Summary - 1 Corinthians 14:26-33

Church services - orderly and peaceful: Paul here identifies several elements of a worship service - psalms, teachings, revelations, tongue speaking and interpretation. He limits the tongue speaking to two or three in a row, each followed by an interpretation. Futher if no one with the gift of interpretation is present, then those with the gift of tongues should not speak except to God alone. The prophets, after two or three speak consecutively, need others to discern their meanings. Only one should state the revelation of meaning, even if a nearby person discerns another meaning. The major point is that of orderliness and peace.


Fee (p. 691) observes the absence of a group leader and (Fee, p. 692) that Paul does not forbid having the gift of tongues. Hays (p. 242) explains that the spiritual gifts exist for edification of the community. It is not that the community exists just as a place for spiritual gifts to be displayed. That hits the "pride" problem abhorred by Paul whose main interest is growth and of church through edification.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=XlBp10nUTXAC&dq=Gordon+Fee+Bible+commentator&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=SwLNSu3nA4v6Mf2XlDo&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false
First Corinthians by Richard B. Hayes (John Knox Press, 1997) on line athttp://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

Summary - 1 Corinthians 14:20-25

N.T. Wright reads verse 20 as a statement of general principle. Paul is calling on the Corinthians to be wise - to figure out what should happen in a church service and why. They should grow up and discern the difference between babbling, indiscriminate use of their gift (Baker, p. 200) and when its judicious use is helpful to the church. Tongues may be a sign to unbelievers* and not needed by believers. They could drive away visitors who would see Christians as crazy and it could look like exhibitionism to other believers. Prophecy, however, was a sign which could be useful for building up both believers and non-believers. When prophecy revealed unknown secrets of the heart, listeners would marvel at God's presence in the service. They too would worship him.

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.
*Since tongue speaking was also a characteristic of many cults and temples, the value of the sign could be debated.

Summary - 1 Corinthians 14:13-19

Praying: Since Paul keeps pounding a drum about the gift of speaking in tongues, readers have to assume it was a major problem. Evidently members did speak in tongues during the service. Evidently it sounded like a cacophony. Evidently nobody knew what anybody else was saying. Evidently it was off-putting to visitors, new-believers, and mature believers alike. Who knew what was going on?

Helpful to listeners and to speakers alike is the gift of interpreting tongues. Paul urges them all to pray for understanding. He himself would rather pray five meaningful words than ten thousand words in obscurity. At the center of building up a church is the maturity level and spiritual wholeness of every individual within the church. What Paul has to do is teach the members to be concerned about the whole church by and through the growth of each individual. A spiritually mature church and a spiritually mature individual has blended, not compartmentalized components (N. T. Wright). Corinthians needed to place their hearts, minds, bodies and souls under control of the Holy Spirit and grow to be like the one who is worshiped, Jesus Christ. Putting others first is Paul's continuing message and solution.

Summary - 1 Corinthians 14:6-12

Church worship and use of gifts: Paul contrasts speaking in tongues and prophecy. He closely allies the gift of knowledge, the gift of wisdom, and the gift of revelation with prophecy, while arguing that the gift of tongues in a worship service does not bring barbarians* together because the one cannot understand the other.

He picks out thoughts of "sound" with possible uncoordinated, unclear tones from a harp, pipe or trumpet. Everything sounds like meaningless noise. Who knows the song if instruments play indistinctly? Usually people woulld rather sing, "Something I know." Further Paul states the trumpet can only alert soldiers to the battle with a recognized musical signal. In verse twelve, Paul recognizes the desire of the Corinthians to have spiritual gifts, yet emphasizes his desire that they concentrate on having those which edify the whole church, not just their individual lives.


*Foreigners and conquered peoples from nations on the outer edges of the Roman Empire

Summary - 1 Corinthians 14:1-5

Worship: Wright boils these verses down to one point: Believers should go to church so everyone is built up, not just to build their own spiritual selves. -- So much for slipping in the back door, sitting in a pew, and leaving early. That's the way to miss out on half of God's purpose.

How does Paul present that point? He explains that speaking in tongues is useful to one; prophesying (presenting and explaining God's word) is useful for all. Take time to ask God about your work in the church and, if you are going to ask for a gift, ask for prophesy. Although, speaking in tongues is a good gift for the purpose of self-growth and time with the Lord (Paul himself has it), prophesy has the greater value to the whole church.

Summary - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

The Love chapter: This is one of the most well-known sections of the Bible, Paul's presentation and explanation as to the what love is and how it works in the church. Without love, the church fails. The first three verses explain how important it is - greater than any other language, the gifts of prophecy, of knowledge, or generosity (even to the point of self-sacrifice). The performance of any of these acts while lacking love, nullifies their value. Personalized, Paul indicates, not even an apostle can be effective without love (Baker, p. 191).

Verses 4-7 form a second section which gives fifteen attributes or characteristics of love, sometimes from a positive and sometimes from a negative viewpoint: patience, kindness, not jealous, not boastful, not proud, decorous (sexually), unselfish, not provoked, discounts offenses, rejoices in good-not evil- and truth - not injustice, bears all things, believes all things, hopes for all, and endures all. The goal of all Christians is to be an ideal person, an example of Christ. Love is a commitment of mind and will which once followed bring along the emotions of the heart. Love is to be used in the church with fellow-believers. Love can spill outside of the church to non-believers because its source is Christ.

The third section points believers to eternity when love alone abides. Prophecy, tongues and knowledge fall to the wayside. Imperfections of all kinds slide away in the growth from childhood to spiritual maturity where in eternity we can fully see as we are fully known. The gifts of faith and hope are crowned with the gift of love.

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.

Summary - 1 Corinthians 12:27-31

Spiritual gifts in church ministry: Paul lists eight gifts in v.28 and then renames seven of them in v.29. His desire is to point out gifts prominent for initial evangelism in the church. No one has all of them, nor is the list complete. Gifts previously listed in verses 12:8-10 do not completely match the ones cited here. The gifts are not hierarchical and do not give greater importance to those so gifted.

Summary - 1 Corinthians 12:21-26

Body of Christ: This section is a continuation of Paul's comparison of a human body to the body of Christ. Not all parts are prominent, yet all are worthy, useful, and essential. When one part suffers, so does the whole. If one part is honored, so is the whole. It is that way in the body of Christ.

Analysts point out that Paul's parallel to the church precludes boasting and pride of one member over another. Some covered, some uncovered, no body part (member) survives alone and no part is less important than another. In reverse logic, Paul states that the covered parts are more honored than the uncovered parts. As an aside, this contrasts the Jewish with the Greek culuture since Greeks found no shame attached to nakednees in gymnastic events (Baker, p183). Applying lessons of the physical body to the church body illustrated the similar connection between all members: Poorer members cannot be considered less important than others, distress of any individual needs attention, and all members have value.

Summary - 1 Corinthians 12:12-20

Body of Christ: Paul compares the members of the church to the parts of a human body, first because each body part has a specific function and gift, and second because the church, in honoring God, works together using all gifts and grows to be an entity reflecting the personhood of Christ himself. Working together in community, each of its baptized members display Christ's identity and not that of their former beliefs. The members together, while still growing individually, keep on track with the overall mission of bringing others into the unity of their fellowship.

Summary 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Chapter twelve deals with spiritual gifts. The famous verse that no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except by the spirit appears early on. Things of the spirit world were available in other religions, but only those from the Spirit of God are valid for Christians.

Paul lists and distinguishes the gifts of the Spirit primarily for the purpose of removing the practice of honoring individuals with some gifts above those with other gifts. All come from the same Spirit, the same Lord, the same God (later used for studies on the trinity). No gift is greater than another. Then Paul names and describes the usefulness of several: word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, gift of healing, work miracles, prophecy, discern spirits, speak in tongues and interpret tongues. Paul seems to have left tongues last because he plans to talk about it later. The reason for the gifts is to maintain loyalty to Christ and to advance the kingdom (N. T. Wright, p. 156).

Summary - 1 Corinthians 11:27-34

After recounting the manner, mode, and purposes of Communion, Paul comments about the ways the Corinthians were moving from the side of being forgiven to the side of those who crucified Christ - making them guilty of the body and the blood (Henry). Eating and drinking of the body (taking of the bread) brings the Corinthians and today's believers into a place where they need to examine their own individual actions and the actions of the body as a whole. When Corithians separated groups and classes from each other, then the body was divided. That cannot be in the Lord for he taught and desired unity (N. T. Wright, p. 151). In verse 30 Paul attributes death and sickness to the Corinthians' improper actions in honoring the body (Baker, p. 173). Whether demonic or biologic, illness reflected spiritual as well as physical disease. At the table Paul counsels believers to discern the body and to judge (examine) themselves so as to come back into right fellowship both with the Lord and fellow believers. Jesus is compassionate and prefers our self-judgement; in those times when we must be chastened, we avoid being condemned with the world (verse 32).

The practical solutions of verses 33 and 34 offer hope. Anyone can change his/her ways. Then when believers eat together, it will not be for judgement, but for blesings (Wright, p. 152).

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.xii.html
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 11:25-26

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. (KJV)

Then: The second section of the communion is to remember the new testament (Hayes, p. 123)while drinking from the cup. Henry organizes his discussion into four sections: the materials, the sacamental actions, remembrance and declaration of Christ's death, and its designation as a frequent, perpetual ordinance. The Corinthians needed all these reminders in order to return their thoughts to Christ and away from wanton fellowship.

Now: In a short exposition about communion, Owen Strachan focuses on the aspect of confession during the service element, the time gathered believers feel close to God, confess their belief in him and proclaim his act of sacrifice. His point is that evangelistic churches miss out on the sense of sacredness encompassed in quiet order of liturgical churches. Yet, Christ abides in the hearts of all through the act no matter the environment. Communion confession and participation is ultimately a heart experience.

Extra Source: 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
Commentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.xii.html
The Strange and Other Worldly Rite of Communion by Owen Strachan, online at http://owenstrachan.com/2009/09/06/the-strange-and-otherworldly-rite-of-communion-thoughts-on-1-corinthians-11-and-john-6/

1 Corinthians 11:23-24

For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. (KJV)

Then: What the Corinthians needed was a reorientation as to the tradition of taking communion (Dunn and Rogeson, p. 1339). Remember. Remember the Lord. Remember that the Lord was betrayed by a follower. Remember his body, the body of Christ which was broken and which is now the church. Remember with each bite of bread. Remember.

Now: The words of these verses are often read aloud before and during communion. Believers are called to think again about Christ and his love. They also remember that what the Lord did was planned from the beginning. All humanity can be forgiven because of the Lord's endurance and faithfulness. His act within the tradition of the Passover supper also reminds believers of the history of the Lord's faithfulness. Communion is a quiet moment of reflection and a joyous hope.

Extra source: Eerdmans commentary on the Bible By James D. G. Dunn, John William Rogerson on line at http://books.google.com/books?id=2Vo-11umIZQC&pg=PA1353&lpg=PA1353&dq=1+Corinthians+9+commentary&source=bl&ots=5QeQaYWrMS&sig=S5F3KcA_TvNMyywqRiimySoUYtc&hl=en&ei=QqHPSouICIWj8AaZxqyABA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CBkQ6AEwBzgU#v=onepage&q=1%20Corinthians%209%20commentary&f=false

1 Corinthians 11:20-22

When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? what shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. (KJV)

Then: Early congregations did not have a specified public building for meeting. The people gathered in the homes of those with the largest houses. Baker (p. 168) describes these villa style homes with one large room, a triclinium, for nine to ten people to eat while reclining on couches while another room without a table, an atrium, could accomodate thirty or forty people to eat while standing or possibly sitting. Laborers and slaves arriving late would find that all the food was gone, already eaten by the rich, leisurely, early arrivals who had been "grazing" (Magness, class notes, 10-17-09). Obviously, some even become drunk. Henry calls their actions corrupt. By being inconsiderate to the poor, caring only for their own food lusts, and indulging in a desire to drink, they disdained communion between themselves and Christ, let alone communion between themselves and other believers.

Now: For the most part, manner and mode of communion is settled as an event limited to the Lord and a single believer. Rarely does it involve a sense of group worship. A whole meal is not involved - probably a major result of Paul's teaching here. Community meals do occur as potlucks where the Lord is included only while grace is being asked. That part is no longer a problem. However, to the extent that the act of communion involves personal attitudes towards fellow believers, problems can prevail. When rich evaluate the poor as unworthy associates, when laborers disdain the value and decisions of CEO's, when classmates exclude unpopular students according to intellect, clothing, or behavior - fellow believer's all, then the Lord's death is devalued. Spiritual growth requires the setting aside of personal likes and dislikes. Those saved have a new task - that of looking to the lost, to draw them in, and to promote changes in attitudes, behaviors, and wisdom. Communion is the act of relating to other believers and Christ at the same time.

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.xii.html

1 Corinthians 11:17-19

Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you (KJV)

Then: Before beginning to talk about women and men's appearances during a worship service, Paul took time for praise (11:2), but here he specifically states disapproval. The church meets for encouragement and spiritual growth of its members, but that's not what happens in Corinth. Paul knows heresies exist in the minds of members before they actually appear and begin dividing believers into groups. Interestingly, Paul's discussion of divisions makes verse 16, which already referred to contentions, a hinge for moving into his next concern about communion. Baker (p. 168) says their actions undermined the purposes of meeting together and made belief in Christ seem trivial.

Now: The same thing happens in today's church's no matter the issue, but if concern centers on communion and practices of observing it, then the issue is just as pivotal to the growth and spiritual life of believers. Today's church profits from the many years in which the church sorted through the myriad of controversies surrounding the Lord's Supper. Those issues are mostly settled.

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.

Summary - 1 Corinthians 7:28

But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you (KJV)

Then: Cut and dried. Paul finishes his statement about betrothed couples. Always concerned with the spiritual, obedience to the Lord, he emphasizes that no sin is involved when one marries or doesn't marry. Paul's only concern is to spare believers temporal, earthly troubles.

Now: Commentators point to the persecutions by Nero. Believers killed in the sports arenas, driven from their homes, and struggling to find enough food, could at least be spared the emotional concerns for children and spouses. Persecution in the modern world is marching westward. The havoc caused from religious, physical torture and death does not change from age to age. Fellow believers are suffering. If Christians in the West become more aware of their situations, they can help with survival needs and sometimes with easing of political situations.

1 Corinthians 7:27

Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife (KJV)

Then: Clear advice for those who are betrothed. What should the never-been-married, the about-to-be married, the long-term betrothed do? Keep the contract or break it? "Stay as you are," says Paul. What about members of a broken betrothal? Same thing. "Stay as you are." This verse is primarily addressed to men, but commentators believe the question originated from women's concerns as to their end-time freedoms and service. Another wrinkle came from Corinthian Christians who were influenced by ascetic beliefs. They believed no one should ever marry. Not an ascetic, Paul had to affirm his personal choice of celibacy, yet uphold the Lord's direction - "Be fruitful and multiply" (Fee, p. 323). Fee's explanation (p. 333) brings out the apostle's pastoral concerns. It is not a sin to marry, but life would be hard for the newly married. (See distress in previous verse).

Now: At first, Paul's advice does not seem useful to a world where marriage betrothals are no longer contracts between parents. Instead they are agreements between two responsible individuals. In actuality, it is very similar. If a fiancé accepts Christ, but the fiancée does not (or vice versa) both need to consider how that will affect the marriage. They would do well to wait until the other becomes a believer. Many become believers at a young age. What is the Lord's call on their lives? Will the two together be able to manage life's - distracting problems of survival - food, clothing, and shelter? The answers are individual, not universal. Paul's further question, "Will the Lord return in our time or is he delaying so that more have opportunity to know Truth?" also impacts the individual's call from the Lord. Maybe being single is the right choice, but for every youth and for some adults "Stay as you are" may not be his plan. Discovering what is right requires the use of judgement - as discussed under verse 7:25.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online http://books.google.com/books?id=XlBp10nUTXAC&dq=Gordon+Fee+Bible+commentator&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=SwLNSu3nA4v6Mf2XlDo&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 7:26

I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be KJV

Then: Paul abandons his short break from marital issues. The Corinthians have had time for the overall precept to sink in, yet he shows it again. "Stay as you are - unmarried" because that's where you were when first called and your service there is worthy. Being single and being celibate frees one to focus on the Lord's kingdom. Then as he returns to other aspects of marriage, the Corinthians stand on solid ground, more ready to hear and understand exceptions.

Now: Matthew Henry believes first-century Christians needed strength in order to endure their never-ending persecutions. Being single allowed for that - giving more time to consider and trust Paul's knowledge and apostolic authority. Hayes (p. 127) brings up a second reason. Paul believed that the time of the end was near. Believers had very little time left to teach Christ and bring lost souls into the kingdom. When one is married, individuals have less dedicated time for evangelism. N. T. Wright adds another bit of information. The Roman world was experiencing a time of famine. That kind of distress would make it quite difficult for anyone to change social status and begin supporting a wife. Although the concept of Christ's imminent return has stretched across 2000 years, These three points continue to be concerns for anyone holding a Christian world view and thinking about marriage.

Extra Source: Commentary on the Whole Bible (Acts to Revelation) by Matthew Henry, online see http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.viii.html
First Corinthians by Richard B. Hayes (John Knox Press, 1997) on line at http://books.google.com/books?id=M_PC0PAs3VYC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Corinthians+and+Hays&source=bl&ots=7aeR1egDEE&sig=izrkRudbkn01ObeyAn0mRa4mn7Y&hl=en&ei=IxBaS6PsKsXp8Qbqr4D8BA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CBgQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false

1 Corinthians 7:25

Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful (KJV)

Then: Finished with his two extra illustrations, Paul returns to the Corinthians' other issues concerning marriage - sort of. Up front, he says he's using his own understandings, not direct information from God. In the process of explanation, he reveals that in following his example, the Corinthians, also, can and should reason through what is known and apply it to their daily lives. Paul uses his judgement. He has the Lord's mercy. He is called to be faithful. Being faithful necessarily requires constant attention and commitment.

Now: The integral parts of being faithful produce good judgements. The basics of daily prayer, Bible reading, communication with fellow believers, and paying attention to results of personal actions are the necessary elements. The Bible as God's Word provides followers with his direct words and many stories of how others used his words. Some were wise and some were unwise. In reading Paul's letters, we hear direct information from one who saw the risen Lord and spent many years reorienting his knowledge about the Old Testament. He needed to understand it in light of Jesus' resurrection. He tells us what he learned. In talking with fellow believers, we hear about their experiences in relating to God and what he taught them.

The one last central part of good judgement, though, is the specific guidance which the Holy Spirit gives when asked. Recognition of the Spirit's voice sometimes comes as an intuitive knowing. For some it is an audible event and for some it is the everyday practice of being obedient to the commandments. How the Lord speaks to the hearts and minds of his followers is a mystery, an ongoing happening often described as a personal relationship with Christ. In sum, the practice of listening and being faithful produces good judgements.

I Corinthians 7:24

Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God (NKJ)

Then: There's no way around it. This is Paul's main point. Stay where you are. Serve where you are. Don't initiate change until the Lord calls you elsewhere. Even then, follow his directions and don't rush ahead. The Lord's servant was bought with a price and owes a great debt. He is therefore obligated to do as directed. Even more, abiding brings in thoughts of home and family, the place where one lives (Phillips, p. 156). Christ lives in the homes of believers. That makes serving the Lord a full-time, all day occupation. You don't just go to work, do the Lord's will, come home, and do your own will. Abide. Even in the Corinthian world that meant 24/7.

Now: Another way to describe Paul's teaching is to use the modern prhase of "If life gives you a lemon, make lemonade." Paul doesn't really explain the "why" of his principle, but years of using it bring believers to a realization of its results. It also brings to mind Paul's teaching about the Lord's grace enveloping the homes and nations occupied by believers (see chapter 7, verse 14). Everyone in the area is blessed in the same way that a little salt flavors the whole pot of stew. Some believe that Paul's discussion of circumcision and social status are a digression. They do not see it as an extension of his principle of "Staying where called." Those who think about the verse and are called according to eternal purpose delight in using the principle and discovering God's wisdom and intent.

Extra source: Exploring 1 Corinthians: an expository commentary by John Phillips. Grand Rapids MI: Kregel Publications, c2002. http://books.google.com/books?id=c4F0l2b1QnkC&printsec=frontcover&dq=1+Corinthians+and+Phillips&source=bl&ots=NVKHtw_lSu&sig=JuRG1-pmT2bK7O0KAZUDxClRUpo&hl=en&ei=CTXPS9nwMpTC8wS5mrHCDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CA8Q6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false

1 Corinthians 7:23

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men (KJV)

Then: Imagine being a Corinthian slave or a Corinthian freeman. How do you respond to Paul's statement that you are a slave to Christ because He bought you? Corinthians already knew it theoretically, but not practically. Where did their liberty go? They had behaved as if they were already reigning with Christ in heaven. It takes a good while to learn that those forgiven and freed from the bondage of sin are free indeed, yet they now live with the new responsibilities of following the Lord. When Paul teaches that they are not to be servants of men, he means that from the time they believed, they are to compare every action to the requirements of God. They serve the risen Saviour who taught, "Give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and give unto God that which is God's. Although they are temporally serving the same earthly master or employer, the one who determines the value and quality of their service is the Lord.

Now: Twenty-first century believers continue to know that their ultimate service is to Christ. "I am a servant of God, cleverly disguised as a ... (carpenter, mail clerk, cook) ..." is a popular phrase. Whatever one's vocation, the true work is for the Lord's kingdom. Contrary to the work of undercover agents, Christian believers should be easily identified through their attitudes, their life choices, and their commitment.

1 Corinthians 7:22

For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant (KJV)

Then: How can someone be free and be a servant (slave) at the same time? How can someone be a servant (slave) and be free at the same time? Freed in Christ, Paul answers. He knows that the bondages of sin along with its guilt are the true destroyers of man's spirit and life. Being forgiven and freed from sin completely changes the believer's attitudes and purpose. In order to explain, Paul uses the first century social structure terms because that's the world he and the Corinthians inhabited. When Christ died he paid the price for our freedom, just as a price is paid for the servant's freedom. Paul says ignore the temporary condition on earth. The freedom and liberty of the soul demands utmost attention.

Now: Two issues regarding ultimate goals and social status cause problems in today's western world. Materialism is the first. N. T. Wright (p. 86) emphasizes that God uses the nobodies of the world, "the least of these," to confound the smart ones who can't get life's true priorities sorted out. The pursuit of possessions often tempts and side tracks believers. Satan laughs because so few live the life of Mother Teresa.
The second, racism, is more difficult to explain. Racism is a worldly attitude based on status. Western concepts of slavery differ from that of the first century institution, yet commentators look for Paul's understandings and principles. In the first century, being a servant could give high status just like being chosen to work for a Fortune 500 company does today. Older slaves could be released from service. In both eras, servitude did involve giving up the possibility of having personal possessions, choosing vocations, having free time, or receiving payment for work tendered.* Phillips (p.155-156) gives an explanation that sometimes owners would pay a temple god a fee in order to free a slave. From then on the freeman could never again be made to be a slave.
Today, the burden of racism hinders those seeking opportunities to own homes, choose vocations, have leisure time, and work for payment. From the opposite view, understanding of individuals trying to overcome generational attitudes of victimhood is lacking. Again Satan laughs because so few follow the footsteps of Martin Luther King. Believers need Paul's advice. Was he saying that slaves and/or victims of racism should always stay where they are? No. He knew believers' are required to pray and work for God's kingdom on earth. We are expected to focus on Christ's values and purposes, not those of the world. Liberty in Christ is an interim status. Having the mind of Christ is the goal. Check out the next verse.

Extra source: *Thomas Sowell in April 20, 2010 article "The Limits of Power," explains that many - such as Rome, US Old South, modern China - who used involuntary servitude plus whipping could not get good work from slaves doing technical, intellectual tasks unless they were also given money.
Exploring 1 Corinthians: an expository commentary by John Phillips. Grand Rapids MI: Kregel Publications, c2002. http://books.google.com/books?id=c4F0l2b1QnkC&printsec=frontcover&dq=1+Corinthians+and+Phillips&source=bl&ots=NVKHtw_lSu&sig=JuRG1-pmT2bK7O0KAZUDxClRUpo&hl=en&ei=CTXPS9nwMpTC8wS5mrHCDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CA8Q6AEwAw#

1 Corinthians 7:21

Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather (KJV)

Then: Always, always, always, Paul looks to the highest calling of serving of the Lord. There is no time for lesser pursuits. Every action, every problem, every goal is put into the hierarchy of being one who gives everything to the Lord. There is no other purpose for life, but to find joy in being with the Lord. To disappoint him is unbearable. Nothing else matters. If you are a servant, serve God over and above your earthly master. If you become a freeman, serve God. Ignore all trivial, personal pursuits.

Now: Until retirement, a person's work or vocation occupies the major quantity of each day. The believer's opportunities to serve Christ arise in those circumstances. Workers in the church focus on equipping the others with skills and knowledge to bring Christ's teachings to those who don't come to church. Workers in the secular world take what they know and use it where they are. Each individual works in the place designated by the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:20

Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called (KJV)

Then: Paul finally states the guideline. All are called to serve where they are at the Lord's pleasure and will. No one Christian is better than another. No one Christian has a higher kingdom status than another. No one Christian is more greatly esteemed by Christ than another. All are equal in the kingdom. The time may come when the Lord changes someone's social circumstances, but the task of the Christian remains the same - abide. Follow him. Corinthians needed this extra add-on statement after the directions for marriage in order to check out the principle. To be positive they get it, Paul adds another example in the next verse.

Now: Sometimes new believers think it is necessary to drop everything they are doing, pack up and serve elsewhere - without full knowledge of the Bible, without training as to how people in various cultures respond, and without the advice of those who have successfully served during the past 2000 years. Stay where you are. Take it day by day, step by step, and listen carefully to the Lord's teachings. How much better it is to influence one seeker at a current work place, than to make enemies of many in an unknown land. When the time comes, the Lord will say "Come." Until then, hear his voice, "Wait," but do all you can to become a worker who pleases him in daily actions and choices. "Study to show thyself approved."

1 Corinthians 7:19

Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God (KJV)

Then: Oops. The Jews in Corinth just hit a conundrom, but Paul ignores it. Keeping the commandments is a top priority for Jews and new followers of Christ alike. Paul's focus is on the end game, Christ as the fulfillment of the Law. From days of the Old Covenant, circumcision was required. In the days of the New Covenant, the sign of faithfulness and commitment signified by circumcision is no longer important. Accepting Christ as the Son, an integral, inseparable part of God supreme and the one way to salvation has top priority. After that, all other aspects of obedience fall into place. Paul skips the explanation (although discussing it in Romans) and keeps pursuing answers to the Corinthians' questions.

Now: If you find the KJV hard to read, substitute "what's really important is" for the word "but." That's the essence of N. T. Wright's translation (p. 84). During World War II, Hitler used circumcision to identify Jews. He was astounded to learn that many Western Christians were circumcised too. Currently, there is a push to completely eliminate the practice. The mantra is that the procedure does cause pain to seven-day old infants and is not effective in preventing diseases. Some may suspect an underlying agenda of devaluing Christian beliefs. That can not happen if today's believers lock in to Paul's teachings: Love Christ, know Christ, serve Christ, teach Christ. That's the alpha and omega of being a Christian.

1 Corinthians 7:18

Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised (KJV)

Then: Paul never leaves his hearers without examples. The original question could have come from the Corinthians, or it could have come from other churches. Along with having both a physical and spiritual meaning, the query fits into his current teaching point and principle of "Stay where you are when called by the Lord." Notice that "circumcision" is another way for Paul to say "Jewish," and "uncircumcised" is a way to refer to "Gentiles" or "pagans." There is no reason to become circumcised when the people the Corinthians would influence about Christ's lordship are those who are already associates. Most likely they were not circumcised. Vice-versa, if a Corinthian was a Jew, the people whom they would influence most are other Jews. The spiritual meaning is the Corinthians' daily task of telling others about Christ.

Now: Today's Christians use the same principle, inasmuch as it is possible. If they are able to speak with past friends individually without being pulled back into a former life - such as the drug culture or gang mentality, then they are free to keep close associations. However, if the influence of the other is greater than the believer's strength of purpose, close associations are not advisable. Anyone looking at Paul's biography notices the multi-year gap between his conversion and his ministry. Before turning to a life of daily service to the Lord Paul took time to withdraw and re-orient his world view by studying Christ. Believers need both Paul's teaching and example in order to be effective followers.

I Corinthians 7:17

But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches (KJV)

Then: Paul says the same thing here as he does in verse 20 and verse 24. Serve Christ where you are and walk in the path you are already given. Henry talks about the place where one lives, the circumstances or status of the individual when called. It's sensible advice and gives a good workable guideline to the Corinthians. They already know how to provide for themselves, live in their current families, and have access to many people who do not know Christ. Their mission field is right there. The indwelling Spirit will take care of ensuring spiritual maturity as He sees fit. The believer need only concentrate on enlarging the church.

Now: N. T. Wright (p. 86) discusses God's call to the "nobodies" of everyday life. God does his work neighbor-to-neighbor by using those who have already joined the church and are able to exemplify what it means to be a follower in their designated circumstances. Paul's directions do not mean a Christian should never change status or work. Paul himself became a traveling missionary after he saw the risen Lord. The key is "as the Lord hath called." The Lord's plan may reveal work in a foreign country, use of intelligence to become a doctor, or use of talent to write great music. The believer does not initiate change, only responds, as the Spirit directs.

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

1 Corinthians 7:16

For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife? (KJV)

Then: Christ first. Not my will but his. That's the goal no matter the action of the believer. It could be his or her influence will convict an unbelieving spouse whether it be through the daily life of marriage or the amenable actions of a peaceful separation. Thiselton (p. 537-538) presents the commentators discussion of a "pessimistic" translation. In it, the text actually refers to going ahead to divorce solely because the believer has no real basis to hope that his/her actions within the marriage will ever bring the unbeliever to salvation.

Now: For a long time murderers and thieves had a better chance of being forgiven and accepted into the life of the church than someone who had been divorced. The first group had many biblical cohorts - Jacob, Moses, and Paul himself were notorious for their actions and admirable as reformed people. They were leaders. But divorced people are shunted aside and not welcome to do anything but sit in the back pew. Sometimes exceptions were made, at least when the innocence of a particular individul was well known. As society is filled with more and more divorces, however, attitudes are changing. More forgiveness is proffered and greater space is found for them to serve within church ministries.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text by Anthony C. Thiselton (Authentic Media, c2000) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=IHG_DNLpmroC&dq=1st+Corinthian+commentaries&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=W9fQSpC1GILplAfHiumoCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CB8Q6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 7:15

But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace (KJV)

Then: Christ's teachings on divorce take priority for Paul. Believers should stay married because they have made a sacred commitment. Yet for the sake of living in peace, that is actually displaying Christ's love, Paul advises the Corinthians to let non-believers leave the marriage. Possibly, loving your neighbor as yourself is the overriding principle. Daily contentions mar and block evidences of love. Peace reveals it. Therefore, Paul told the Corinthian brothers and/or sisters in Christ that they didn't need to stay bound to their vows. In a balance of two evils - divorce or daily contentions - Paul puts peace first. Knowing that no man is perfect, Paul still must have hated the need to deal with such problems. Yet loving all, as did Christ, he sorted through the morass to livable answers.

An additional principle may have been Christ's deference to the free will of each man. Since Christ never forces subjection, neither should a marriage. The Lord's delight is the individual who recognizes him as the truth, the way, and the life. In marriage, the unbelieving spouse cannot be required to violate his or her free will to associate with believers.

Now: It is difficult to know how Paul's advice and approach apply after a divorce. When Christ teaches that dissolution is allowed (Matthew 19:9) because of one partner's infidelity, remarriage is not precluded. But Paul has two contrary precepts: "Stay as you are when called," and "Do not risk your salvation." The first would result in never remarrying. The second implies remarriage in order to stay pure before Christ. Nit-picking through these two rulings can blind people to the true answer of seeking the highest calling of living for Christ.

Prayer, knowledge of self, and openness to God's directions can reveal resolutions which differ from person to person. Another layer of difficulty is the after-action and understandings of what to do when both members of the divorced couple were already followers. Paul did not allow them to divorce. Judging the divorced spouses' depth of commitment to Christ is not useful. Recognition that all men are imperfectly able to follow is a given. Remembering Christ's ever-available forgiveness helps. In spite of the fallen state of mankind - both personal and universal - fellow believers repent and continue teaching the Lord's calling to salvation.

1 Corinthians 7:14

For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy (KJV)

Then: Everybody has a different opinion of Paul's reasoning for this verse, early church fathers onward. Separating one thought from another is like looking down into a top-loading washing machine as the clothes swish from one spot to another in the water. Nothing stays put. The issue is "How can lack of faith be holy?" The only given is the center pole - the presence of the believer makes the unbelieving husband and children holy. As God provides grace to the believer, anyone living nearby also benefits from that grace and goodness. Although readers can observe that this verse contradicts Paul's previous requirement that a believer flee all immoral liasons (Corinthian infidelities), the believer's place before the Lord makes the difference. Sex within marriage is lawfully designed by God while sex outside of marriage is not. The second is condemned, that is, not capable of ever being holy before him. Citing Collins, Baker (p.104) brings in Paul's knowledge of Jewish heritage, whereby proselytes and their children were fully accepted as holy in the community. That's one comparison.

Now: Personally, I believe sanctity comes from God's mercy. When Lot lived in Sodom and Gomorrah, the Lord promised Abraham that if more than ten righteous people could be found, he would save the cities. When that proved impossible, the Lord sent Lot and his family away and the land was destroyed. In the same vein, Jesus taught that a little yeast will leaven the whole, salt maintaining its saltness has value, and light can overcome the darkness. In a marriage, the righteous believing spouse who receives God's mercy and favor makes it possible for all members of the family to live in that same atmosphere. He or she is the leaven, the salt, or the light. It does not mean that in the Day of Judgement, non-believing members of the family will have eternal life. It only means they are temporarily blessed with a place of God's protection.

Note: In conversation with a friend, I learned that I had ignored the Christians's prayers on behalf of the family. That's an additional pathway to grace and mercy for unbelieving spouse and children.

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 7:13

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him (KJV)

Then: Paul continues to discuss mixed marriages. He follows the same pattern of this section. Concentrating on a specific aspect of his concern, he alternates between addressing the man and the woman, sometimes one first and sometimes the other (Baker, p. 98). The approach emphasizes his teaching of mutual submission. The Holy Spirit indwells all followers of the Lord never giving greater value to anyone. This accords with the teaching of Peter whose words are recorded in Acts 10:34-35, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him."

Now: Paul continually honors the hope of living a life of following Christ. He understands and promotes the belief that it is both easier and better to concern oneself with spreading the gospel to others rather than put the concerns of a spouse above ministry. Accordingly, his follow-on discussion of the effect on the whole family points to the spiritual, not the practical effects of family/societal disruption of single parent families.

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 7:12

But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away (KJV)

Then: Paul restates his belief that men should stay married - adding a twist in focus. He considers the non-believing status of the partner, yet determines the couple should remain married. Most likely this was a detail question which the Corinthians asked. Paul's answer differs from guidelines given to the Israelites of old. When they were led astray by the proliferation of idols and false gods of non-believing partners, the priests directed the people to put away the non-believers. Life changed with Christ whose death marked the way for all believers and not-yet believers to be forgiven. Perhaps that's why Paul says "speak I, not the Lord." Old Testament history lacks words from God on the subject.

Now: Believers who have the gift of the Lord's indwelling spirit know Paul is speaking towards the ultimate purpose that all should be saved and become followers of Christ. They also know their part in his service of going into all the world, teaching the gospel and baptizing many into the kingdom. It is through his spirit that they sometimes need to discern whether to follow Paul's advice or not. For Jesus also gave another principle of not casting pearls before swine. A woman married to an abusive husband - physically, mentally, or emotionally needs the spirit's guidance to know if her ultimate death would help bring the spouse into the kingdom or if the sacrifice of her life would be in vain. The same is true if the abused spouse is the husband. Listening carefully to the Holy Spirit provides answers that can only be known to the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:11

But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife (KJV)

Then: Paul turns from the ideal to the practical "What if?" This verse presents a second-level ideal. Paul does not want members of the church to be tempted and slip back into the promiscuous Corinthian culture where women often initiated divorces. If the desire of the divorcée is to attain a situation in which she can better serve Christ, the way to do that is remain unmarried.

Now: Obviously, this advice is not an overview or summary of Paul's vision for Christian marital relationships (Hays, p. 111). They are snippets. Even though we can only guess what the Corinthians' original questions were, Paul's answers give solid standards for living the Christian life.

Extra source: First Corinthians by Richard B. Hays (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 7:10

And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband (KJV)

Then: Paul is always careful to match his advice with the Lord's commandments. Addressing the wife first, Paul clearly shows his knowledge of Jesus' teachings by attributing this statement about divorce to him (Baker, p. 102). If either the husband or the wife "puts away" the other, he or she commits adultery (Mark 10:11-12). Jesus does allow it in the instance of fornication (Matthew 5:32). Paul considered the law to be paramount whether one of both spouses were followers of Christ.

Now: Few individuals view marriage as God's plan for spiritual growth. Rather than practicing love and forgiveness in a specially designed laboratory, they prefer to abandon the situation. Often they plunge into another, similar situation which again reveals the need for spiritual growth.

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 7:9

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn (KJV)

Then: Paul's original intent with the wording here troubles all the commentators. A beginning point of discernment relates to recognition that Paul is replying, and in some instances reiterating, words from a letter he received from the Corinthians. Commentators have to separate the Corinthians' point of view from Paul's point of view. In context, also think about Paul's committment to the original teachings of the Lord's plan in Genesis 2:24, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife and they shall be one flesh." That plan and gift classified as "good." One other contextual point comes from the placement of Paul's words. He writes to the Corinthians whom he's first chastised for sexual immorality and now points their attention to the two gifts of marriage and celibacy. Even though they await the return of Christ, Paul advises those whose gift is not celibacy and are unable to maintain a state of abstinence to go ahead and marry so that they will avoid judgement and condemnation in eternity (Fee, p. 289- 290 and Thiselton, p 518-519).

Now: The age of authoritarianism versus Paul's teachings of mutual submission led to many years of misunderstanding these verses. Marriage as a gift was ignored while attention was focused on uncontrolled passion as sinful. Celibacy alone became an elevated measure of spiritual maturity. We are blessed that healthier ideas about the sanctity of marriage prevail. His plan to use it to create more perfect people is just as valid as other paths of spiritual growth.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=XlBp10nUTXAC&dq=Gordon+Fee+Bible+commentator&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=SwLNSu3nA4v6Mf2XlDo&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false
The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text by Anthony C. Thiselton (Authentic Media, c2000) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=IHG_DNLpmroC&dq=1st+Corinthian+commentaries&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=W9fQSpC1GILplAfHiumoCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CB8Q6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 7:8

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I (KJV)

Then: As stated previously in this blog, Paul gives underlying validity and credence to the spiritual goals of Corinthian church women. They want to move into a life wholly dedicated to serving Christ. At the same time, Paul is very practical. Not everyone is given the gift of celibacy, and the women live in an age where singleness offered them very few (if any) methods of self support. This may have been an unstated reason on Paul's part, but is not put forward in the text or by other commentators. Positively, though Christ had promised to return, but it hadn't yet happened, and Paul needed to assure the women he both understood and agreed with their motivations. It is good to have the gift of celibacy. Some commentators believe that Paul's approach sets up a basis for the women to more willingly accept his ultimate advice (Thiselton, p. 514).

Now: Many women find themselves in an opposite world. Through divorce, widowhood, or other life circumstances, they would like to be married, but are not. Paul's advice provides comfort that the Lord will lead, guide and direct them in his service. It may be his will that they remain single, or it may be his will that the future include a spouse. Either way, they can live productive, useful lives serving him.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text by Anthony C. Thiselton (Authentic Media, c2000) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=IHG_DNLpmroC&dq=1st+Corinthian+commentaries&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=W9fQSpC1GILplAfHiumoCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CB8Q6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthians 7:7

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that (KJV)

Then: Obviously, the Lord does not give the same gifts to everyone. Some, like Paul, are given a gift of celibacy, but others are given the gift of marriage (Hays, p 117). Paul later explains that his gift allows greater focus and dedication to serving Christ. It is probably the reason he wishes all men "were even as I myself."

Now: Singles groups are popular in many churches. Some join in order to search for a marriage partner. Others join because they expect to find fellowship with others who intend to dedicate their lives to serving Christ in a state of singleness. The groups provide a place for many who have felt isolated in churches concentrating on family activities.

Extra source: 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 7:6

But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment (KJV)

Then: Paul wanted his readers to know these were his own thoughts. They did not come as a command from God or edict from Christ. Instead it is practical advice based on "Word-of-God" messages from Christ to Paul. Paul saw it as a way to work through and honor the one man, one wife plan. What the statement does do is give a sense of leniency. His earlier, almost harsh tone is gone. The mood is one of loving - a sense of "We're all working together here." Fee (p. 270) thinks the change means that the Corinthian problem was based on women's new place in worship. He extrapolates that although Paul agreed with the women's understanding about their new status, their conclusion that it now negated former marital responsibilities was wrong. Paul's guidelines actually have one principle - stay in and honor the relationships which were already established when you were called to become a follower.

Now: Some Christians believe that even though Paul gives this caveat, the words are biblical and must be followed. Others do not see them as mandates.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=XlBp10nUTXAC&dq=Gordon+Fee+Bible+commentator&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=SwLNSu3nA4v6Mf2XlDo&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false

1 Corinthian 7:5

Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency (KJV)

Then: Here's the exception - Paul's "Let me be clear" statement. Priority always goes to serving the Lord. There are times in an individual's life where fasting, prayer, or other service to the Lord must take priority over the marriage. The marital relationship is never above that of the one-on-one with Christ. There is time and place for both - in their proper order. Whenever that order is pre-empted Satan takes over.

Now: Without thinking about it, many couples fall into the trap of letting marriage issues always come first before Christ (or at the other extreme, they always come last - even to the point of being ignored). It could be a matter of miscommunication, of keeping an individual's relation to Christ too private, or an actual problem of priorities. Prayer and fasting over the disconnect can solve the problem and make our ways straight before the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:4

The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife (KJV)

Then: Paul's extension from verse 3 clarifies and succinctly limits the marriage relationship to one man and one woman. Only one husband can have power over the wife's body and only one wife can have power over the husband's. There is no allowance for a third party in either instance. Henry concentrates on the idea of keeping human vessels in a state of "sanctifcation and honor." Abiding by conjugal duty is therefore Paul's primary advice. That avoids incentives for temptations - especially in a city as cosmopolitan as Corinth (Wright, p. 78).

Now: The understanding from earlier translations has changed from an emphasis on marriage because of sexual needs to a more positive view. The body is the temple of the Lord, and all aspects of good marital relationships can preclude the danger of slipping into immorality (Wright, p. 78).

Extra source: Commentary on the Whole Bible (Acts to Revelation) by Matthew Henry, online see http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.viii.html

1 Corinthians 7:3

Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband (KJV)

Then: Paul alternates his advice mutually addressing both husband and wife. Fee (p. 270) thus infers that some of the problem concerning marriage was theological. Since women were given the Holy Spirit, accepted into the kingdom, an end-days or eschatological belief could mean there was no reason to continue sexual relations. Paul does agree that women should be included in worship services and he later states that singleness is preferable, but his direction is to continue "benevolence" within the marriage bonds.

Now: We wonder why the Lord has tarried so long in returning to take us with him. We know the answer, "not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9), and we know that Jesus told the disciples only the Father knew the time of the end. Paul's advice is practical for the Corinthians, for us, and for those who follow us. Yet we do wish the Lord would come soon.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=XlBp10nUTXAC&dq=Gordon+Fee+Bible+commentator&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=SwLNSu3nA4v6Mf2XlDo&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false

I Corinthians 7:2

Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband (KJV)

Then: Gently, Paul follows his normal approach. He quotes the Corinthians and then notes some measure of agreement before going on to his own opinion (Collins, p. 253). Paul had to know the prominent philsophical arguments for sexual abstinence. Some came from worshippers of the goddess Isis, and some came from the Cynics. On the other side, the Stoics believed generation was good for the "polis" while Jewish thought predicated completion of the Lord's command in Genesis. Marriage should be as it was in the beginning - one man and one woman.

Now: Abstinence in marriage is not a common ideal of the culture. No one discusses it. There is greater difficulty in teaching teenagers and singles the precept "Abstinence works every time it's tried." The Christian ideal of no sex before marriage is hard hit by abortionists who prefer control of conception after the fact. Ignored are God's command of "Thou shalt not kill" and his natural plan that children be raised in a family with two parents. Also ignored are the feelings of loss built up during pregnancy of the mother-to-be for the unborn child.

Extra source: First Corinthians by Raymond F. Collins and Daniel J. Harrington (Collegeville MN: Liturgical Press, c1999) 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

1 Corinthians 7:1

Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman (KJV)

Then: Those aren't Paul's words. He leaves off his comments about sexual immorality and moves to a calmer discussion of marital issues and draws upon questions (possibly testy) in a letter from the Corinthians. Both Thiselton (p. 495) and Fee (p. 269) believe the above statement is a quote from the Corinthians' prevailing view. Paul may have agreed with them, but as the Corinthians read on, they discovered he was not adamant about the sentiment.


Now: For awhile this phrase was thought to be Paul's own; however, more recent scholars go back to Origen (Thiselton, p. 493) who attributed it to the Corninthians. Whether or not it is a quotation impacts the interpretation and application to today's understanding. Verses in this chapter all relate to being married or being single. Magness' class notes separated them according to
Verses 1-7, Marital sexual relations
Verses 8-9, Widowhood and remarriage
Verses 10-16, Marriage and Divorce
Verses 17-24, Social status
Verses 25-38, Singles and Marriage
Verses 39-49 Widowed and remarriage

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text by Anthony C. Thiselton (Authentic Media, c2000) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=aNkcqC9bdAMC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Thiselton+Corinthians&source=bl&ots=eobtOWdRIT&sig=Q2FNicuf6E99p3pfLxhyTf6KYGs&hl=en&ei=SsxpS_2VGtDU8Aa5pvnEBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2&ved=0CBEQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=&f=false
The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online http://books.google.com/books?id=XlBp10nUTXAC&dq=Gordon+Fee+Bible+commentator&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=SwLNSu3nA4v6Mf2XlDo&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Interim notes on Chapter 6

Leaving chapter six, I have little enthusiasm to keep on. The discussion of sexual immorality is so depressing. Two thousand years and so little progress seems to have been made. Everywhere you look in today's culture, sex intrudes. Stores, movies, literature, advertisements, conversations among the less aware, you can't escape it. Often just because the word is used, the listener is supposed to laugh.

When Paul moves on to the subject of sex within marriage, I'm so worn out that even though Paul takes a more lenient approach, I'm not mentally prepared to continue. Somehow Paul was and did. Probably through his concern for the Corinthians. That seems to be the only answer. He cares so much that they get it right, he perseveres and does not turn his back on them. Thankfully God is the same. I depend on his faithfulness to stay beside me. He never turns his back on me no matter the trial or imperfections. - So forward into the paradigms of Christian marriage norms in a secular world. .. .. .. God's blessings to all.

1 Corinthians 6:20

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (KJV)

Then: Paul summarizes and gives an action statement for the Corinthians and for all Christians. Corinthians can turn sin because Christ's death on the cross took away the punishment, that is paid the debt for our sins. Freed to glorify God, Paul wants his hearers who could have done nothing to free themselves (Barnes) to look forward with joy by glorifying God physically and spiritually.

Now: With the daily onslaught of sexual images - advertising, culture, political correctness, laws, etc. Christians limit their understanding of giving glory to praise, prayer and time spent in church. Through the basic sinful conditions, it takes time and commitment to understand and recognize the profane nature of many actions of the body. Christ expects us to advance towards purity, to honor him in all our actions, especially those of the sexual morality.

Extra source: Barnes, Albert (1798-1870) Barnes New Testament Notes online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/barnes/ntnotes.x.vi.xx.html

The Body is the Temple - 1 Corinthians 6:19

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (KJV)

Then: Here Paul goes again. It's back to the basics. Thiselton (p. 474) remarks that this is Number eight in the "Don't-you-know?" list. These items are not ranked according to their importance, but according to their necessity. Being included marks them as basic Christian concepts. Baker (p. 95) notes that Paul is personalizing the idea to each individual, not leaving a vague sense that the Spirit is present only in the gathered, corporate church.

Now: If anything good can possibly come from immorality, it's this assurance that individual believers, not just the corporate body are the temple of God, that therefore, we are each claimed by God. None of our actions bring glory or shame to any one but him. The verse is rarely used in relation to sexual immorality, but is a constant help and reminder that the Lord is always with us. We are not alone.
[As an aside, this precept of each individual being the temple of God, makes a problematic thorn in Paul's presentation about women having to be verified by paternal/spousal/ecclesial approval of a male ordered society. The precept does fit in with Paul's concept of a mutual-submission ordered society.]

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text by Anthony C. Thiselton (Authentic Media, c2000) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=IHG_DNLpmroC&dq=1st+Corinthian+commentaries&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=W9fQSpC1GILplAfHiumoCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CB8Q6AEwCg#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 6:18

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body (KJV)

Then: Since Paul tells the Corinthians to get away from sexual immoralities as fast as possible, you'd think that would be his final word. It's not. Their reasonings needed an overhaul so that the most important element would govern their convictions. Baker reviews the Greek attitude of dividing a human's life so that the spiritual was always pure while sinful actions involved the physical being (Baker, p. 94). The Corinthians latched onto that explanation. It let them sin sexually and supposedly maintain purity before God. Paul says unh, unh! All other sins bring hurt and pain to fellow human beings and can be easily ignored. Sexual sins afflict the partner, the sinner himself and the participating body of Christ.

Now: In terms that we don't ordinarily consider, Paul's reasoning still holds true. We think about the abusive use of alcohol, drugs, food, or some who cut their own bodies. Don't those actions afflict harm on the person himself? Since they do, we know Paul directs his concern to what he's already said about "His own body" being joined, united, with Christ. Even though, sexual immorality causes personal emotional and psychological pain, its most egregious harm is its betrayal of the body of Christ. Paul doesn't delineate the aggressive versus the passive partner here. His advice is for both. Flee. That has to happen before restoration and reconciliation with Christ - issues which Paul discusses elsewhere, not here.

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 6:17

But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit (KJV)

Then: Paul works with the principle of "Don't just give the guy a fish." It's a whole lot better to "Give the guy a fish net." The fish is a behavioral rule, but this verse is the net, the principle explaining an action (Wright, p. 73-4). When partners in sexual experiences unite, they completely use the body and mind. Union is not incidental or unintentional. Joining with the Lord is the same. Paul wants the Christians to understand that when they are joined in spirit with the Lord, they have full access to his mind. The two become one in body, mind, and spirit.

Now: The popular axiom is that teens will explore sex, no matter what. The opposing axiom is "Abstinence works every time it's tried." We're stuck in a generation that has lost out on the sacredness of the human spirit, so the rule doesn't make sense. Everyone needs the principle. God keeps calling; very few hear him.

1 Corinthians 6:16

What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh (KJV)

Then: An understanding of union includes a definition that the two become one flesh (physical). It also believes that prostitutes are non-believers. Those two explanation detail Paul's abhorrence of Christ joining with a harlot (Fee, p. 259). Members of the Corinthian Church ought to instinctively feel the same way. If not, their committment is thoroughly shambled.

Now: For years, the Catholic church upheld a standard of its members being barred from marrying anyone but another member of the church. Protestants focused on the hope that marriage would ultimately bring the non-believer into salvation. Hays (p. 109) rightly asserts that the call to confront the culture is no less than in Paul's days. Teaching, upholding and promoting reverence for the body as God's temple calls out for a major priority of today's church

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=XlBp10nUTXAC&dq=Gordon+Fee+Bible+commentator&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=SwLNSu3nA4v6Mf2XlDo&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false
First Corinthians by Richard B. Hayes (John Knox Press, 1997) on line athttp://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 6:15

Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid (KJV)

Then: Corinthians took a hard hit with this "Don't you know?" question. The thing attacked their belief that continuing their daily social practices had no affect on anyone's commitment to Christ. They heard the word "members"and knew it specifically meant the various parts of the body (Baker, p. 91). Paul slams them with the thought that their actions connected Christ to prostitutes. No one could imagine the lamb of God like that. God forbid (Baker, p. 94).

Now: Sex is everywhere - Television, newspapers, books, magazines, radio, internet. It cannot be avoided. Entice or shock, the advertisers aren't particular. The point is to attract attention and then sales. Even those with a shred of decency, usually hoping to protect children, are under attack by the politically-correct. Secular theologians denying Christianity and worshiping elsewhere march willy-nilly through the land. Christians' eternal commitments need the strengthen of absolute convictions in order to avoid today's harlotry.

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

1 Corinthians 6:14

And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power (KJV)

Then: God's power? Yes, Corinthians knew about it and would agree that he's in charge of the spiritual world and all of creation. They knew the truth of Paul's statement, but they missed the question of how that related to their sexual behaviors. They needed an explanation about the Christian belief in resurrection of the body, not just salvation of the spirit (Hayes p. 104). If the entire physical body belongs to the Lord, then all actions pertaining to it, require extreme care. Commitment to and becoming one with the Lord is sacred and more intense than earthly, sexual bonding. Paul spends no time discussing these specific immoralities because it's more important to understand the first commandment "Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

Now: We recognize, but don't spend much time thinking about Paul's three main points. Because the body is resurrected, because the body is a temple for the Holy Spirit, and because the body belongs to the Lord, sexual immoralities count as a betrayal of the Truth (Hayes, p. 107). We are often like the Corinthians who didn't clearly understand the implications of sexual immoralities. We fall prey to that same fuzziness which leaves believers unprepared to choose God's way rather than the way of temptation. And then, like the Corinthians, we need to know "the only restorative for a guilty conscience is a sight of Jesus suffering on the cross" (Spurgeon).

Extra Source: 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
February 2nd, Morning; Morning and Evening Daily Readings by Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892) on line at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/spurgeon/morneve.d0202am.html

1 Corinthians 6:13

Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body (KJV)

Then: Corinthians recognized this as another contemporary slogan. Paul used "Meats for the belly" and "belly for meats" to match and explain "all things are lawful." He limited its intent to the physical world. While not always edible, meat has a purpose for a time. While not always healthy, the belly has a purpose for a time. Eventually, just by the structure and dominion of God's laws of nature, men are born, men die (Fee, p. 255). By extrapolation, the Corinthians applied this statement to all other organs - hands, head, eyes, sexual organs, etc. (Baker, p. 93). That didn't work for Paul. He set forth to show that the spiritual implications of those behaviors couldn't allow their continued existence. Spiritually, the life purpose of the body is to do the Lord's will by uniting with him in daily service and avoid union with idols of any kind. Theologically, idols include anything that keeps someone from putting him first and from being obedient to him.

Now: We look further into the "belly for meat" phrase to understand how it equals the ideas "not all things are expedient/beneficial or the idea of self-control? If the belly wants meat, meat and more meat, then the product is an obese, out-of-control eater. By the slow laws of nature created by the Lord, the belly eventually throws all of the body's other functions out of whack, allows diseases to attack, and finally produces death. The belly and the eaters are destroyed prematurely. Many people also abhor extra marital behaviors due to their coinciding diseases. That analysis is a side issue to Paul's main theological point.

Extra Source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=XlBp10nUTXAC&dq=Gordon+Fee+Bible+commentator&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=SwLNSu3nA4v6Mf2XlDo&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.

1 Corinthians 6:12

All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (KJV)

Then: "They say, I say; They say, I say." That's the counterargument diatribe Paul uses to side track Corinthian objections to his denunciations. He discards their excuses even before they can say "There's no problem with our sexual actions" (Baker, p. 92). The phrase that "all things are lawful" probably comes from a sentiment that they were forgiven in Christ and now free to do anything they wanted. Fee (p. 251) describes it as a slogan specific to the Corinthian Church. They may have misunderstood Paul's earlier teachings about motives and actions. If there is nothing unclean about an item or action alone, food for instance, then they thought they were free to do as they willed in spite of its effect, or for that matter, any of the teachings of Christ. The Corinthians got the non-essential choices of daily life mixed up with theological choices about ethics.

Now: We get mixed up in the same ways. We might focus on tatoos or body piercing or botox treatments -or even be into the same kinds of sexual problems of verse 9 (fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind) rather than the ethical principles of any action's outcomes. How do we escape? First study the difference between "lawful" and "expedient" (beneficial) and "lawful" and abandonment of God-centered self-control. Conviction first, behaviors second.

Extra sources: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.
The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=XlBp10nUTXAC&dq=Gordon+Fee+Bible+commentator&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=SwLNSu3nA4v6Mf2XlDo&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Extra Maritals - 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Then and Now:
Paul's no Victorian. Neither is he an Elizabethan. These verses attack the attitudes and behaviors which gave Corinth its everlasting reputation. At the same time they show his passion to extinguish the church's hidden and open sexual problems. His words were meant to stoke the fires of each member's internal controversies, smoke out the tinders of unrighteousness, and incinerate all extra marital impurities. However, he didn't want the end product to be a charred Christian. He wanted the Corinthians to use their private introspective flames and engage in the process themselves (Wright, p. 73). Being told isn't good enough. It requires intuitive knowledge that freedom in Christ equals a lifelong alignment of honoring the Lord. That honor cries out for service with all one's heart, all one's mind and all one's soul. When succesful, they and all who conquer will enter heaven's gates with blazes of glory.

1 Corinthians 6:11

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (KJV)

Then: Paul shifts from anger with the Corinthians' actions to worry about their eternal souls. They're part of the kingdom. They're filled with his Holy Spirit. They've received his promise of justification ... yet life is not good. Their souls are in peril. Paul wants to help them hold on, repent, and reclaim the joy of walking forward in faith. They must not dally with misdeeds. The Corinthians need reminders of their former conversion just as much as Paul needs to give them. Surely, as long as they listen, there is hope.

Now: No one knows why others can immediately see and recognize a fellow Christian's difficulty with some particular sin, yet the sinner is blinded. Jesus teaches us to take the beam out of our own eye before concentrating on the speck of sin in someone else. Like the Corinthians, we often cannot see the depth or extent of a problem. Like the Corinthians we don't like confronting our defects. Thankfully, the Lord doesn't try to overwhelm us with spiritual change all at once. He addresses one area at a time by sending friends, teachers and pastors. Through friendly conversations, sermons, biblical passages and prayer, he patiently shepherds our souls. He doesn't give up. Neither should we.

Extra Source: Commentary on the Whole Bible (Acts to Revelation) by Matthew Henry, online see
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.xi.html

Inheriting the Kingdom - 1 Corinthians 6:10

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God (KJV)

Then: Still working on the list, Paul now includes four ("thieves," "covetous," "revilers," and "extortioners") which can encompass court litigants. Thus attacked, Corinthians could respond in shame or anger. The status of their Christian walk would make the difference. If, as some suspect, the lawsuits relate to sexual sin of chapter five, then the previous part of this list also refers specifically to members of the Corinthian Church. Thiselton (p. 440-444) reviews commentators' search for the influence of Graeco-Roman philosophy, Old Testament Jewish thought and Christ's teachings in Paul's list. The cultures were probably intertwined in Paul's knowledge and understanding of vice versus virtue, but the overriding features had to be understandings from Christ.

Now: Paul's method of breaking the heart of staunch sinners is confrontation. More gently, Jesus says, "He who has ears, let him hear." For us, following Christ necessarily involves straightening out inner motives and attitudes. Jesus told us that as a man thinketh, so is he. Sin epiphany, repentance, and true change is not easy. It's a good thing the Lord helps us.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians: a commentary on the Greek text by Anthony C. Thiselton (Authentic Media, c2000) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=IHG_DNLpmroC&dq=1st+Corinthian+commentaries&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=W9fQSpC1GILplAfHiumoCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=11&ved=0CB8Q6AEwCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false