's resurrection.

The passage brings in two themes (Wright, p. 25): (a) Political powers do not understand the Cross, and (b) the Holy Spirit within each believer gives him/her the ability to know the mind of God. That means Christians have a life-long opportunity to know more and more the things of the Spirit and that they have a life-long requirement to teach, work for change and sometimes confront the misuse of governmental power.

If these are the tasks, then the job of church leaders is to lead by example and to keep track of (notice) the spiritual strengths and weaknesses of the members of the body. As leaders, Paul, Cephas, and Apollos had God's wisdom and were able to speak it as God revealed it to them. They received the Spirit of God (not the spirit of the world) which enabled them to proclaim spiritual knowledge and direction. Thus, by implication, they would speak wisdom to church members in Corinth.

2 Corinthians 2:5

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God (KJV)

Then: This "in-your-face" statement flies through the air and whaps the detractors. Paul did all he did for the believers. It made no difference if they supported Paul or Apollos or Peter - or even declared themselves to be "Jesus" people. Their faith had to be cleaned up so no one put down anyone else or raised up one leader above another. How could the Corinthians do that? Stand in the power of God. Be sure that behaviors match that faith and not the unstable wisdom of men. All followers of Christ have his power to be wise. They can recognize and walk on the path of righteousness.

Now: Wisdom requires knowledge and power. Both come from the Lord by studying the Word, the examples of biblical characters, listening to the teachings of others and hearing the Holy Spirit speak to your heart. True then, true now.

I Corinthians 2:4

And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power (KJV)

Then: A clear gospel and a clear presentation go together (Baker, p. 47). The Corinthians would have no space to complain "they couldn't understand it." There are no "bait-and-switch" tactics in Paul's preaching. Rather it is all wysiwyg - What you see is what you get. Think through the various groups in Corinthian society - poor, slaves, freedmen (business class), government workers, philosophers and aristocrats. (Ramsay, p. 29-30). Paul needed everyone to understand the message. That's a basic reason to skip the smooth oratory. No one would leave thinking they'd heard a great speaker, but didn't understand points in the argument. Remembering Paul's classical training in the law, this is more probable than beliefs that Paul lacked the skill to match "words" with the sophists (Ramsey, p. 24).

Now: Go to school for years, become academically capable, and then discard your skills for the sake of listeners. That doesn't sound like a sensible approach. Yet great teachers of today are still able to do that for the sake of the cross, for their love of Christ, and for their love of the lost sheep. Paul did use quotations, vivid images, metaphors, contrasting ideas and rhetorical forms to illustrate his points. May all who are called pay attention to Paul.

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.
Historical Commentary on First Corinthians by William M. Ramsay, ed. by Mark W. Wilson, Kregel Publications, c 1996. online at http://books.google.com/books?id=J7RyILzCn8UC&dq=Ramsay+Corinthians&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=dwdPJmUUh6&sig=G9Pe1_oY5izKuYc4bC9gnVjRdds&hl=en&ei=6SYdS665B5Tl8QaI4dHeAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CBQQ6AEwBTgK#v=onepage&q=&f=false

I Corinthians 2:3

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling (KJV)

Then: Stage fright? Really? Could have been true because Paul is telling all. He's being completely vulnerable in front of people who have already criticized him. That took a lot of courage. He had to be sure the gospel was clearly presented. Through this comment, you might guess he went too far the other way in presenting simple, in being artifice free, and in being open. (Baker, p. 47, infers a unimpressive performance - 2 Cor. 10:1-10 and 11:6.) But that's only speculation. Paul did want the Corinthians to learn both the message and the way to teach it, so Thiselton (p. 213) thinks the fear and trembling is only before God and his responsibility to the Father in heaven. The Corinthians could have seen it both ways. In either case, they understood Paul's intent.

Now: Leaders need the same balance Paul sought. Attract people to hear the message, not the messenger, by being open and clear. Although attracting large congregations to hear the word is important, guage long term effectiveness by the quality, not quantity of those who commit their lives to Christ.

Extra Source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text by Anthony C. Thiselton (Eerdman, 2000) http://books.google.com/books?id=IHG_DNLpmroC&dq=First+Corinthians+online+commentaries&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=oCDBSpeoKZ_e8Ab-zKzBAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false
Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

I Corinthians 2:2

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified (KJV)

Then: To preach truth in Christ, believers need to throw out all cleverness and brilliant oratory because the truth can get lost in the words. Paul, fully able to compete intellectually, wants his readers to know what he did (Thiselton, p. 208-209). He got rid of the artifices, stripped down to the facts of death, burial and resurrection and offered them as the foundation for the Corinthians to use. Adding rhetorical styles takes the chance that listeners hear the witticisms and not the message of the cross.

Now: It's a good thing to attract people to hear the gospel, but let them hear the gospel and not be so enthralled with the frills that they cannot remember the teaching, only the teacher's video clips, jokes, or dramatics.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text by Anthony C. Thiselton (Eerdman, 2000) http://books.google.com/books?id=aNkcqC9bdAMC&dq=Thiselton+Corinthians&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=eoboOUfSJM&sig=9hfoo_G6zvecJwOGkoKR93iL6II&hl=en&ei=ITsdS8SuCsnM8Qb1maDUAw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBUQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 2:1

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God (KJV)

Then: Wright uses the word "mystery" to translate "testimony of God" knowing that the crucifixion of the Messiah, the testimony of God's wisdom, is a mystery. As an observation, more than a definition, Paul uses the truth of the cross in the process of preaching while God uses his spirit to produce faith in the hearts of men. Faith provides the power to change a believer's purpose and behavior. This power is not based on psychological manipulation, government decrees, or worldly self-direction, nor is it used to accumulate earthly power, prestige and possessions. Paul wants the Corinthians to recognize the difference. [In Magness' outline vs 2:1-5 explain what, how, and why Paul preached; also what he knew and who he was.]

Now: The mystery of life and desire to understand it consumes the minds of evolutionary scientists. They are not content to believe that God alone has the power to create life. They keep pushing back to cloning, growing life from cells, and changing genetic DNA. At the same time they deny God's work of creating life after death (life in eternity). Christians need to find the way to emulate Paul, to allow the mystery of God's power in them to teach and lead even the evolutionists to know the Savior.

I Corinthians 2 - Overview Summary (Leadership)

Then and Now: In the main content of this letter, Paul mixes in the readers personal faith and service in the church with discussions of the work and service of church leaders because every believer is expected to be a leader of some kind. Church members lead their friends, their families, their fellow group members before having opportunity to be selected as teachers, speakers, deacons, elders, ministers or missionaries. Everyone within the chuch leads in one fashion or another. These chapters cannot be skipped. Read them at both levels. Commentators help us think. Magness and Wright bring out Paul's leadership points for verses 2:1 to 4:21.

Summary - 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Then and now: Wright (p.15) contrasts the sombodies vs nobodies in God's choice to reveal himself. Corinth was a city of somebodies where the nobdies knew the wisdom of God. Most often, it is the least of them who recognize God's wisdom while the elites turn away. The foolish, the weak and the base were not so often wrapped in pride. God did choose a few of the wise, the mighty, and the noble, when they were not too wise, too mighty or too noble to see the truths of his plan for salvation.

Dr. Magness and Wright (p. 18) both see this passage as personal opportunity for Christians to review their status before Christ. There's trouble ahead if you boast of your righteousness, your sanctification, or your redemption. These gifts of God based on his wisdom bring glory to him, not to his followers. We can rest in the secure peace of having a position in Christ, but boasting of our own actions, not his, moves us outside of his will and purpose.

1 Corinthians 1:31

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord (KJV)

Then: Finally, the good news. The Corinthians can get themselves out of the problem of dissenting and contentious factions. These are Paul's directions. If they will look outside themselves to see the Lord -- his purposes, his plans, his work, his triumphs, his glory, then all will change. They need to take pride in the Lord. Then, dissensions will disintegrate. God will be praised. And the Lord will be pleased.

Commentators remember Jeremiah 9:23-24 and expect that the Corinthians also checked out Jeremiah's teachings (Fitzmyer p. 165).

Now: This is on-going advice. What saved the Corinthian church from slipping even deeper can save today's believers. His glory should ever be in our mind. To complain about the actions of others or to think that one group of believers is greater than another gives God no pleasure. Rather, all should boast in the actions of the Lord. Note the good actions of others. Forgive when forgiveness is needed and continue to serve the Savior. Be thankful for all service which brings glory to the Lord and work to do likewise.

Extra source: First Corinthians: a new translation with introduction and commentary Joseph A. Fitzmyer (New Haven CT: Yale University Press, c2008). http://books.google.com/books?id=W3b-mWk1SxoC&dq=Corinthians+introduction&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=fMjYisa8HV&sig=5Pr-s91r1P4zUIBQyyXFDX6IlP8&hl=en&ei=uqUBS76pK9KGlAfEg52ZCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CBQQ6AEwBThG#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 1:30

But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption (KJV)

Then: Here is Paul's gold nugget explanation as to what is going on with every believer. It's a good thing Paul wrote it down so that the Corinthians could read and think about it over and over. Believers are unified in Christ - who is wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Because Christ is, they have his wisdom and righteousness. They are paid for and freed from sin (redeemed). They are made holy and purified (sanctified). These are facts, not anticipated results of living a good or obedient life.

Now: With difficulty, believers still come to the Lord seeking forgiveness and acceptance. He is the answer, and just like the Corinthians, in his kingdom we have the promise now. His wisdom allows us to know we are righteous, sanctified and redeemed. Praise his name.

1 Corinthians 1:29

That no flesh should glory in his presence (KJV).

Then: Oof! Paul hit them in the solar plexus. No matter which leader they praised or put down (Cephas, Apollos, Paul), they were always standing in the presence of God. He created everyone and what might he think of someone denigrating his servant? If the Corinthians thought their leader was best and were pridefully strutting with that banner, Paul says, "Quit it." Not one of his servants was called from self-created greatness. All came from nothing. Self-glory has no place in front of the Lord.

Now: Too often we forget we stand in God's presence and never leave his side. Henry reminds us that the gospel is uniquely suited to bringing down the pride of Jews and Greeks (i.e., all of us). Sometimes our tongues speak words which put down others for the unstated purpose of raising our own value. We need Paul's teaching - "No flesh should glory in his presence." We need to ask the Lord to make us aware of our hidden motives and actions so that impurities can be eradicated. Not easy, but possible through prayer.

Extra Source: Commentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.ii.html.

1 Corinthians 1:28

And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are (KJV)

Then: Sounds a bit like a riddle. In a way it is. What God does takes a while to consider and figure out because he doesn't see things the way people do, especially the bickering, struggling Corinthians. Here they are despising and looking down on the views of people not in their "party." And there's God saying he chose those ideas and people. He even picked out people who were "nothings" to lead the way to ending the wisdom and folly of mankind. As they listened Corinthians realized that no matter their social standing, before Christ they were "nothings." After accepting the Truth, they became part of the plan of "bringing to nought" the pride and assumed knowledge of those still outside God's circle of knowledge. Baker (p. 40) calls this social reversal.

Now: Not much has changed. All church members need to recognize God's plan, their former state and their new mission in the Lord's kingdom - teach, pray for and bring to nought the folly and false wisdom of non-believers. How can that be effected if the believers behave scandously?

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

1 Corinthians 1:27

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty (KJV)

Then: Paul is closing in on the Corinthians. It won't be long before they understand what he's telling them. They agree with him. What God did doesn't match normal expectations. And for this they are grateful. Each one is included in God's plan and might have been excluded under humanity's normal customs. Baker (p. 36) translates "confound" as "shame." He warns readers to note this is a public, not a personal, private shame or guilt. As the Lord interacts with people, his purpose of reconciliation shines through the Corinthians in his care for the "least of them." The Lord's actions are personal, but Corinthians after initially accepting salvation, need to know there's more.

Now: Many Christians are in the same boat as the Corinthians. We hear the word and accept it. Then our spiritual lives go into full stop. All the fruits of the spirit are waiting at the doorstep, but still we sit on the porch while Christ wants us to "go into all the world and teach the gospel." Recliners are too comfortable. Daily routines or petty squabbles interfere. Old habits keep us sedentary, so we miss the fullness of joy.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

1 Corinthians 1:26

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called (KJV)

Then: Called to be Christians, the Corinthians are bickering over who had the greatest preacher. Fitzmyer calls that a scandal (p. 136 & 151). He sees verses 18-21 as showing the impact (which Paul identifies) within the church and its public reputation as two problems. The self-status of the Corinthians is putting the church at risk. Paul needed them to go back and reevaluate their individual personal relationships to the Christ who had died for their sin. Without Christ were they wise? Mighty? Noble? That's the starting point for individuals and for groups wanting to serve the Lord.

Now: If you only stick with the personal message of Paul's letter, everything he says relates to a believer's spiritual growth. If you broaden it to local congregations, parts of Paul's letter apply to one season of a church's growth and parts to another. Everything Paul says can be taken as warnings. Be on the lookout for the church's reputation in a community. Be on the lookout for interpersonal relations within a congregation. Always remember Christ, who he was, what he did, and his love for us. Growth follows.

Joseph A Fitzmyer First Corinthians: a new translation with introduction and commentary (New Haven CT: Yale University Press, c2008). http://books.google.com/books?id=W3b-mWk1SxoC&dq=Corinthians+introduction&printsec=frontcover&source=bl&ots=fMjYisa8HV&sig=5Pr-s91r1P4zUIBQyyXFDX6IlP8&hl=en&ei=uqUBS76pK9KGlAfEg52ZCw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CBQQ6AEwBThG#

Summary - I Cor: 1: 17-25

Then and Now: Verses are a second section of Paul's steps to address the Corinthians problems of disunity. They deal with the message of the cross. Paul's words are like a two-way mirror. For those who know that God is and see the message of the cross as truth, the light is on behind the mirror. They recognize the true reality of a creation with designated spiritual and physical dimensions. Those who refuse to believe in God and his plan to send the Son, can only see the image of the physical world. God's redemptive plan and Christ crucified cannot be understood. Denigrating the action of preaching the gospel as foolishness, they look for signs or eloquent cleverness in speakers able to win all arguments. Truth is relative, not absolute. It suited God to turn cleverness on its head and give wisdom to the humble.

1 Corinthians 1:25

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men (KJV)

Then: Paul still lingers on God himself, not quite explaining how the Corinthians need to know what he is teaching. First they must have rock solid information about God's wisdom and knowledge. Even his foolishness (if there there could possibly be any) is wiser than the accumulated wisdom of men. His weaknesses (if ever there were any) are stronger than the greatest strength of one man or all men put together. God is worthy.

Now: Discerning the character and personality of a God you don't see except through the process of human affairs, a God you don't hear except in moments of prayer, and a God you can't touch except through the ministry of fellow humans is just plain hard. On the other hand, vacillating between faith and doubt, trust and worry, courage and fear is so easy that a church which could draw upon the Lord's strength, does not. Instead it looks to itself, wobbles and falls. Today's churches must first look to God, his character and strength, then figure out how to grow in Christ. That's where Paul is headed. That's the purpose of his letter.

1 Corinthians 1:24

But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God (KJV)

Then: So why was Paul telling the Corinthians about the power and wisdom of God. They had already been called? They walked through the fire of worry, fear, derision and all other obstacles to belief that are common to men. They knew Christ was their Saviour. They knew God's power of salvation. Just by looking around at their congegation, they recognized the Lord's wisdom as he called believers to his side. The answer lies ahead.

Now: There's no difference in the response of people to the gospel, Christ crucified, as in ages past. People do not change until Christ confronts them.

1 Corinthians 1:23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness (KJV)

Then: Paul keeps talking. He continues to explain the problems of the human mind in accepting the counterintuitive. Christ, the long-awaited Messiah, could not possibly have come as a normal everyday person who was put to death. The Messiah would be King over and above all others, not a servant subject to earthly laws. Neither could the Greeks comprehend any god choosing those without education, wealth, or status to bring a message of truth, let alone, The Truth.

Now: No matter the culture, Christ crucified is still a stumblingblock, still foolishness. People misunderstand until somehow, some way, epiphany comes into their lives.

1 Corinthians 1:22

For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom (KJV)

Then: Paul's talking about culture models. Throughout the Old Testament Jews expected truths to be revealed with a miraculous events. That proved their validity. The Greeks expected to verify knowledge through logic, reasoning, and acceptance of teachings from great philosophers. Truth in any other form could not confound and reveal. God ordered his plan in his own fashion - through the person and actions of his incarnate son. The confirmation of Truth came through the presence of the Holy Spirit - not from signs. Not from worldly wisdom.

Now: Barriers and preconcepts make believing in God difficult. He has to break through everything that seems normal in a human's mind and show there's more. Life is fuller, greater, and more inclusive than anyone could have imagined. Those who sing can really sing. Those who dance can really dance. Those who laugh can really laugh. For God is -- loving and forgiving, inviting and confirming. Accept him. Accept life. Paul tells us about God's message, valid since the beginning of creation. The Holy Spirit speaks it in our hearts.

1 Corinthians 1:21

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe (KJV)

Then: What did he say? Paul's word play with "wisdom" made this a slow read. Here's what the Corinthians needed to think about. God did what he did because of his wisdom. People did what they did because of their non-Godly wisdom. So God used his really odd plan, one that normal human beings would never have conceived, and set about saving those who did believe him. [Baker (p.35) explains that as a translation, "the foolishness of preaching" gives a false impression in today's English. The real intent is the content of the message, not the process of preaching.]

Now: The US is filled with two kinds of non-believers. The first have heard the message over and over again and are immune to it. After deciding it had no relevance to their life, they are unable to revisit their earlier conviction and rexamine it for the Truth. The other group is being raised in ignorance. The ACLU has imposed a code of silence and extinction of citizens' Christian heritage. These youngsters and many young adults do not know Bible stories, biblical teachings and Jesus as Lord. Such ignorance begets depravity and hopelessness. The Lord needs to raise up preachers anew.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006

1 Corinthians 1:20

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (KJV)

Then: Paul almost scoffs as he names three groups of Corinth's educated elitists. He's been there. Those who have studied the most ought to be the ones who recognize Truth most quickly. Instead they are mired in mind-sets which close out wisdom. Paul used to be like that - before Christ shook up his world. Humanity in the first century. That's what we see. Duplicated century after century, it takes the wisdom of God to break down the barriers so that eventually, one by one, individuals recognize the foolishness of the wisdom of this world.

Now: Blessed are those whose circumstances, when arranged by God, are able to look past their own pride, their own knowledge, and seek answers outside the box. Then, the Lord, just as he did with Paul, can reorient minds and put all that they know into a new perspective. Afterwards, they are more able to teach than anyone else.

I Corinthians 1:19

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent (KJV)

Then: Corinthians thought they were so smart. They loved the marketplace of ideas, the everyday exchanges with traveling philosophers, news from travelers to and from Rome, table talk in the temple restaurants or open air stoas. Corinth was a city of action, and they lived there. Yet compared to the knowledge of the Lord, their wisdom was worthless and their understandings off the mark. Paul (here referring to Isaiah 29:14) brought an introduction to Christ for all to hear. Some did. Some didn't.

Now: Knowledge divides the uneducated from the elite, the rich from the poor, the city from the country. Yet who is wise? and who understands? Only those who know Christ. The cross is there for all to see, accept, or deny. Christ speaks clearly, but many close their ears. Believers pray for the lost so that many will be saved. It is the work of the church.

I Corinthians 1:18

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God (KJV)

Then: Plain and simple. Paul wants the Corinthians to abandon all the artifices of language and concentrate on the cross: Jesus crucified so that they might be forgiven, made clean, and be acceptable at the foot of heaven. Foolishness to non-believers, it is God's powerful plan to those who experience his love and presence. Matthew Henry adds that believers must repent and submit to the Lord's authority in their lives. Baker (p. 37) calls the verse a thesis statement with set markers dividing the destroyed and the saved. That's one division which Paul accepts. His calling is to convince men to understand and discern the plain Truth.

Now: Paul's words and message continue to speak to all who have ears to hear. The cross is more than a symbol. Its a clear reminder to those who know Christ. The Truth must not be tangled or hidden in contrived orations. Today many follow Paul's lead and spend their lives teaching the Word -- some have formal training, some don't. But all know the Truth and want everyone to hear the message of the cross.

Extra source: Commentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.ii.html
Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

I Corinthians 1:17

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect (KJV)

Then: So there it is - an early problem with baptism. Paul says that wasn't his major job, and we understand him because actually he did baptize some. (He just can't remember who.) Corinthians expected to be aggrandized based on the name of the person who baptized them, rather on the name of Christ. Lull presents Paul's measured attitude (p.145). Baptism is important, but teaching the cross has primary significance - even more, the teaching format exemplified by the phrase "wisdom of words," is of little value. It's the content of the teaching, the message of the cross, which must not be nullified or made empty.

Now: Christians are easily distracted from the message of the cross. Current doctrinal issues over baptism are not the only source of dissension. Should we use an organ or a band? Should we change from traditional to contemporary or do both? Should we buy new property and build anew? Should we let secular groups use the facility? How do we deal with transient beggars? What about the world view of homosexuality or racism and its denunciation of Christian values? The cross of Christ still effects. Christians must, simply must, carefully consider the cross and veer away from dissension.

Extra source I Corinthians by David J. Lull; Revised and expanded edition of William A. Beardsley: First Corinthians: A Commentary for Today (Chalice Press, 2007). http://books.google.com/books?id=IHG_DNLpmroC&dq=First+Corinthians+online+commentaries&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=oCDBSpeoKZ_e8Ab-zKzBAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false

I Corinthians 1:16

And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other (KJV)

Then: Stephanus and his household were the first fruits of Achaia (see chapter 16:15). Paul just remembered that he'd baptized them too, but the letter writer didn't have a computer - just papyrus and stylus. He couldn't go back and change what was just written because something jogged Paul's memory (Baker, p.30). Paul did remember - he was just a little slow at it. But once remembered, Paul is still focused on making his point. The person who does the baptizing is not important. Christ is. And these people are way off track bickering over which party - those of Cephas, those of Apollos, of Paul, or even of Christ. Everyone is united with and in the same Holy Spirit. Christ is not divided.

Now: Obviously, no building can be constructed to hold all the people in an area at the same time. Geographic subdivisions and scattered meeting places have to happen. From the beginning though, divisions seem to be the name of the game - groups within the Catholic church and subdivided denominations are everywhere. Everyone is convinced that "their" church is best. We know better because of Paul's teachings and because of Christ. I can't solve that problem - but I can speak peacefully to fellow disciples.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

I Corinthians 1:15

Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name (KJV)

Then: Paul did baptize some people, but not in his name. He did it in the name of Christ, just as if the Lord, not Paul, was standing in the water, bringing his living water completely around the life, soul and spirit of the one being baptized. From the outside, Paul reminds the Corinthians of the Lord's teachings; from the inside, the Holy Spirit convicts each individual believer about his/her personal righteousness.

Now: We each remember who baptized us, but after awhile, the Lord's servants forget whom they baptized. They remember the names of a few, but not everyone. We can even feel hurt that they forgot. Jesus never forgets. Through the Holy Spirit, he knows everyone who came to him - when and how. For each of us, that baptism is our initial experience and beginning testimony of Christ's love. When we fail, he brings us back to his side. Thanks be for his gracious forgiveness and mercy.

I Corinthians 1:14

I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius (KJV)

Then: How bitter this sounds when read alone! How awful (aweful?) a person it makes Paul sound. Thankfulness is usually seen as joyful, but not this. No one could have been happy to receive this letter. So what does Paul mean? He is glad no one can blame him for the misguided service the Corinthians are rendering to Christ. They don't understand about baptism into the Spirit of Christ, that once in him they have the capability of treating everyone in the body equally. Instead they've divided themselves into groups (cliques) and are lambasting each other.

[Note - Crispus from Acts 18:18 was a leader of Corinth's synagogue before his conversion. Gaius was probably the same guy in Romans 16:23 who let Paul stay at his house and let other believers worhip in his home. (Baker, p. 30).]

Now: "Well I'm glad that I didn't...." Sound familiar? Sometimes we react the same way as Paul when circumstances turn out for ill rather than good. We feel sorry for the bickering Corinthians, but then find similarities in our own lives. Sometimes we can see ourselves as Paul. Sometimes we see ourselves as one of the Corinthians. That's why scripture is valuable. It points us to Christ who died for us all - not just one group or another. And it moves us to true thanksgiving, the hope and surety that our hearts will change.

Extra source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.

I Corinthians 1:13

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? (KJV)

Then: "An Amazing Oxymoron" for the Corinthians. That's Dr. Magness' outline title. Of course Christ is not divided. Of course Paul was not crucified. Of course they were not baptized in the name of Paul, or Apollos or Peter. Yet here they are - behaving as if all three are true. These stubborn sophists must confront their carnal minds filled with pride, not the Holy Spirit. The two cannot exist coequally. One must triumph, and if the Corinthians are true Christians, the purifying light from the cross will draw them back to the Lord.

Now: The principle of learning to recognize the valid over the invalid is sometimes illustrated by noting how the US Treasury trains agents to recognize good money. They study real currency so well and so long that any deviation is immediately obvious. They do not study counterfeit samples. Paul shouts out that all Christians must study the Christ and the cross. If we do, we may be temporarily led astray, but not for long. Our knowledge of the Saviour will reveal the presence of sinful actions.

Earthquake Change - Reality Check - Major Marker

AS much as I really like keeping this journal verse by verse, it has to change to a scatter approach, although I can still designate the structure.

From now on - only a few comments will be noted. My choice is to do a combined approach. There will be a star (asterisk) in the title of each empty spot and a "check back later" note. The combined summary will be able to be deleted - or given a new title.

I Corinthians 1:12

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ (NKJ)

Then: Heads up to hear Chloe's news. The Corinthians knew whose side Chloe was on. We don't. It does make you wonder if the family were Paul's advocates. No matter how natural it is for people to have favorites, the Lord doesn't. Paul knew instinctively that this kind of dissension denies the gospel and blocks non-believers' views of love and forgiveness. Contention abounds in the temples. That's everyday stuff. They expect to see peace in the church and it's not there. So what's the difference? Why follow Christ? In addition, Wright (p. 8) points to an unexpected "we-are-better-than-you" attitude for the "Jesus" party. Cephas was Peter's Aramaic name. Everyone knew how important he was. Knowing that Apollos was taught in Alexandria where Philo lived, Wright also speculates that the Apollos advocates had primary sophistic values. [Sophists -people who listened to intellectuals well trained in the art of speaking and loved discussing the presentations.]

Now: Political commentators are obvious sophists in today's secular world, but the church has its own brand. Many still express preference of one speaker over another. (Notes from Dr. Magness). Congregations of large churches with many ministers and small group leaders have to be alert to divisive favoritism. Some "church shoppers" come and go looking for ministers they like. Others only attend church if a new minister appeals to them. They quit (again) if he doesn't. Everyone has radio ministers to hear today. Popular also are those who develop their own "platforms," and become traveling on-call speakers. Dissension and divisions can build when favoritism oozes into doctrines.

I Corinthians 1:11

For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you (KJV)

Then: Paul doesn't beat around the bush. Upfront, he tells the Corinthians that people in Chloe's household had "tattled." Somehow they sent a message so Paul knows what's happening in Corinth. At least that family understood disunity and non-Christian behavior was marring the church's service. Commentators Lull and Beardsley find no evidence that the church split into different worshiping units. The church at Corinth was blessed that Paul cared enough to send his best advice before the situation completely deteriorated.

Now: Normally, we think that people who tell outsiders about a family's problems are disloyal. No matter how distant, Paul was a family member. Church people need to call on other members for help with wisdom, methods, and solutions to prevent and clear up any and all dissension. Disunity and divisions give room the prowling lion to attack and dismember at will. When the Spirit of the Lord reveals problems or potential problems, it is a wise church that immediately searches out answers.

Additional sources: I Corinthians by David J. Lull; Revised and expanded edition of William A. Beardsley: First Corinthians: A commentary for Today (Chalice Press, 2007). http://books.google.com/books?id=n9fbbvO7tkoC&pg=PP7&dq=Corinthians+then+and+now&source=gbs_selected_pages&cad=3#v=onepage&q=Corinthians%20then%20and%20now&f=falsed.

I Corinthians 1:10

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment (KJV)

Then: Jump time! Paul abruptly leaps from the values of fellowhip to the Corinthians disunity of diversity. It seems like he was standing on the river bank of verses 1-9, and now he's plunging into the cold, rapids of a turbulent river. He'll be in it for awhile. The section lasts to 4:21 (Matthew Henry), although N. T. Wright subdivides at 1:10-17. Paul gives Corinthians some methods to solve their problem of divisions all the while he's announcing and dissecting them. "Unify into one purpose," he says. "Speak accordingly. Use the same standards of reasoning, reach the same opinions and come to the same judgments. Straighten up. Call on the name of Christ. That's important!"

[Additional note: Several commentators point out Christ's name is used ten times in the first ten verses.]

Now: When a nation is at war, its people need to work together with one mind for one goal or purpose in order to win. The church is in a spiritual war. Its people must work together and not give occasion for the enemy to pick off its members one by one and be forever lost.

I Corinthians 1:9

God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord (KJV)

Then: Finally got to it - the end of Letter Element #4 - thanksgiving greetings of 1 Corinthians. "Faithful, "fellowship, "Son" and "Jesus Christ. Commentators latch onto these four key words. "Faithful," the outstanding attribute of God, meant that his promises to stay with and forgive those who seek him are valid yesterday, today, and tomorrow. "Fellowship" meant a mutual inclusion of all believers in and followers of Christ. Everyone in the entire group - past, present, and yet to come - has Jesus' love and is enabled both to "love one another" and to shed love on the not-yet believers. "The word "Son" brings thoughts of Christ's death, his resurrection, and fulfillment of God's plan that Satan would not conquer. The Lord will. In his faithfulness, he already has.

[Dr. Magness points out three major precepts contained and intertwined in these verses - theological, Christological, and ecclesiological. The dominant thought of God as faithful culminates here. Paul makes the Corinthians remember Christ's love for themselves and for the church (ecclesiological).]

Now: Paul's teachings contrast with our daily lives just as much as they contrasted with the lives of the Corinthians. If you think about church as an activity, fellowship as coffee-time, and worship as a passive, sit-and-listen ocupation, then church today seems trivial and superficial. Paul's words "God is faithful," need renewed. Today's Christians are humbled and challenged by Paul's strength and desire to serve. May we, like Paul, come to know the Christ so well that his presence in our lives glorifies and honors him.

Extra sources: Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the First Episitle of St. Pauls to the Corinthians by Archibald Robertson and Alfred Plummer (Scribner's: 1911) online at
http://www.archive.org/stream/criticalexegetic33robeuoft#page/8/mode/2up
First Epistle to the Corinthians: ACommentary on the Greek Text by Anthony C. Thistleton (Eerdmans: 2000) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=IHG_DNLpmroC&dq=First+Corinthians+online+commentaries&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=oCDBSpeoKZ_e8Ab-zKzBAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false