One of the most strategic locations in the Roman world was
the isthmus of Corinth. This narrow neck of
land between the Corinthian Gulf and the Saronic Gulf guaranteed its
continued commercial prosperity. The transit
across this isthmus avoided the long, risky voyage around the rocky,
storm-tossed capes at the south of the Peloponnesus. It
was literally the crossroad of the world where the north-south trade routes
intersected the east-west traffic. Thus it
became one of the most dominant cultural centers of its day.
It was materially prosperous,
intellectually alert, and morally corrupt. Even
in the pagan world, the city was known for its
moral corruption. "Corinth" came to imply
licentiousness. The term
"Corinthianize," a new word, (hope you like it),
could be meant to live in depravity and corruption.
It was wicked sides of
Hollywood, Las Vegas, San Francisco and New
York all rolled into one.
It is no wonder then that the letters to the church at
Corinth embody so many of the concerns that plague us today.
It is also impressive to discover how many
basic Christian issues are addressed in these two (remaining) letters Paul
wrote to the church at Corinth, including the
"foolishness" of God contrasted with the "wisdom" of man, the distinction
between salvation and rewards, problems of church discipline, resorting to
lawsuits, marriage and divorce, Christian liberty, the Lord's Supper, and
the troublesome issues concerning speaking in tongues,
not to mention Paul's defining the Gospel for us.
The Spiritual Gifts
The most thorough treatment of the controversial issue of
the spiritual gifts is the focus of Chapters 12 to 14.
Remember, the chapters were not
divided up until the 13th century; and the verses
not until the 16th. The gifts are, indeed,
also for today, but are as diverse as there are ministries.
The Spirit divides them as He will (1
Corinthians 12): there is a diversity of gifts,
but one spirit; there is a diversity of members,
but one body; there is a diversity of service, but one church.
Despite an excessive focus by some, the gift
of tongues is not the most important.
Paul indicates that the greatest of the
gifts is prophecy (1 Corinthians 14): it most edifies the church; it most
convinces outsiders; and yet, its use should be orderly.
Furthermore, an entire chapter on "a more excellent way" is wedged
between these two pivotal chapters on spiritual gifts...
1 Corinthians 13. The gifts are valueless
without love: this most famous of all chapters emphasizes the utter
necessity of love, the moral excellence of love, and the abiding supremacy
of love.
Indeed, this is remarkable
stuff. However,
there is yet another chapter that Paul seems to insist is the most important
chapter in the Bible. It deals with a
subject without which we have nothing. The
Resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15. This
chapter opens with the precise definition of the Gospel. It
is surprising to many to discover what, in fact, how
the Gospel is actually
defined. Paul does
not mention the teaching of Jesus,
but many will acknowledge His profound instruction.
Paul makes no mention of His example,
but many will extol aspects of His personal life. Paul
makes no mention of His miracles, but many will
even acknowledge that He did miracles. None
of these things are the Gospel (Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
This insightful chapter then
goes on to reveal the seven transitions which are destined for the
believer.
Relevance to Today
As the "worldly church," Corinth certainly becomes
increasingly relevant to us in our own day of materialism, moral decay, and
church controversies. Paul courageously
addresses many of the tensions which entangle all of us, and the careful
study of the Corinthian letters is guaranteed to impact each of us in our
own walk and fellowships. The placement of
these letters that immediately follow the
definitive Book of Romans, seems obviously
appropriate, and richly rewarding, to the diligent student of God's Word.
We solicit your prayers and support of this ministry. God Bless.
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