1 Corinthians 9:6

Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? (KJV)

Then: Paul continues presenting the list of distinguishing differences between himself and other apostles. Fee categorizes this as a third question with an answer that establishes Paul's authority as an apostle (p. 403). Paul seems to use Barnabas as another traveling apostle who worked and didn't travel in groups which would include wives. They had the right to and deserved monetary maintenance even if they didn't claim it (Baker, p. 131). By inference, if any one of the apostles mentioned in vs 4-6 was not an apostle deserving support, then neither was Paul; but if all the others were apostles deserving material support, then so did Paul deserve support. The means of support (that is, from a church) did not relate to the definition of "Who is an apostle?" On the contrary - because they were apostles, they deserved support. There is the possibility that additional members of traveling groups (wife, etc.) worked as they traveled place to place so that an apostle did not need to; however, as Barnabas and Paul traveled alone, they needed to do the work themselves.

Now: Some churches require their pastors to be married and expect compatible work from the wife. An odd problem for today's wives happens when (outside the Lord's will), the pastor divorces, yet is able to continue in another congregation as a minister. The wife is left without the husband and is no longer accepted as capable of doing the same tasks she did before - heads of women ministries, heads of children's work or valued for biblical knowledge. The issue is unseen and ignored.

Extra source: 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 athttp://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 9:5

Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? (KJV)

Then: Fee explains there were four methods of supporting traveling philosophers in the Graeco-Roman world: by patronage, by fees, by work, or by begging. If Paul was a legitimate apostle they would be paying him or he would have someone's patronage. The lesser philosophers did other work or begged. Paul's defense here is an unspoken answer to his rhetorical question. They did have the right to be paid for their work. Henry adds that that support also extended to whoever traveled with them, wives, sisiters, fellow apostles and workers.

Now: The issue is settled. Congregations pay for the work of the pastors - unfortunately, sometimes expecting the pastor to do it all. A church like that will never grow.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online athttp://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=falseCommentary Commentary on the Whole Bible Acts to Revelation Vol VI by Matthew Henry online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/henry/mhc6.iCor.x.html

1 Corinthians 9:4

Have we not power to eat and to drink? (KJV)

Then: In order to help readers understand the Corinthian problem. NKJV and Wright move the word "power" into today's terminology of "rights." In the age of civil rights, this change is a big help to figure out what's involved in the conflict. Fee states that Paul , through blunt confrontation, is forcing the Corinthians to recognize his rights (p. 401).

Now: For the most part, people today believe the age of people seeing the risen Lord has passed. The two criteria for apostleship which Paul lists ( being sent for a purpose and the actual establishment of churches) are transferred to a definition of missionaries. The work may be judged, but no one questions the hearts intent of called missionaries to serve the Lord in that capacity. Nor is their need for support while on the mission field a theoretical problem.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online athttp://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 9:3

Mine answer to them that do examine me is this (KJV)

Then: Straight declarative sentence is a flag to listeners. But more than that, the NKJV and Wright translate the word "answer" as "defense." That supports Henry's belief that Paul took the Corinthians unrest personally. It sets readers up to notice emotional (love) shadings in the coming statements.

Now: Anyone questioned or challenged has some sort of emotional reaction to being challenged about the quality of their work. Studying Paul here can help let reason and love for the listeners supercede all self concerns.

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.x.html

1 Corinthians 9:2

If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord (KJV)

Then: The proof of Paul's apostleship is the existence of the Corinthian church. Matthew Henry finds a sense of discouragement on Paul's part that he has worked so hard to bring the Corinthians into the body, yet there are so many who question his apostleship, slander his reputation and character. Yet Paul still speaks to them with love.

Now: Henry states that the lack of returning kindness from people where ministers work is common. Wright also refers to poor congregational support of their ministers - either monetary, personal or spiritual. They need to read I Corinthians 9. Even if a minister's reward is the joy of bringing many to eternal salvation, he needs the material, everyday practical necessities of life. He should live at the same standard as his congregation.

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.x.html

1 Corinthians 9:1

Am I am not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? (KJV)

Then: So who was Paul? Was he a person worth following? Rhetorical questions (self-evident and Fee, p. 392). The Corinthians already knew the answers, but Paul spent the next section of his letter explaining what his own rights were, why he gave them up, and how he conducts his life as a servant of Christ. Corinthians needed his "work in the Lord" as examples so they could go forth and do likewise.

Now: The harvest today is as needful of workers as it was in the time of the Corinthians. More and more people do not know the Lord or misunderstand the teachings. More and more publicly the Lord's person and work are scorned. His followers still desperately need leaders, teachers, and Paul's letters.

Extra source: The First Epistle to the Corinthians by Gordon D. Fee (Eerdman's 1987) online athttp://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 note

I am not real interested in a top down understanding of church organization and how it works. I am interested in how the parts interrelate at the church membership level and at the common task level. I do not believe leadership should displace the work of the members. All members need to come into recognition of their personal talents, learn to use them and understand the principles Paul holds out in Corinthians. Sacrificial love - like that of Christ.

1 Corinthians 8:13

Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend (KJV)

Then: Paul gives a personal statement, not a "you-ought-to" statement. The Corinthians using his example can follow him, as he previously told them to do, or they can continue in their own understandings of knowledge which allows for liberty in all things. The Corinthians now have the principle, the explanation, the potential consequences to the weak and to themselves, and Paul's example. It is their choice to make.

Now: We rarely think through our daily choices in terms of their effect on those watching. We should. Paul's teachings are eternal-life warnings.

1 Corinthians 8:12

But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ (KJV)

Then: The starkness of the thought "ye sin against Christ" is overwhelming. Corinthians must have reacted in shock since their sophistic wisdom and knowledge was so self-admired. Where did it come from? Paul's stark treatment was necessary to get their attention. Roger Hahn explains that Corinthians believed having knowledge equaled being spiritual. Paul believes that having love equals being spiritual. So they sin twice -by leading the weak into sinful actions and by having pride, not love.

Now: The same attitude of pride regarding knowledge exists among many who think they are Christian in providing things, not love for the poor. They exemplify class elitism. Christ walks among us, asking us to break the barriers. Here's the summary "I would come save your burning house, but I wouldn't invite you to my cookout." Love? Christian love? How do we define it?

Extra Source: First Corinthians by Roger Hahn (Christian Resource Institute, c2007) online http://www.cresourcei.org/biblestudy/bb1cor6.html

Interim

Now:
I find I am extremely interested in the teaching/ approach, techniques and methodology which Paul uses. Because what he does is filled with the Spirit. It's not just a matter of using a pattern that puts information into the minds of hearers. It brings life-long change. It is the way the Spirit of God can move into the hearts of men -- Faith comes by hearing. So what is in that "hearing." Structure, content, emotions, dedication? How does it all fit together?

1 Corinthians 8:11

And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? (KJV)

Then: Explicitly back to knowledge, Paul adds a psychological, guilt reason for any believer to avoid being a stumbling block. Christ died for the sins of the one looking at another's example. This is a truth, a fact which will be heaped onto their souls. Were they the cause of another's slide away from salvation? It relates back to Jesus' teaching that it would be better for a millstone to be tied around the neck of him who caused a little one to sin than to come before the Lord's judgment for that action. Henry adds that he who has the Spirit of Christ will love those who love the Saviour so much that they too would die for those with weak consciences. In this regard what is the hold-up with only abandoning the practice of eating meat offered to idols?

Now: We cannot play with things of the spirit. Wonderful uncaring, Sunday morning worship; blythe, frothy attitudes of fellowshipping; superficial delights of service have no place in his kingdom. Depth and committment may produce joy in each act of service, but it's not etheral or purposeless. Bringing us to salvation was the Lord's plan of salvation so that we abide with love, faith and hope in him.

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

1 Corinthians 8:10

For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols (KJV)

Then: Wright uses the word "lure." The act of the strong-conscience guy can "lure" the weak-conscience guy back into sin - sin for the weak one because they've never been able to separate the bits and pieces of what is right with the action from what is wrong with it. Verse nine started it. Verse ten finishes it. Christians are responsible for the on-going spiritual growth of fellow believers. Like it or not, everyone is a teacher, example, leader to others in the faith. The Corinthians were blessed to have Paul tell them the exact instance of this problem and be both forewarned and forearmed. They still had plenty of life time left to correct mistakes before entering eternity.

Now: We need the internal, active Spirit of the Lord to tell us when something is askew, that our actions are misdirecting fellow believers. When a other followers speak, we need to listen, not just immediately brush off any and all comments by walking down another path. Being a stumbling block is a serious offense.

Stumbling block - 1 Corinthians 8:9

But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak (KJV)

Then: Paul is in the middle of his explanation about eating food offered to idols. Scholars and Commentators come at his explanation, try to explain and categorize it, and understand its full meaning. Khiok-Khng Yeo summarizes four methods: theological, religious (historical), sociological and rhetorical (p. 5-9). Theological is the straight "what-matches-the-Lord's- precepts" approach. Wright's information about eating in the temples belongs in the sociological. The historical religious interpreters try to define who are the strong and who are the weak. Yeo himself works with rhetorical study, considering the methods of verbal communication and including information on audience identification, historical context, and Paul's interpersonal relations with the Corinthians. The verse is not a "pound-the-table, do-what's-right" style, but it is of the "look-you-in-the-eye" and "tell-it-like-it-is" variety.

Now: Usually teachers just read and relate the principle being presented (theology) and bring out its application to believers' lives. Often they use the Paul's teaching pattern: Give the principle, state current problems, and challenge listeners to live God's way by showing love at all times.

Extra Sources: Rhetorical Interaction in 1 Corinthians 8 and 10: A Formal Analysis With Preliminary Suggestions for a Chinese, Cross-Cultural Hermenuitic by Khiok-Khng Yeo (Brill Academic Publishers 1994) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=SdPaIlT1_PoC&pg=PA5&lpg=PA5&dq=Paul

1 Corinthians 8:8

But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse (KJV)

Then: Paul's teaching continues on from the principle of love, honoring the conscience of another above one's own. Paul points out that the actual behavior of the stronger Christian is not an essential service to the Lord. The good news is not diminished or strengthened. MacClaren discusses the importance of taking into account the weakness of other Christians. In not eating the meat, the Corinthians are not abandoning a duty or action which results in spiritual progress.

Now: The verse provides a second question. What is the eternal result of my not performing a specific act in my own spiritual life? It could be possible - as in the case of Dobson reading stacks and stack of porn material while on a presidential commission - that someone else would say, "He did. I can." But if Dobson had not participated in the report, a Christian with a weaker conscience may have been called upon. A weak report could have been produced. Quick answers are not useful. Prayer is.

Extra sources: Expositions of Holy Scripture: Romans and Corinthians by Alexander MacLaren (ca 1880) online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/maclaren/rom_cor.iii.xv.html

I Corinthians 8:7

Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled (KJV)

Then: Internalized basic knowledge forms the conscience of man. It directs the division and recognition of good and evil, right and wrong. Paul recognizes where these new followers are coming from. Everything and anything connected with idol worship brings back a mind set of activities which dishonored the Lord. They were unable to sort out which prior actions were acceptable and which were not acceptable to the Lord (Wright). Their consciences were weak. Paul believed that able followers with strong consciences needed to choose to place more emphasis on loving the Corinthians with weaker consciences and not eating meat given to idols. Loving one another is the second greatest command. Following that command often requires temporarily or even permanently giving up personal understandings of the rights of an individual conscience.

Now: The principle applies yet today. The measuring line is a question, "Will my action lead another person into sin?" Today's culture is filled with poor choice options. Whereby I may read a book with "vengeance" as a theme, someone emerging from a gang culture would have his or her mind drop immediately back into a cesspool of dishonoring God.

1 Corinthians 8:6

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him (KJV)

Then: Paul straightens out the meaning of "There is one God." It cannot mean that any respect is given to other Gods. God is the creator. God is Messiah. (Wright). Knowledge comes from this basic and cannot be confused with imaginary descriptions of any other god.

Now: God, Father, Son, and Spirit, endures the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow. Today's believers must know this same truth.

I Corinthians 8:5

For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) KJV

Then: The opening page of a First Corinthians study guide by Roger Hahn points out that the diversity of gods and its effect on the new church indicates these people were Gentiles, not raised in the Jewish tradition. Teaching the Corinthians required bypassing the commonly accepted slogans pointed out by Wright (everybody has knowledge of some kind, idols are inconsequential nonsense, there is no other God but one). Paul had to move them into a purer understanding ot the truth of "one God." This verse begins the attack on the problem of trivialized and twisted knowlege. Weak and misguided beliefs of some Corinthians resulted in their giving some credence to the all-encompassing, imaginary gods. They could worship the others behaviorally and be really worshiping the one true God.

Now: The problem of a universal God gains more and more credence. There is anomosity towards those who insist that one God, the Lord of heaven, the creator will have no other Gods before him, that there is only one way to heaven and that is through Jesus Christ his son. Today's believers need to know, really know, their God even as the Corinthians needed to know him.

Extra Source: First Corinthians by Roger Hahn (Christian Rescource Institute, c2007, opening page presented by The Voice, CRI Voice Institute) online at http://www.crivoice.org/books/1corinth.html

I Corinthians 8:4

As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one (KJV)

Then: R. Phua accepts a split definition of "Knowledge" of 8:1-3 from that in Cor 1-4. He states that Paul agrees with nothing in the "knowledge" of 1-4 (p. 129), but accepts the reasoning that for the strong, eating food offiered to idols is an insignificant action. Part of the knowledge about God here - "speculative theory" (p. 128) is true: "There is none other God but one." Wright includes information about the social nature of Corinthian outings. If you were going to "eat out" the only places to go were the temples. That was the practical way to get rid of all that meat. The environoment trivialized the "sacrificial" aspect, so strong believers could, and did, just forget the idolatry implications.

Now: In the recent past the conflict is similar to the "wine" vs "no wine" beliefs of the temperance movement. There is no difference in the starting fact or principle, "There is none other God but one." There are differences in the implications for behavior.

Extra sources: Idolatry and authority: a study of 1 Corinthians 8.1-11.1 in the light of the Jewish Diaspora by Richard Liong-Seng Phua - (Continuum International Publishing Group, 2006) online at http://books.google.com/books?id=QY9GzihNhkwC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_navlinks_s#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Just for Openers

I am working hard to put this blog in order. I had to skip a lot of verses in order to keep up with the Corinthians class and am now going back to fill in the holes. That means things are under construction. Looking for something? Use the blog search feature in the upper left corner. I do. It works wonders.

Glad to know what you think.

1 Corinthians 8:3

But if any man love God, the same is known of him (KJV)

Then: The verse is simple to understand, but not accept and apply day by day - Those who love him have his love. In context, the verse is a prelude to specific problems, but not the capstone. N T Wright sees a slow build-up to the main point in chapter ten. Believers have to know the principles first.

Now: Wright emphasizes that daily, every Christian, individually, needs to recognize and have the knowledge of the Lord's love. Thereby, they know God. In our Corinthian twenty-first century culture, nothing will change without first establishing a basic love connection with God.

I Corinthians 8:2

And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know (KJV)

Then: Those who know the truth, but lack love, know nothing because as Henry says, their pride rends their knowledge useless. Human knowledge is valuable only as it is edified by love. Paul wanted the Corinthians to understand the heart of serving Christ. His love for those he created is embedded within us, pushes out any demeaning ideas, attitudes and behaviors towards both fellow believers and non-believers. Rules must be known and followed, but compassion brings results. Keep the teaching, but leave off the final judgement.

Now: We need the same love - along with the same knowledge of his heart and teachings. Discovery, self-check, methods are difficult to come by and apply. Concentrating on Paul's teaching here and identifying twenty-first century gods, is necessary first step. .

Extra Source: Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary by Matthew Henry (1706) online at http://www.christnotes.org/commentary.php?b=46&c=8&com=mhc

1 Corinthians 8:1

Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth (KJV)

Then: A study outline of I Corinthians by Daniel B. Wallace places chapters seven through fourteen under a heading called "Difficulties in the Church." I Corin 8:1 returns to the problem of pride derived from knowledge. David Guzik notes that both knowledge and love grows, but compares the growth of bubbles as a matter of "swelling" as opposed to the careful, planned growth of buildings. All the commentators talk about knowledge. Some one of them has surely placed Knowledge, rather than money, as being the root of all evil. That would be reasonable since in The Garden, Evil tempts Eve to know all things. For Paul to use the misuse of knowledge as a continual teaching point is both logical and psychological.

Now: Knowledge still makes men proud - whether collectively or individually. Knowedge is useful and necessary in life, but when prized for its own sake, and without being based in love, it can cause interpersonal problems which last a lifetime. Men do not change. They need to discern self-instances of pride of knowledge.

Extra Source: I Corinthians: Introduction, Argument, and Outline by Daniel B. Wallace http://bible.org/seriespage/1-corinthians-introduction-argument-and-outline
I Corinthians 8 - Living by Knowledge of by Love by David Guzik (c)2001 http://www.enduringword.com/commentaries/4608.htm

Organizer: I Corinthians 8

Topic is dealing with freedom allowed through your belief in Christ. What choices do you make?

1. Verses 1-3 group together and talk about dual spirituality - from love? from knowledge?
2. Verses 4-6 concentrate on the problem of eating meat offered to idols -- gods vs God! We believe in the one true God - Creator and Messiah
3. Verses 7-13 focus on consequences of making the choice. What if the weak eat? What if you eat? What if they see you eat? What's your responsibility? What's your risk? What did Paul choose?

-- Moving on to Paul's examples.

Summary - 1 Corinthians 4:14-21

Then and Now:
Curiously, Paul did not abandon the issue of boasting/pride quite yet. You'd think he would. Instead he decided to give the Corinthians one more prick alongside a little more hope. (Henry calls this remembering to respect and distinguish the sinner from the sin.) Paul flat out states his purpose is to admonish -not shame the readers. First, he has built on the foundation of Christ; his followers must become the same kind of master workman that he is. They need to be like Paul - who is like Christ. To help, he sent Timothy.

Paul considered the effect of that visit on those whose minds still honor worldly wisdom. They might think they had gained points (credibility, authority) since Paul himself was not coming. Not true. He had other committments. He wanted the Corinthians to see that real power comes through the authority of God. Real power results in changed lives, forgiven hearts, and new souls added to the kingdom. Then, once again, before closing the issue, Paul reverts to conciliation. He asks the Corinthians to use their wisdom by choosing which is better for teaching - a rod or a spirit of gentleness.

Now: Outside cultures change, but the psycological make-up and the sin nature of mankind never changes. Paul's teaching methods are just as useful today as then. What must always be considered are the values and needs of the individual hearers.

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

Summary - 1 Corinthians 4:6-13

Then and Now:
Wright's discussion ends by questioning Paul's confrontation with the attitudes of Christians in western culture. This passage provides conscience pricks.
A. Paul keeps on explaining his purpose. The Corinthians should not indulge in pride concerning favorite teachers. (Today's believers compare churches and put down or extol one over another.)
B. Paul reviews and discounts other points of pride. Workers differ in talents because of God's creation design. The Corinthians received and are rich in the spirit, but act as if they didn't and weren't. They are already performing last day judgements. Paul shakes their complacency by saying he wishes they and he were already reigning in heaven.
C. Paul shames them by listing and evoking comparisons to his and Apollos' status on earth. Their many sufferings do not equal, but can correlate to those of Christ. That's why the apostles will probably show up in heaven last. Their foolishiness confounds the world. The acts of the Corinthians do not.
D. Corinthians (and today's believers) need to realize that in the world, Jesus' followers stand at the end of the line (Wright, p. 48). Jesus is our only king, and his wisdom, treasure-chest jewels, and royalty are not recognized here. Corinthians needed to step back, remember that, and behave accordingly. So do we. The crucified Messiah expects love and forgivess, mercy and grace.

Summary - I Corinthians 4:1-5

Then and Now:
Again Paul first presents the teaching principle, moves it to the practical, discusses its implications and then presents the right action.
A. As workers in the kingdom, we need to be seen as trustworthy servants or managers in the household.
B. One element of that trust is the way we treat fellow workers. Their work and motives should not be judged as the Corinthians are judging Paul.
C. The Lord is the one who judges us all - and that day will come. Wright reminds readers that beliefs about the day of judgement reflect our knowledge of God, the creator and his plan for our salvation. Wright also discusses Paul's purpose in telling the Corinthians two things. First, judgement can't come in the middle - before a job is completed. Second, he (Paul) will not submit to the Corinthians judgment. He'll wait for the Lord to do it.
D. Final reminder again sends hope back to Paul's hearers: Everyone in the kingdom, when motives are revealed, will receive praises in the judgement.

Now: Paul's teaching is a good structural model for today's servants to follow. Telling fellow workers about their behavioural problems is not the same as judgement. The procedures involved in working to improve anyone's spiritual qualities require analysis, but they do not include a decision about punishment.

Just for Openers

Looking for application of Corinthians to life today? You won't find it here. Looking for astute insight into the lives of New Testament Corinthians? You won't find it here. Looking for a waffle view of Corinthians - what's valuable now for our Corinthian kind of world? You might find it here.

If you don't find it immediately, a post on the verse you want will be here later. Keep reading and check the commentators. Sort out your own understandings of Corinthians, then and now.

Remarkably everything is backward - because that's the way a blog works. The beginning is pushed to the end. Metaphoric, don't you think?

Other than the verses, nothing here is "written-in-stone" gospel. These are just the wandering thoughts of a journalist which will, hopefully, touch on facts and comments of I and II Corinthians discerned (or .....?) from a Milligan course study led by Lee Magness. If you want more, google "gospel" and read the real thing. Do take everything here as opportunity to consider the Lord's work in a lyme-infested age.

Temples of life

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Then: Paul's near death experiences moved him to think more closely about the body and the temple of God. Finding three reasons of comfort in the text (v.1) a new body already placed in heaven, (v. 5) God's promise to finish what he started, and (v. 7-8) when it's over here, we'll be with Christ in heaven, Paul can keep on keeping on (Harris, p. 365-366). All these illustrate the main theme of Paul's apology or defense of self. As an apostle or servant of Christ, the Lord's plan of bringing believers into his presence is assured.

Now: That's our goal. That's our reward - being with and in the presence of Christ. Paul's able introspection applies to us also.

Extra Source: The Second Epistle to the Corinthians: a Commentary on the Greek Text by Murray J. Harris (Grand Rapids MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Co., c2005).
http://books.google.com/books?id=tejCzvJ5yyAC&dq=2+Corinthians+Commentary&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&ei=5wEQS93PDYfUlAfr9KixAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=12&ved=0CDMQ6AEwCw#v=onepage&q=2%20Corinthians%20Commentary&f=false