Apostle Paul listed some of the people who saw the resurrected Christ before 55 A.D., when this letter was written. He includes himself, “last of all” and the “least of all” (5-8).
Jesus came to Paul when he was known as Saul in approx. 35 A.D. (Acts 9:3-19; 22:6-21; 26:13-23), approx. 5 years after Pentecost, the day of the great outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). Paul converted from Judaism to faith in Jesus the Messiah when Jesus came to him on his way to persecute Christians in Damascus. Three days later, Paul was baptised by the disciple Ananias. The Holy Spirit entered Paul. Paul was born again. Thus, Paul called his spiritual birth “abnormal”.
All those who come to faith in Jesus Christ are spiritually born again as the Holy Spirit becomes one with our soul and enters our body. We are born again by the grace of God (John 3:3-8). That day is our spiritual birthday.
The spiritual birth is not without effect (10). The Spirit enables us with gifts as we work for the good of the body of Christ. It is not us that works, but the grace of God that is with us. What effects has and will God enabled you to do today?
The bodily resurrection of Christ Jesus from the dead is well documented. Apostle Paul records some eyewitnesses. The gospel writers record more. (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20-21; Acts 1:1-10) Other historical documents, both Christian and non-Christian, also record Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Clement of Rome’s letters in 85-86AD, the Jew historian Josephus in his Antiquities of the Jews in 93-94AD, Ignatius of Antioch’s letters from 107-110AD, the Roman historian Tacitus in his Roman Annals in 116AD, the Roman governor Pliny the Younger’s letter in 112AD, etc.
The apostles and many others held through threat, abuse, torture, and even to their martyrdom that Jesus rose bodily from the dead. They witnessed the empty tomb and met the resurrected Jesus, talked with him, listened to him, ate with him, and touched the holes in his hands and side. Then they said he ascended into heaven to be with his father, as he had told them.
Apostle Thomas was not with the other apostles when Jesus first appeared with them. When they told him he would not believe them. With the doors locked, Jesus came and stood among them again and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he addressed Thomas, “Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:24-29)
Jesus did not say, “God?!? Oh no, Thomas. I am not God.” No, Jesus did not say that. Jesus reply to Thomas, who said, “My Lord and my God!” was “Because you have seen me (bodily raised from the dead), you have believed (I am Lord and God).” Then, he added a very important fact about all who followed Thomas’ declaration that Jesus is divine. All who believe in Jesus, who bodily rose from the dead, are Lord and God is blessed. It goes without saying that if a person does not believe Jesus is Lord and God, they are not blessed.
The four Gospels, in great detail, answer the questions of who, what, when, and where concerning Jesus’ death and burial. (Matthew 26:47-27; Mark 14:43-15; Luke 22:54-23; John 18-19) Apostle Paul directly answers the “why,” whereas the Gospels indirectly answer the why through Jesus’ predictions of his death and burial. (Matthew 12:40; 26:28, 61; John 1:29, 2:19; Mark 10:33-34, Mark 14:24; Luke 9:21-22; 17:25; 18:31-33, 20:13-18; etc.)
Apostle Paul reminds the Corinthian congregation that Christ died for our sins and was buried according to the Scriptures. The why is that Jesus died for our sins. Paul passed that on as of first importance. Even before the first century AD ended, Jesus’ death for our sins and burial were part of our tradition of the highest importance.
Apostle John records a seemingly strange, insignificant fact we might overlook concerning Jesus’ death for our sins, “The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.” (John 19:32-35)
John then states that Jesus’ legs were not broken to fulfill scripture. Why then tell us of the sudden flow of blood and water when Jesus’ side was pierced, a seemingly strange, insignificant fact? Not so. It undoubtedly shows Jesus had been dead for at least half an hour, perhaps even one whole hour, before his heart, which is in the center, slightly on the left side of our chest, was pierced. His heart was pierced at the bottom.
When the heart stops pumping, the blood stops circulating. Blood consists of translucent plasma, white blood cells, clear platelets, and red blood cells. When stagnant, these separate.The heavy red blood cells sink to the bottom of the heart, the lightest translucent plasma rises to the top of the heart, and the white blood cells and clear platelets are in between. The separation in the heart begins immediately upon death and is visible within half an hour and complete by two hours, considering crucifixion. Even if Jesus were completely healthy at his age, the appearance of a flow of blood and water would have happened no later than an hour after the heart stopped pumping, a part of postmortem lividity. The blood looks like blood, then water flows out.
Jesus was dead, dead, dead, his heart emptied of blood, and any left in his body completely separated when he was buried. There was no chance of recession, to the shame and ignorance of those who suggest it. Jesus indeed died for our sins according to the Scriptures.
The gospel saves if held onto firmly. The gospel saves from sin and its consequences, which is death. The gospel is a message preached. Some receive it. Others reject it, and still others are contemplating it. Those who receive it must hold firmly to the gospel. Salvation is evidenced by continuing in faith to the end. Such perseverance reveals those who share in Christ. (Hebrews 3:14) Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
Everyone needs to prove their love for God. Noah’s proof was building an ark completely. Abraham’s proof was being willing to offer his one and only son. Hannah’s proof was bringing her son to live with the priests. David’s proof was keeping his faith while on the run in the wilderness from Saul’s pride and greed. Mary’s proof was believing the angel’s message of the immaculate conception. All these kept their faith till the end. God looks to see if all keep their faith in his promises to the end.
Apostle Paul addresses misconceptions about the resurrection of the dead in chapter 15. He counters a false belief that there is no resurrection of the dead.
People live after the body dies. It’s a fact. Jesus bodily died and was buried. It’s a fact. Jesus rose from death bodily. It’s a fact. Those who believe in Jesus will die, rise from the dead, and when Jesus comes again, will receive a physical resurrection body. It’s a fact. The resurrection body is far better than the current physical body. It’s a fact. The current body is a weak flesh earthly body. The resurrection body for those who believe in Christ will be a powerful spiritual-flesh body like Jesus’ body when he rose from the grave. These are facts.
When I think of the resurrection to come, I think of several illustrations from this world, like a caterpillar. They have a long, fussy body with many feet that traverse on plants and the ground. They eat and grow, eat and grow, and eat and grow. Then one day, they form a cocoon around them. In hiding, their worm body is amazingly transformed into a colorful, delicate flying body. They are the same creatures on the inside. Yet outside, they are something entirely new. Somewhere in a caterpillar’s DNA is an old body and a new, better body. For me, it’s an amazing picture of what God can do and will do.
Apostle Paul’s conclusion to chapters 12-14 begins with verse 33b, “As in all the congregations of the saints…”, then it skips to verses 36-40. Paul was saying in verse 33b, “Coming together as a church and the conduct during the meeting is an established pattern in the body of Christ in Asia Minor. Your congressional meetings are different from every other congregation.”
Paul’s instruction that a wife should not make inquiries to her husband while someone is speaking is between 33b and 36-40. Was Paul’s thought interrupted? I am not sure. It seems the different translations don’t know where to put 33b either. (First-century Greek had no punctuation. So, translators do not know if 33b is the end of 33a, the beginning of 34, or the start of a thought that picks up again at verse 36.)
The two rhetorical questions in verse 36 have the same concept as verse 33b. “Did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?” The answer is no. The word of God originated many millennia ago and has continued unbroken to this day. The word of God has spread to many people, including many congregations is Asia Minor.
Paul’s general conclusion is that the Corinthian congregation has started to do their own thing, separate from their neighboring congregations in Asia Minor.Paul writes, “Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way” (40). He meant, as it is done in all the other congregations.
Consider Paul’s two rhetorical questions carefully (26). God’s word and church tradition have existed unbroken by the power of God to this day. The Word of God has been passed down to us through ancient documents, maintained by God’s power. God keeps the long history of the Bible and the church.
New false so-called Christian groups say that only they have the true Bible and religion. They say that all other translations are from broken manuscripts generated in the mid-fourth century. They say the original documents were lost and changed. They say the tradition we have, as Paul wrote, calling it tradition, is wrong. They have no proof of this. I have seen the proof that shows they are wrong. If they are willingly ignorant, let them be ignorant and ignored by God. Do not be fooled by people who say, “An angel told our founder the true way.”
Have you ever been to a play, movie, or presentation where there were disruptions? Paul addresses in verses 26-40 rude people being boisterous and obnoxious in a congregational gathering designed for one person to speak. “What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation.” (26b) Many were speaking at once, which isn’t right (27, 30). It sounded like a large flock of segals on a rocky ocean beach with waves crashing.
First, he tells them to no longer simultaneously speak in tongues and prophecy during their gatherings (26-33). Only one person is to speak in front of the congregation at a time.
Now Apostle Paul addresses interuptive side conversations, specifically mentioning wives. Paul is not contradicting his statement in 11:5, “And every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head–it is just as though her head were shaved.” Women can pray and prophesy during congregational meetings.
When Paul says “women should remain silent in the churches” (34), he specifies that his statement concerns “if they want to inquire about something”. The original Greek word “eperotao” is used more often implying a pointed, urgent, or challenging inquiry demanding an answer. It is often used in association with people interrogating Jesus. (Matthew 22:35) Here, it is women asking questions.
Who are the women asking demanding questions and expecting an answer? Paul continues, “they should ask their own husbands at home” (35). The scene is this. One speaker, a prophet or teacher, is up front, and a wife turns to her husband and asks a question. What is her husband going to do? Any wise husband would answer. And so this side conversation interrupts those around them. Tell me you haven’t experienced this in a play, movie, classical concert, presentation, or church? I experienced it just last week during a Bible study.
Everyone, please be respectful. Silence your cell phones and stop the side conversations! Let the rest of us hear what we came to hear!
Apostle Paul was concerned that disorderly and unregulated congressional meetings at Corinth would discredit the name of the God who had called those in Christ to peace and unity (33; 10:11-13). He gave them orderly instructions for speaking in tongues, and that only if there is an interpreter (26-28). He gave them orderly instructions for prophets, and that their every word should be weighed carefully (29-32).
God is a God of order and peace. Order exists in DNA and the cell though they are complex. Order exists in the atom and the solar system though they are complex. Order exists in geology and nature though they are complex. Edward Lorenz discovered that order exists within chaos theory. In 1961, while simplifying weather prediction models, he developed a set of three nonlinear differential equations—now known as the Lorenz system—which demonstrated that chaotic, unpredictable systems follow a “strange attractor” that forms a distinct pattern resembling a butterfly.
When a congregation comes together, the proceedings should have order and peace, even though they are complex. Family life is complex, but that doesn’t mean that it should be void of at least some order and peace. How? Through Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Yesterday’s blue morning, followed by today’s gray. Tomorrow we pray, the Son to split open the sky.
Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, concludes his correction to the Corinthian believers concerning speaking in tongues during their meetings with a sharp rebuke. His rebuke mimics Jesus’ rebuke to the apostles concerning their childish arguments about who was the greatest. “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”(Matthew 18:1-4; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 18:15-17)
Paul wrote, “Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.” (20) The Corinthian believers, like the apostles, had childish thinking that sought human recognition and conformity. The mature in Christ in love think about how to seek the welfare of others even at the expense of self.
Paul directs their selfish, childish thoughts towards someone who comes to their meetings with inquiries about Jesus and the gospel. If that person were to come in and see all them speaking at one time in a strange language, the chaos and confusion would have the same response as at Pentecost, “These people are drunken mad!” They would quickly leave. However, if someone speaks in clear language and with honest emotion about the gospel, they will come to faith in Jesus and repent.
So what of my thinking? Is it mature or childlike? Do I heed Jesus serious rebuke? Do I in love think about how others will see my actions? Does all of me prophesy? (24)
Prayer, song, praise, and thanksgiving are presented to God personally and congregationally. Prayer is often defined as a formal request, a petition, and simply communion with God. A prayer can be written by someone else. For example, we pray the Lord’s Prayer as recorded by the gospel writers. (Luke 11:2-4) We also pray with our mind and heart, as Jesus did during the Last Supper (John 17).
A song has melody and meter. Praise may or may not have melody and meter. Jesus and the apostles sang a traditional Jewish hymn during the Last Supper (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26). Thanksgiving is gratitude expressed exclusively to God.
Prayer, song, praise, and thanksgiving can be given from our mind with understandable words through our physical tongue, and from our spirit with unperceivable words through the same physical tongue (13-14). Apostle Paul tells the Corinthian congregation when it is proper to use each. When we are before the congregation, we should edify the mind with perceivable language. The minds of all present should understand what is said. When we are alone, we can pray in a tongue even though our mind does not understand (15-17).
Apostle Paul spoke tongues in private and thanked God for it. I have too. When you are alone and want to praise and thank God, but have no words or lack perceivable language to express your thankfulness and praise, rather than ramble on with repetitive words as the pagans (Matthew 6:7-8), pray and/or sing your praise and thanksgiving with your spirit by the use of tongues if you have that gift. God looks at the heart and sees your offering that comes from the spirit and accepts it.
My mother said to the young me, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” I do not remember what I was always saying that wasn’t nice. Perhaps, she just wanted me to stop talking and let my siblings say something for a change. I do tend to babble on, and what could a young boy say that would be of interest to a working mother with four children and one more on the way?
The Spirit through Apostle Paul says, “If you do not bring some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction from God that is understandable, then you should stop speaking in front of the congregation.” (6) “You are ‘speaking into the air’. Sit down, be quiet, and let others speak who will say intelligible words.” (9-11)
Perhaps a parallel exists between the young me, my working mother, the Corinthian congregation, and those who would speak before it. I have been to congregational meetings that ended with people yelling babbles, shouting against the devil, stomping their feet, and making more commotion than any other event I have personally witnessed, all in the name of being led by the Spirit. Their justification for the chaos conflicts with Paul’s parallels to organized musical pieces and an army’s trumpet call in verses 7 and 8. (Numbers 10:9; Joshua 6:4, 9) As the organized and recognizable notes convey a clear tune and message, so should the proceedings in a congregation’s meetings.
I can apply this principle to my life. Am I conveying a clear message about Christ and living his truth in my tune? What would those I trust say: my spouse, parents, children, friends, fellow perishers, and perhaps even my coworkers? Am I a chaos of messages, or do every aspect of my life convey a clear message? Am I like Christ, following his example as is revealed in the gospels?
The basic principle Paul insists on is that whatever is done in congregational meetings must contribute to the edification, that is, building up, of the congregation (3, 5b). He first stated this in 12:7, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” This also agrees with the previous chapter concerning the way of love. “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” (13:1)
What is spoken in congregational meetings, then, must be intelligible to the listeners, in the style and language they would understand, or at least interpreted. Even if the message is in the same language, if it is not in a style and dialect they are familiar with, it could hinder the message.
Years ago, I gave messages in countries where I did not speak the native language, and they did not speak mine. So I was given an interpreter. If I had not used one, my message would not have been received, and so I and my message would have been useless to them. The principle applies to speaking in tongues. Therefore, prophecy that is understood is better than tongues that no one understands.
The message is not only what I say, but how I say it. If a message is to be received, it needs to be conveyed in the best possible way. Communication is more than words. Communication involves dialect, style, and body language. Conviction and heart from the messenger is as much, if not more, of the message as the words. Even actors practice their art before they perform on a stage in front of an audience. Therefore, I should seek the gift of prophecy, present God’s messages to other, doing so in a manner that in a way that is best received by the audience. They should fall in love with Jesus, not fall asleep.
Paul continues and concludes his point about the gifts of the Spirit by explaining how they are to be used when they come together as a group. Some congregations call the gathering a mass, a worship service, a joyful celebration, a Bible study, or simply a gathering.
First, he states that speaking in tongues should not be done when they are gathered as a group unless someone can interpret what they are saying. The reasons are that tongues are for self-edification, and if a stranger came in during the gathering, they would think they are all drunk. (1-25)
Second, only a few are to sing a hymn or song. He does not specify the style or the meaning of the lyrics. He neither includes nor excludes instruments. He does say it should be done in turn. (26-28)
Third, he says that two or perhaps three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. A prophet, then, is called today a pastor, priest, shepherd, missionary, evangelist, and speaker. Those who speak should speak in turn, not all at once. (29-33a)
Fourth, Paul wrote that women should remain silent. Today, this is shocking and labeled as anti-women. The reason Moses wrote this and Paul agreed was not that women are unintelligent. Rather, they were not educated in ages past and therefore, could not read the Bible. The speakers should be able to read. I have great respect for two ladies who taught the Bible for many years at church. I spoke to one yesterday who went to the same seminary as Billy Graham. Her knowledge of the Bible and 60 years of teaching are clearly a gift of the Spirit. (33b-40)
“You can’t take it with you,” so the saying from an old pulpit goes. The first thing that comes to fallen mankind’s mind is wealth. Then God says, “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:20-21) What are those treasures that we can take with us? “These three remain: faith, hope, and love.”
Love has been explored, defined, and explained in the previous verses. Jesus laid down his life for us. (Ephesians 5:25b; 1 John 3:16) What better example is there for us? “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)
Faith is also exemplified in the life and death of Christ, who said after a torturous day, “It is finished. Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” (Luke 23:46; Luke 19:30) He never lost faith in his God and Father. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
Hope, like love and faith, is also witnessed in Christ Jesus. The author of the letter to the Hebrews uses the analogy of a Greek athlete running a race to help us hold onto the hope for the better future. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3)
I can be rich in heaven. Not with worldly wealth. Rather, rich with faith, hope, and love. The greatest of these is love. I can take these with me.
“Love never fails” (8a) conveys the meaning of “never-ending,” as some English translations render it. Love was before eternity and will continue, for within the nature of God is love, and God never fails. (1 John 4:8) Those who will live forever emanate love in their life. What is an adult man? What is an adult woman? The essence that will remain of the mature is God’s love (11). Those who live it are adults. Without love awaits the second death. (John 5:42; Revelation 21:8, 20:14, 6, 2:11)
God knows me fully (12b). He understands me completely. He knows my motives. He sees my heart. He knows my situation. He knows my past, present, and future. Nothing about me is hidden from God. I cannot keep anything from God. The Spirit searches all deep, hidden things. (2:10)
Knowing God is a continual process in this age. (12) Paul says now we know in part, then we shall know fully. Being in the presence of God cannot be compared to any experience we have in this life. How can it be described? There is no experience like being in the presence of God. Any attempt is a poor reflection in a poor mirror. In those days, mirrors were polished bronze. That is not remotely the same as seeing someone face-to-face, being surrounded and indwelled fully in the power and love of God. No comparison.
Do you have a desire to live eternally? Know God. One cannot know God if they do not have and express love.
A prelude to chapter 15 lies hidden in these verses, acting as a bridge. Chapter 15 is the letter’s culmination: the believer’s bodily resurrection, being with our God Jesus for all eternity, who bodily rose from the dead. Something better is coming, not in this age where Jesus said we will have trouble. (John 16:33) Rather, the age to come is our better existence (8).
The spiritual gifts given by grace in this age are but the whiff of a baby’s breath compared to what is to come in the next age (9). “For we know in part and we prophecy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.” (9-10)
Paul parallels the progression of human life to the Christian’s progression from this age to the age to come. Humans start as children, becoming adults as God programmed. The human child does not live like an adult, and an adult does not live like a child, though they are the same person. (11)
Similarly, the way a believer in Jesus is in this age will not be the same as it will be in the next, though we will be the same person. Prophecies, tongues, and knowledge will cease because they are partial in nature (9) and will be unnecessary when what is complete has come (10). Now the Christian sees “a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (12)
God is not through with us. He has just begun. Be patient and believe. Love is patient. (4) “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:7-8)
From ancient times, poets and songwriters have asked and/or answered the question, “What is love?” A popular song by the group Foreigner in the 1980s was titled “I Want to Know What Love Is.” The author’s friend, who is a popular Christian artist, John Elefante, answered with a song titled “This is What Love Is.” John Elefante quoted 1 John 3:16 in his song.The apostles who saw and learned love from Jesus Christ defined love through the Spirit in the New Testament.
Apostle Paul describes love with seven positive adjectives and with seven negative predicative adjective phrases. The positive adjectives are patient, kind, keeps no record of wrongs, rejoices with the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. The negative predicative adjective phrases are does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, and does not delight in evil.
The list could be added to. Paul limited himself to these because some are clearly references to the Corinthian congregation’s heart infection. Paul wanted the believers there to change their ways. God’s grace is revealed. They had a chance to change. Now I know. I can now change too. Love expressed starts with a God revelation and continues with my choice to do.
Apostle Paul is explaining the most excellent way to the Corinthian congregation (12:31). By “way,” he means the way to live in Christ and to interact with others, especially other believers. The way is love. (Galatians 5:22)“Love” is “agape,” in Greek, equivalent to Jesus’ love manifested on the cross. (John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16)
Paul, using hyperbole, opens with three comparative illustrations – comparing super-spiritual gifts without love against the same gifts with the virtue of love. The super-spiritual gifts are speaking in all tongues, prophecy, Solomon-like wisdom, immense faith, and profound philanthropy. He even includes suffering martydom through burning at the stake, as many early Christians experienced.
Paul states that if I have super-spiritual gifts and become a martyr without love, I gain nothing (3b). Does this mean that if I use the spiritual gifts Godgives me in love, then I will gain something? Yes. Some of Jesus’ parables teach this truth. Consider the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard, where the workers received a denarius (Matthew 20:1-16), and the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where Jesus concluded with, “For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.”
Doing is not enough. Doing it with the right motives is what is required. The Pharisees and other religious leaders did many things. However, Jesus the Messiah rebuked them because they did not do them in love. I do not want to be nothing in Jesus’ eyes. I do not want to gain nothing and be humiliated at the BEMA seat. Lord forgive my hard heart.
Apostle Paul bridges from spiritual gifts to the root of many of the Corinthian congregation’s problems. Their acts lack “the most excellent way, love”. They are being driven by a chauffeur who was told the right place to go, but given the wrong directions. They are in danger of ending up in the place they did not want to go. (13; Matthew 9:13, 12:7) A number of the Corinthian believers have fallen asleep (11:30).
God has given me different gifts at different times to help others. Yet, these gifts, whether tongues, prophecy, miraculous powers, healing, wisdom, or messages of knowledge, are all temporary (8b-9). They are tools meant for the greater good. All tools can be used for good or bad, including the gifts of the Spirit. All tools must be used in love.
All good gifts are from God, including health, wealth, prosperity, food, drink, children, and gifts of the Spirit. These gifts should be used in love. Sometimes they are not. If they are not, then I am going in the wrong direction in life. Then, my motives, my chauffer, is driving me in the wrong direction. On the way, I am not at the checkpoint where I should use my God-given gift to help others.
Love is a verb more than a noun. Love is patient, kind, protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. Apostle Paul lists more actions provoked by love (4-8a). I need to examine my heart. Is my chauffeur going via the way of love?
The thumb goes unrecognized, though a vital part of daily life. Opposing thumbs allow humans to accomplish things that animals cannot. The ability to grip a hammer, an artist’s brush, play a musical instrument, and hold another’s hand as we stroll a romantic path is all made possible because of opposing thumbs. We take our thumbs for granted. Until the pain from a paper cut on the thumb awakens us to the importance of what was indispensable yet without honor.
Addressing the divisions in the Corinthian congregation induced by pride in spiritual gifts, Apostle Paul continues to use the analogy of the human body and all its organs, parts, and pieces (25). God made each part of the body dependent on the other parts, both the human body and the body of Christ (21).
The seemingly weaker parts are indispensable (22), like the thumbs. The seemingly less honorable parts we treat with special honor (23a), like our digestive organs. I sure do not like getting food poisoning. I would rather throw away expensive, rotten food than spend a night of agony.
The unpresentable parts are treated with special modesty (23b). Clothing is a human constant since Adam and Eve’s guilty conscience. Blushing is a common human trait regardless of culture, race, and time and place of birth, until the conscience is burned by continual sin. Our presentable parts need no special treatment. True human nature does not cover the face throughout human history unless forced upon it by another.
Paul’s point concerning “no division in the body” and “equal concern for each other” is summed up in verse 26.“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” When a believer causes a fellow believer to suffer in any way, then they are bringing suffering on themselves and the whole church. Will not Christ deal with such a sin?
Since you are in Christ and the Holy Spirit is in you, you are no less than your brother and sister in Christ. Paul, continuing the use of the human body illustration, mainly addresses those who feel that they are substandard and unimportant in these verses. Apparently, the more sensational gifts (such as tongues) had been glorified in the Corinthian congregation, making those who did not have them feel inferior.
First, one cannot because they are dismissed and shunned, say, “Because I am less-than, I do not belong to Christ’s body.” (14-16) Jesus knows what it is like to be rejected and scorned by his own people. He was a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. (Isaiah 53:3) Even though you are ready to walk away, he will never abandon you as an orphan. “Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age,” he promises. (Matthew 28:20)
Second, God’s wisdom for the church includes design diversity. The gifts he gives coincide with the diversity within his body, which is his church. (17, 20) As the human body must have diversity to work effectively as a whole, so the members of Christ’s body have diverse gifts, the use of which can help accomplish Christ’s united purpose.
Third, God gives each child a good and proper gift. Once the child recognizes and accepts that gift and learns the skills needed to exercise that gift properly, they will find satisfaction and blessing when they exercise that gift properly. God arranges the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be (18). When we are in the right place using the gift given, we will be one with that place.
Fourth, though Christ’s body parts have different functions, we are interconnected. We are designed to work together, each doing our assigned duty. Next to us and connected to us are other parts that work in conjunction with us. We need to recognize that we work with others, depend on others in Christ, and are blessed by what they do and who they are. Many parts exist, one body working together, each in their unique way to help the whole body (19-20). We should not expect others to be like us. We should not shun others because they are not like us.
A stained glass window has many individual, colorful shards. Individually, they have beauty. Collectively, they form the image of Christ crucified, buried, and risen from the dead.
When I refer to myself, what am I talking about? Is my hands, feet, head, brain, or some other part what I refer to as me? When I get a haircut or trim my nails, a small part of me is no longer part of me, and I no longer refer to it as part of me. Is my thoughts, my emotions, my spirit, or my conscience me? The individual parts are not what I am referring to when I say “I” and “me”. Rather, all the individual parts make up the whole, and the whole is what I am. “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body” (12).
Apostle Paul used the human body to illustrate that Jesus sent his Spirit to his people, and thus we are united as one spiritual body in him. We drink the one Spirit (13). We are the body of Christ in the world.
Jesus said, “‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘streams of living water will flow from within him.” By this, he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time, the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.” (John 7:37-39)
If you call on the name of Jesus, if you believe that he rose from the dead, if you have faith in his body and blood as a remission of your sins, then look around at others who believe the same. They too are a part of the spiritual body as you, the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit is like the blood flowing in our physical bodies, bringing nutrition and health to all the parts (John 3:5-8). Since the same Spirit flows in them as in you, then they should be treated with the same respect and love as you expect to be treated by others.
The truth that God gives manifestations of the Holy Spirit, that is, spiritual gifts, to every believer for the common good of the church, is understood. The Holy Spirit purposely gives the proper and good gift or gifts to each person as he determines (7, 11). His determination is correct. Paul lists some of these gifts in verses 8-10.
However, many have not discovered which gift God’s grace has given them. How can we determine which gift we have? First, be sure that God will reveal which gift he has given to each of his children. Do not be anxious about what that gift or gifts are.
Second, do not be idle in discovering which gift was given. This may involve gift-and-talent search questionnaires, as some churches do. The search may include temporarily getting involved with different ministries within your local congregation to see where you fit. Talk to someone you know and trust, asking them what gift they believe you have been given. And pray, always pray as you search. The search can be a fun experience if your mindset is right.
Third, when the gift is determined, do not shy away from it. Do not worry, or decide it’s not what you want or what you like. The gift God gives will be satisfying and gratifying, though it at times will not be easy. Jesus tells his disciples, “Deny yourself and carry your cross.” (Matthew 10:38, 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23, 14:27)
Fourth, the possibility exists that the first gift we are given will not be the last and will not last till the Lord takes us home. The Spirit may determine to give us a new gift later in life, and the prior gift is no longer needed. We should be ready for changes as times change societies.
Finally, just because God gave you a spiritual gift, do not believe that you will know it all, that you will be perfect at it from the very beginning, and that you will always do very well. Every talent has a learning period that ends the day the Lord takes us home. A job well done involves blood falling like sweat from the brow. Change is a part of life. The gift we are given and the skills we learn will need adjusting as reality changes with time.
The link below will have examples of a spiritual assessment test soon.
A poetic reed stylist composed a tercet, distilling a singular truth — gifts, service, and workings – Holy Spirit, Lord Jesus, and God the Father. The first triad is given for the greater good; the second is the Triune God, three yet one.
The gifts of grace are given by the Spirit. The service to the Christian community is rendered to our Lord Jesus. God the Father initiates, sustains, and accomplishes the work in and through all that is obvious. Diversity and unity in the Trinity.
If you confess, “Jesus is Lord with absolute authority and believe that God raised him from the dead,” then you have been baptised with the Spirit. The Spirit gave you at least one gift. What service do you render to Jesus that is for the benefit of the congregation? Do not say, “I cannot do.” Rather, ask the Father to initiate, sustain, and accomplish the work in and through you. Have faith, and the mountain will be moved.
Apostle Paul moves to another subject the Corinthian congregation needed to know more about: spiritual gifts. The Holy Spirit has been one of the underlying glues of the letter with statements like, “God has revealed it to us by the Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” (2:10-11). And “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (3:16). Also, there’s, “You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (6:1) The Corinthian congregation’s inproper view of the Spirit and spiritual gifts were surely on Paul’s mind when he wrote, “…and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.” (7:40)
Paul first makes it clear that ignorance is a large factor in misunderstanding spiritual gifts and the Holy Spirit (1). Pride in spiritual gifts made them blind to their folly. Another source of misconception is forgetting our state before we received spiritual gifts (2). From birth, we were influenced and led to believe and accepted lies as truth. We worshiped something unworthy of worship. As pagans, we unwittingly lacked spiritual gifts. We are not born with spiritual gifts.
The Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts are granted by the grace of God when we come to believe in Jesus as our Savior and Lord. They are gifts, not natural powers that were always in us.
We speak by the Spirit of God who is living in us. We confess Jesus is Lord by the Spirit (3). We would never curse Jesus (3).
Pagans get themselves in an emotional frenzy until they lose control of their minds. They say all kinds of blasphemous and/or emotional rantings, sinful and selfish deceptions and lies. Witlessly, some allow demons to speak through them. Some curse the God who made them (3). Paul in verse 3 contrasts pagan religious ceremonies with worship services led by the Spirit, revealing to the Corinthian congregation that they were influenced and led by mute “prophets” in their mists.
From the introduction in verses 1-3, Paul will move into the main point he needed to make about the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts.
The chapter is easy enough to understand. All who believe in Jesus are in Jesus. Each has been given at least one gift to be used for the greater good of the congregation. The least part should be honored more than the greater part. Each should use their gift accordingly. Unity exists in the diversity of Jesus’ people.
The reason Paul wrote this chapter was obviously because of the division, disagreements, bickering, and gossip in the congregation. Every group whether Christian or not have this problem. I like Star Trek from the original thru 2016. I use to read Star Trek Facebook posts. They claim diversity. Yet, many do not accept, even insult those that do not agree with them.
Are people in congregations different? I have been a member of several congregations as I have lived in different cities. I see similarities to the Star Trek groups, but not as severe.
Everyone is unique in Christ. No one is like me. I am not like anyone else. I should not look down nor up to others in Christ. I should respect everyone in action and word. I find myself congregating towards those who like what I like. Do I exclude and look down on others when I do that? Such actions form niches that often exclude others. Divisions form. Hearts are hurt, some to tears because they feel alone. God does not want divisions. I need others, especially those not like me and those who do not have the sames gifts as me.
The bold say as Job, “If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has hurried after deceit– let God weigh me in honest scales and he will know that I am blameless– if my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has been led by my eyes, or if my hands have been defiled, then may others eat what I have sown, and may my crops be uprooted.” (Job 31:5-8)
The humble and wise first judge themself – finding improper thoughts to stop, finding acts of love to commit to, and asking God for forgiveness and the will to follow through with these changes. “If we judge ourselves, we would not come under judgment” (31). The wisdom God showed Paul is about stepping on the judgment scales, and he gave it to the Corinthian congregation.
Some in the congregation in Corinth were guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. (27) They did not allow the poor to participate in the Lord’s Supper. Others got drunk. (21) They did not step onto the judgment scales. God placed them on the scales and they were not approved by God just as Cain was not approved. (19; Genesis 4:1-13)Others were approved by God, as Abel’s sacrifice was approved.
The unapproved fell under the Lord’s discipline, as a father disciplines his children (31-32). Some were weak and sick. Others fell asleep; that is, their physical bodies ceased to function (30). Do not be condemned with the world. Submit to the Lord’s discipline and change.
Apostle Paul continues to correct faults in Corinth’s congregational meetings. The current subject is the Lord’s Supper, the remembrance and thanksgiving of Christ’s body and blood given for us through the bread and wine.
After stating their misconduct and passing on to them Jesus’ words on the night Jesus was betrayed, he concludes with judgment: “Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.”
The Greek adverb for “unworthy” describes taking the Lord’s Supper without proper reverence, respect, and recognition of its significance. Paul’s direction was for every believer to examine themselves before eating the bread and drinking from the cup. It is not that I do not have sufficient worth, but that I am not participating in a worthy manner. I only need to recognize Jesus’ sacrifice and let him live in my soul.
Apostle Paul recants that the cup of wine was shared “in the same way” as the bread, with all the apostles. Both the bread and wine are a remembrance of Jesus and his suffering and death for our salvation. Jesus took simple worldwide available food and drink, and used them to help us not forget him.
Jesus set up the New Covenant at the time when Israel was to remember the Old Covenant Passover, salvation from slavery in Egypt. This helps us understand the meaning behind his sacrifice for freedom from slavery to sin and the fear of death. The remembrance is a living sermon for all generations until he comes again. Christ’s blood establishes the New Covenant between God and man, one of forgiveness and grace. (Hebrews 8:6-13, 9:15)
The old sacrifices brought sins continually to remember (Hebrews 10:1, 3) and required continual offerings of animals. The Lord’s Supper is a remembrance of Christ and his sacrifice once for all for the full and final remission of sins. We remember continually the one sacrifice that saves many, proclaiming his death until he comes again to fulfill the New Covenant promise of eternal life with him in the kingdom of God.
Apostle Paul says he “received” from the Lord the method and meaning of the Lord’s Supper. The Greek verb for “received” is “paralambano”, associated with being educated in a tradition from someone else. A NIV text note says, “Paul does not necessarily mean that he received the Lord’s Supper directly from Christ. The information was probably passed on to him by others who had heard it directly from Jesus”, perhaps Ananias or Barnabas of Damascus. (Acts 9:10, 17-22, 27)
Apostle Paul conveys that, on the night Jesus was betrayed, he took bread and gave thanks (24). Giving thanks was the Jewish practice at meals, especially the Passover. The word Eucharist comes from the Greek “eukharistia” and “eukharistos”, meaning “grateful”, “thankful”, “to show favor”, and “grace”. The Israelites were thankful for being freed from slavery in Egypt. But why was Jesus thankful? He knew his betrayer sat in the room with him.(Luke 22:21-22)
Jesus tells us why. “This is my body, which is for you.” (24a) Jesus was thankful that he could obey his father in providing the way for those he loved to be saved from slavery to sin and death. Not only was he thankful, but Jesus was eager to obey. “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”(Luke 22:14-15)
Even though my future looks to be a walk in a dark, trashy alley full of possible assailants and temptations, I will be thankful for the here and now. The Lord’s Supper is a time to be grateful. My immediate future is unknown. Jesus knew his immediate future. Yet, he had reasons to be thankful. He looked forward to the fulfillment of the Supper in the kingdom of God. Lord, let others find a few to share your Supper with, to be thankful with.
Jesus said, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” (Matthew 7:15-17) When divisions come, which fruit is sour and which is sweet can be determined (18). The Holy Spirit says through Paul, “No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you has God’s approval.” (19)
The selfish problem of these wolves in sheep’s clothing was exposed during the Lord’s Supper in the Corinthian congregation, which, in the early church, was a full meal, as it was at the Last Supper. The wolves did not allow the poor in the congregation, whom they were responsible for, to have food and they themselves got drunk (21). The rich wolves humiliated and isolated the poor, thus exposing their hypocrisy (Ezekiel 34:7-10). Jude wrote, “These men are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm–shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted–twice dead.” (Jude 1:12)They promise relief, but do not deliver.
The Spirit through Apostle Peter promises, “They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.” (2 Peter 2:13)Jesus warns us, “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many… and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:11-13) Consider also the warnings of Acts 20:29-30, Galatians 1:6-9, Philippians 3:2, Colosians 2:4, 8, 18, 20-23; 2 John 7-11; Jude 3-4. These wolves are from within, not without. Be alert.
Jesus made a new covenant with anyone who would believe in him (25). When he did, he changed the Passover meal so that I could remember him and what he did for me through his suffering and death. The bread symbolizes his body broken. The wine symbolizes his blood poured out. He told us when his people repeated his new Passover, which we call the Lord’s Supper (20b), to do this in remembrance of him. (24)
The Lord’s Supper for the early church was an entire meal. Later, because of abuses revealed in this chapter, all food and drink were removed except the bread and wine (unfermented). Paul rebuked the Corinthian congregation for the abuses of the Lord’s Supper, for they were harmful (17).
The divisions, mentioned earlier in the letter (1:10-17; 3:3-9; 6:1-8), were also exercised during the Lord’s Supper (19). The wealthy who obviously supplied most of the food, if not all, humiliated those who had nothing (22). Some ate a lot, others remained hungry, others got drunk (21).
Paul says that I ought to examine myself before I eat the bread and drink from the cup. I am to discern the body of Christ, for I may be sinning against the Lord’s body and blood (27-28). Some were sick, weak, and fallen asleep (physically died) under the Lord’s discipline (30).
I do not want to be disciplined by my Lord. The discipline of the Lord is as a Father to a son, and the Father’s hand is strong. His plan and desire is that I be mature, made like his Son, Jesus. The fear of the Lord is good. Love for the Lord is better. Lord, forgive my wayward, weak heart.
The Holy Spirit, through Paul, speaks of the interdependence between men and women, both at a general social level and in the personal relationship between husband and wife. Interdependence in sociology and social psychology refers to the mutual reliance among individuals, in which outcomes, behaviors, and emotions are shaped by interactions. Developed by Harold Kelley and John Thibaut in 1959, it assumes that social life involves interconnected lots, requiring coordination and reciprocal exchange to manage shared situations. “In the Lord,” as the Holy Spirit established before creation, man and woman are interdependent of each other. Differentiation invigorates interdependence; the very nature of things has been established.
I have some friends, both male and female, who outwardly loathed and inwardly deeply longed for interdependence, especially the women. “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you,” was the consequence of doubting God’s love. (Genesis 3:17) The two consequences are inward struggles more than outward pressure, the loathing and longing for independence.
Beauty was the design of interdependence between man and woman before the first sin. The Lord God differentiated them, one from the other, and one not continuing without the other. A woman from man. Man born of woman. Both from the other. Both unique, yet one.
The uncovering of the head while praying and prophecying was an outward sign of the inward loathing and longing struggle. The woman’s cry for independence, while longing for dependence that love fills. “Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
Surely our sins bewilder the beauty of differentiation invigorating interdependence.
The subject continues to be the Corinthian congregation’s meetings, specifically the issues that needed correction. Paul commended them for following the teachings, aka traditions, as he passed on to them when he started the congregation (1). All the early founded congregations had the same mood of worship service, which he introduced to the newly founded Corinth church only a few years earlier (16b). The need for visible respect for the Lord God, specifically when praying and prophesying during the meeting, is now being addressed. (4-5)
Before the gospels or the apostles’ letters were written and distributed, prophesying, that is, speaking for Jesus, played a foundational role in the early church. (12:28-31; Acts 2:17-18; Ephesians 4:11, 2:20) Organized public prayer has always been a part of corporate worship. Paul instructs them to respect Jesus in their attire according to local custom dress when they pray and prophesy. As a sign of respect, men took off their head covering and women put on their head coverings when praying and prophesying. Even the pagans show respect to their gods in this manner, except for prostitutes and promiscuous women.
The point here is that those who are in the front of the congregation during a worship service should show visible respect as their culture defines respectful dress. Those who lead prayers, worship songs, read the scriptures, give the message and announcements, serve communion, pass the offering trays, and whatever else the local congregation requires a person to do before the Lord and the congregation, should dress and be groomed respectfully.
Respectful and tasteful attire changes from one decade to the next, and from one culture to another. Whatever is prevalent, without being gaudy and meant to bring self-attention, is proper and good. Show respect to Jesus in what I wear.
Paul begins to expand on worship service traditions (teachings) with the general truth in verse 3. The keyword in verse 3 is “head”, translated from the Greek noun “kephale” (a transliteration), used 75 times in the New Testament. It literally means “head” or “top” and, metaphorically, signifies authority, leadership, and preeminence, particularly in discussions of roles. (Ephesians 5:23)
Jesus confirmed that God, his Father, is his head, meaning his authority. (John 5:19) Christ is the head of man since God the Father placed him over man, and Jesus gave himself up for and will judge all mankind. (Matthew 17:5; John 3:35-36, 5:26-27)
Man is the head of woman. Perhaps that truth is the reason for Paul’s transition, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1) Some Greek women probably enjoyed their newfound freedom in Christ so much that they stopped following the cultural norm of wearing head covering in public and went about topless. (I purposely stated it that way to give it the same shock they induced in their culture.)
Man was made for Christ, the Lord God. Eve was made next for Adam. (Genesis 1:26-27, 2:15, 18, 20b-22) However, Paul states elsewhere that this is only in the physical sense, not the spiritual: “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26-28) The “all sons of God” status will prevail when the body decays, unless Jesus has a special place for you.
Some years ago I read in a book written by a married couple, the wife stated that the woman has been given the better place for the responsibility relies on the man. He is to listen to the counsel of his God and wife and make a decision. Any fault, any error, any casualty, and any miscarriage will be his responsibility. He can blame no one but himself. Adam cannot blame Eve, though he did. (Genesis 3:12) She was deceived first, and Adam is to blame for he was there, said nothing, and disobeyed God. (Genesis 3:6, 17)
So, God is the head of Christ, Christ the head of man, and man the head of woman. The responsibility of man is the woman and to obey Christ, as the obedience of Christ is to the Father and the responsiblity of man’s salvation was Christ’s.
Apostle Paul started the congregation at Corinth. He was there for only eighteen months. He started preaching Jesus in the Jewish synagogue, but left it to form a Christian congregation. (Acts 18:1-18) Before he left the city, he established the basics of the Christian congregation after the model of a Jewish synagogue. The same basic bylaws were applied to all the Christian congregations.
The congregations followed Jesus’s teaching as first taught by Paul, and later by Silas, Timothy, and Apollos. However, the congregation at Corinth needed many bylaws on matters Jesus did not teach. Some were what days and times to meet, where to meet, who would be responsible for the finances, etc. Paul praised them for keeping these bylaws after he left. He called them traditions, though the NIV translates the Greek word treachings, and the KJV translates it ordinances.
Other bylaws are presented in this chapter, perhaps ones that Apostle Paul did not discuss with them while he was with them. The traditions he discusses in this chapter have to do with the nature of their worship service. More on that in the days ahead.
I learn from today’s one verse that traditions and bylaws are a lot like good habits in a personal life. I have bad habits that I have unlearned. Good habits are a wise thing to organize a life. I am not a morning person. I have always awakened slowly. Waking up early to dedicate time to writing daily bread took years. This good habit is still not easy some mornings, but the effects of making it a habit make it easier, and I am better because of it. Make some good habits my bylaws, and make some good family traditions.
Paul is now writing about an ancient Jewish and Middle East tradition. Specifically that a woman is to wear a head covering during a religious service and a man is to take his hat off. This is not done in almost all congregations now.
However, movies and videos from before the 1960s portray this was done as a matter of religious law for quite some time. Women wore hats except inside their homes. Men were always taking theirs off inside. I really don’t prefer one way or another. It’s a tradition backed up by Paul’s logic, not a law or commandment.
The Bible, congregations, and denominations have traditions and society’s customs that people have mistakenly believed are requirements needed to remain in a good close relationship with God. They mistakenly back this up by the feelings we get when we believe we have been a good moral and ethical person.
They say, “God testifies in my soul that this is the right thing.” When in fact it’s just a self-induced physical reaction to self-righteousness. Pride is also a feel-good emotion. Pride puffs up. Pride imposes self-righteous action on others to the detriment of many. Jesus came harshly rebuking the religious leaders of his day for such practices. He called them white-washed tombs that kill people. The church is filled with many stones to this day.
I have preferences. I like doing things a certain way. Some are based on something I read in the Bible or a religious article. Some are just a habit. But I need to remember that they are my preferences. I should never impress them on others. I can suggest it to someone under my care and guidance. I would be wrong to exasperate them.
To answer the Corinthian congregation’s question, “Is it acceptable to eat meat offered to idols?” (8:1), the Apostle Paul could have repeated the letter written by the apostles and elders of Jerusalem to the brothers, Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia (Acts 15). However, that letter simply gave the general requirements, “You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.” (Acts 15:29). No reasons or details were given. So, Apostle Paul, in love for the believers in Corinth, does so here.
The scenario in these verses was not unknown to Paul. After stating two general concepts (23-26), he starts his answer in the second person (27-29a), but ends in the first person, saying “my freedom”, “I take part”, “why am I denounced,” and “I thank God” (29b-30).
Paul, when founding churches like the one in Corinth, was probably often invited to a Gentile house and served meat, not knowing where it came from, but could have assumed it came from a sacrifice to an idol. What did he do? He became uncircumcised to the uncircumcised and ate it without questions about where it came from to win the uncircumcised to Christ. He is telling the Corinthians to do the same.
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” (26) Why not use everything that is the Lord’s to win the hearts of men to the Lord? “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (31) Now the next advice is not easy, “Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews (not yet believing in Jesus), Greeks (not yet believing in Jesus), or the church of God– even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” (32-33)
Apostle Paul addresses eating meat offered to pagan idols, first addressed in chapter 8. There, he gave directions on eating the meat at the idol’s temple (8:10). He said do not eat meat at the idol’s temple, even though you rightfully know that an idol is nothing but stone and wood, because a fellow believer in Jesus with a weak conscience may see you there and be destroyed. (8:110).
Here, Apostle Paul, using the same Greek logical argument in 6:12, addresses buying the meat offered to an idol, but sold at the public markets called the “makellon” (aka by the archaic translation “shambles”, an old English word for a slaughterhouse). (25) Though permissible, buying this meat there and eating it elsewhere may not be beneficial or constructive (23). The consideration remains: seek the good of others. Don’t burn the conscience of others if they are too young in Christ to know there is nothing to an idol and its sacrifice (24, 8:4-8).
A mature servant in Christ does not seek their own good. Their hearts are set on glorifying God, enjoying him forever, and serving his church in holy fear of their master, Jesus. Yes, love will sustain us in sacrificial service. Yet, holy fear has its place in keeping us from succumbing to the temptations of selfish pursuit at others’ expense.
The conclusion to eating meat offered to idols, any questionable actioins, or partaking of unworthy things is concluded in tomorrows BDBD.
The common subject in verses 14 through 22 is partake. Verses 14 through 17 establish that the Lord’s Supper illustrates that as one body, the church partakes in fellowship with Christ Jesus. Verse 18 establishes that the temple sacrificial altar illustrates that, as one nation, Israel partook in fellowship with the Lord. Similarly, verse 20 establishes that idolatry is participating with demons (Deuteronomy 32:17, 37-39). Sitting at one’s table means having fellowship with them. (Exodus 20:24, 24:5, 29:28; Malachi 1:7)
A sacrifice offered to an idol is nothing. An idol is nothing (19, 8:4; Isaiah 44:12-20, 45:20-25, 46:1-11; Psalm 106:28, 37; 1 John 1:3). However, since idolatry involves demons, how can a person who confesses in the name of Jesus and partakes of communion bread and wine also partake in things that involve demons? We cannot (21).
At this point, one might think, “What does this have to do with me in modern day? Temples? Idols? Demons? Sacrifices?” Since Christ is in the believer’s body, since the Holy Spirit moves within a Christian’s spirit, then that person is the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16), and offers their body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is our spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1) We are known by what we partake of, what we have fellowship with, and where we spend our time. Do I offer myself to Jesus? Or perhaps something sinister?
After presenting the parallels between Israel during the Exodus to the church as a warning to us, a command is given, “…flee from idolatry” (14). Building on this, Apostle Paul presents communion, (aka “The Lord’s Supper”) as the Messiah Jesus transformed the Passover for the New Covenant for the church into The Lord’s Supper.
One of the cups drunk at the Jewish Passover is called the Thanksgiving Cup. Jesus took this cup and transformed it. He took the Thanksgiving Cup and turned it into a memorial of his blood sacrifice (Matthew 26:27; Mark 14:23; Luke 22:17). He said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” (11:25) We are not literally drinking his blood. We are remembering the blood he shed for us. Jesus blood flows through all of us for it is taken from the same source and given to all those who believe in Jesus. All partake in the blood of Christ (16a).
During the first Lord’s Supper, Jesus took one loaf and broke it into pieces. Each of those present ate a piece of the loaf. “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me. Take and eat; this is my body.” (11:24; Matthew 26:26; Mark 14:22; Luke 22:19) Through this, Jesus displayed that each believer is a part of the body of Christ. We come from the same loaf, which is Christ (17). All partake in the body of Christ (16b).
Just as the Trinity is three yet one. So, Christ in us is one, and we are many. Therefore, there should be no division in Christ. There should be no arguing. Where there are differences, it is better to practice love over winning the argument. Allow the Holy Spirit to answer prayers for the truth and love to win the argument.
The fulfillment of ages came in Christ Jesus and continues (11). The day has begun and continues. The new age commences till this moment. The New Covenant in Christ’s blood is now. The best of ages, the worst of ages, inaugurated by Christ’s death, resurrection, and sending the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, and continues until Christ’s coming and beyond, is my now. Today is the period of fulfillment, when all that God has been doing for his people throughout previous ages comes to its fruition in the Messiah (Mark 10:30).
The bridegroom stands waiting for his bride. He was crucified, so she will be white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). The happenings of ages past were written down for those called now as a warning (Psalm 102:18). The ones called should not think we stand firm (12). We need to be careful not to fall (12). We will be tempted (13). We will be tested (Psalm 66:10; Isaiah 48:10). All will be tempted. Temptation is not unusual, especially for those called (13; Hebrews 6:8).
Who can withstand all the tests? When the soldier is about to drive the nail into the hand, who will not scream stop? When they hurl stones, will I say, “Forgive them,” and look to Jesus on the right hand of God? God is faithful; he will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. He will provide a way out so that I can stand up under it (13). I need to take the way he provides.
Sexual immorality was rebuffed in 6:12-20, “Flee from sexual immorality,” the Holy Spirit commands through Apostle Paul. Now again, the Spirit, through Paul, uses Israel’s Exodus as an example, showing us what happens when one who is called by Christ and begins following Christ does not flee sexual immorality.
While Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the commandments of the Covenant, the Israelites became impatient. They made excuses, built a gold idol that looked like a calf, worshipped it, feasted and drank, and got up to indulge in pagan revelry, that is, in an orgy. Their actions were the same as those of Greek pagans in Corinth.
False religious worship and sexual immorality almost always go hand-in-hand. Both the Old and New Testaments forbid these actions. “We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did – and in one day, twenty-three thousand of them died.” (8) That is a stern warning. If you are in a group that is religious and practices and/or encourages unbiblical sex and marriages, get out now. Practice only one man and one woman under a covenant as Christ’s covenant with the church.
There are many reasons a couple, bonded by their covenant of marriage, may experience problems. I recommend a good short book titled “Love & Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs.” The book is based on Ephesians 5:22-33 and Colossians 3:19. Add to these two verses the important coming chapter 13 concerning love. Begin practicing this kind of love, husband. Begin respecting your husband in this way, wife.
The lessons from the Old Testament are numerous.The apostles learned from Jesus, and the Holy Spirit revealed multiple truths within the historical accounts of the Old Testament. Apostle Paul learned the parallels between Israel that was led out of Egypt and slavery to Mount Sinai, our forefathers, and the new church. Paul conveyed this truth to the Corinthian congregation as a warning.
A cloud led the Israelites in the desert. They were under God’s leadership and guidance. (Exodus 13:21-22; Numbers 9:15-23; 14:14, Deuteronomy 1:33; Psalm 78:14) The cloud led them through the Red Sea on the way to Mount Sinai. (Exodus 14:22, 29) These parallel the Christian baptisms of the Holy Spirit and water, both of God’s leading. (John 3:5; Acts 22:16)
Manna is paralleled to the bread that Jesus said represents his body (Exodus 16:31; John 6:30-35, 6:49-51, 58; Luke 22:19). Jesus told the Jews after he fed the five thousand, “Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
Similarly, the water from the rock for Israel parallels the wine that represents Jesus’ blood poured out for the salvation of many. (Exodus 16:2-36, 17:6; Numbers 20:2-11, 7-13, 21:16) Jesus told us that the blood seals the new covenant. We drink it to remember Jesus. (11:25; Luke 22:20; John 4:14)
The fact is, before the old covenant was sealed at the foot of the mountain, God was not pleased with many Israelites, and they died. They were not part of the old covenant. Now it is the same with us; the apostle was inspired to warn. Should God become displeased with some in the congregation, He too will not allow them to be part of the sealing of the new covenant. More in the next verses and BDBD.
Chapter 10 is a conclusion of Paul’s comments in the previous 2 chapters. Paul is still answering the question is it right to eat meat offered to idols. I read about what took place in ancient temples built for various idols. It helps in understanding this question and Paul’s answer.
Idol worship started with slaughtering animals at the idol. The offering blood would pour out on the idol. Some would drink the blood. The meat would be prepared and the gatherers would eat. If any food was left over it would be sold in the marketplace. The food was paid for by the worshippers. The more money spent, the better meat choices and seats.
While they ate they would be entertained with dance usually very provocative and seductive. Again the more money spent the better performance and seats. After they ate and were entertained the worshipers would partake in dance and reverie. Idolatry included wild sensual parties and orgies. Many prostitutes were there. For the right price, an idol worshiper could purchase a prostitute. One temple in Corinth had 1,000 prostitutes.
Paul told the Christians in Corinth that they could eat the meat at the temple and that which was sold at the marketplace. However, he said that they should not partake in prostitution that included idol worship. Instead, they should stay true to their wives and husbands.
Paul uses ancient Israel as an example and a warning to the Corinthian congregation and me. Israel was lead out of Egypt by the grace of God. God gave Israel all kinds of gifts including mana, meat, protection, water, and promises. They were baptized when they went through the Red Sea. They were under the cloud canopy when they received the Old Covenant. Even though Israel received all this they fell from grace for various reasons including the same type of idolatry practiced in Corinth.
The church and I are in parallel with ancient Israel. I have received all kinds of gifts similar if not the same or better than Israel. I should take heed and learn not to grumble and complain nor give up and indulge in modern idolatry. I should not set my heart on evil things as Israel did. I should not test Christ.
Yet, I need not fear for “he will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. But when I am tempted, he will also provide a way out so that I can endure it.”
The intent of the sport analogies in the last paragraph of chapter 9 is to expound upon one of Jesus’ more challenging forewarnings. “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’
“But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.'” (Luke 13:24-25)
Knowing the frightful reality of this prophecy, Apostle Paul puts this in words the Corinthians can relate to. The Isthmian Games were like the Olympic Games, both part of the four sacred games, featuring athletic, musical, and equestrian competitions, with winners receiving a dried celery wreath and, later, a pine wreath. The prize was really the recognition and acclaim from the judges and their peers.
How serious-minded am I about following Jesus? What is my heart’s desire? What prize do I desire? Is Jesus my prize? Or do I not care that he might say, “I do not know you.” Am I fixing my eyes on Jesus as I run the race? Or do I turn to look at someone or something else?
The two Greek verbs that are interchangeable and repeated in almost every sentence in this paragraph are “kerdaino” (19-22a) and “sozo” (22b) (transliterations). “Kerdaino” is translated as either “to win” or “might gain”. The English translations that use “might gain” translate the verb as “to win” elsewhere. (1 Peter 3:1; Matthew 23:25). The illustration depicts winning in the Corinthian Isthmian Games, similar to the Greek Olympics. Paul expounds on this in the next paragraph.
The point is to submit to Jesus and the gospel so people may come to faith in Jesus. I am to give up personal culture, family background, personal preference, society tradition, and religious habits so that those I witness to may be open to the good news. One day, Paul played the part of a Jew. Next, he played the part of a Gentile. His mannerisms depended on who he was with, so they would identify with him and be open to what he said.
Paul is following Jesus’ lead, who taught, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave– just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)
Jesus, the eternal God, submitted himself, being clothed with humanity, becoming like us, so that we could identify with him, and so listen to him, and accept him as the eternal God. Jesus did this to win us to himself. What are you willing to give up to win souls?
“Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” Apostle Paul wrote (16b). A woe is no light statement for it is deep distress, misery, and calamity. Apostle Paul was compelled to preach the gospel (16a). He is a classic description of prophetic reluctance overcome by divine compulsion to preach Jesus, just as the prophet Jeremiah was when he said, “If I say, ‘I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.” (Jeremiah 20:9)
Apostles Peter and John, when they were before the rulers, elders, and teachers of the law, who told them to stop teaching about Jesus, told them, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:5-21) And so they continued to witness about Jesus, even with more threats of punishment, even when James, John’s brother, was killed.
The Lord Jesus had laid on these men the irresistible volition to preach the good news. They breathed the gospel. Paul said he could preach voluntarily or involuntarily (17). If voluntarily, he would receive a reward. If involuntarily, he would simply be discharging the trust committed to him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19, 26:16-18).
Since all are compelled to preach, that is, commanded to witness about what Jesus has done for us, then why be a reluctant witness and lose the reward? Why bury what is entrusted and not get a return, as Jesus taught in the parable? In preaching the gospel, I voluntarily offer it free of charge and do not exercise my rights. I do not quench the fire in my bones.
The point is stated again and again using many examples. Paul could have received a salary, but voluntarily chose not to receive any money for his labors for the Lord and his church. Apostle Paul even finds the obscure Deuteronomy 25:4 to practically beat his point into the Corinthian believers’ and my skulls.
He declares, “We put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ” (12). Anything! Do not let anything get the better of me as I serve the Lord and his gospel. Do not let anything overwhelm me as I sacrifice for Jesus and his church.
Do not let something or someone’s attitude tie me to the bed with an imaginary rope as I serve the church of Christ. Do not let depressing thoughts hinder the gospel of Christ, as I serve as a layman, for Paul was a layman apostle. Though many tried to get the better of him, overwhelm him, tie him up, beat him down, and hinder his layman work, Apostle Paul put up with it and moved on.
Stay calm and move on. Be in Jesus’ peace. Put up with anything, even a silly continuing computer rejecting keyboards. Be in Jesus’ peace. Find it. Accept it. Hold onto Jesus in thought, heart, and action. Be one with Christ Jesus, the Prince of Peace who put up with everything, including me in love.
Jesus personally chose and trained many apostles according to his divine purpose for them. Each had a different personality. Each had their own look and skill. Each had been given a different path as they fulfilled his command, “Be my witnesses throughout the whole world.” (Matthew 10:18; Mark 13:9; Luke 21:13, 24:48; Acts 1:8, 9:15, 13:46) Each made lifestyle choices as they glorified Jesus in obedience and submission and enjoyed his presence forever.
Apostle Paul, as he continued teaching the Corinthian believers the virtue of self-sacrifice, reveals the contrast between his lifestyle choices and those of the other apostles. Paul had told them that all the apostles were on display at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena, a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to men. (4:9) That the apostles shared by common choice. But not every choice was common.
Paul chose to remain single, while other apostles married (5). Paul chose to be self-sufficient, holding a tent making job, while the other apostles received a stipend from the church (4, 6). Both choices were right, good, and a blessing based on the individual’s circumstances, as Apostle Paul had revealed in previous chapters.
The important consideration is motive. What motivates me when I decide? Paul was free, an apostle, seen the Lord, and his ministry produced true spiritual fruit, the Corinthian church (1-2). Yet he used none of those for self-gratification. His motive was to please his Lord. (7:32)
Apostle Paul is continuing his thoughts from the previous chapter. There he wrote that although we are free to eat meat offered to idols because they are not alive and not gods, we shouldn’t do it if it would cause a fellow believer who has a weak conscience to sin.
Continuing the thought of freedom and rights in Christ, he reflects on his own life actions. Most of the apostles and pastors had a wife that they brought with them as they traveled from congregation to congregation. People who serve the church don’t need to be single.
Most apostles and pastors received some of the offerings to support themselves, their wives, and their families. People who serve the church don’t need to have an income outside the congregation to support themselves.
Paul did not exercise these two rights because he knew that if he remained single and earned his own income, it would be better for the congregations and the spread of the gospel. He was telling them these things as an example to them and me. It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)
Paul’s also stated that self-sacrifice does not go without rewards (17, 24-27). Jesus will pass out rewards when he comes again. He expects a return on his investment.
Have I sacrificed for those I love? Have I refused my rights and freedom for the sake of others? Every day I have choices.
The council in Jerusalem in ~49 A.D. made the most controversial decisions of their time regarding Gentiles coming to believe in Jesus. Should they follow the Laws of the Old Covenant given through Moses? (Acts 15:1-5) First, Apostle Peter reminded the council of the most important truth: through the grace of our Lord Jesus, we are saved, including the Gentiles. He asked them, “Why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples that yoke…?” (Acts 15:6-11)
James, the brother of Jesus, agreed, adding that they should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God (Acts 15:19). The council, with careful words, wrote, “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: Â You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.” (Acts 15:28-29, reference vs. 20) No explanation is given. Simply, “abstain from these things.”
Approximately 11 years later, 6 years after Paul writes these letters to the Corinthians, the council’s letter with the instruction “abstain from food sacrificed to idols” is remembered by the Jerusalem elders. (Acts 21:25) Again, no explanation is given. Two churches are rebuked in Revelation 2:14 and 2:20 for “eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality”. The reason to abstain is not given there either.
However, 1 Corinthians, written in 55-56 A.D., supplies us with reasons. “Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.” (13) Also, “Do I mean then that a sacrifice offered to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.” (1 Corinthians 10:19-20) More on that later.
Today, food sacrificed to idols is not an issue within congregations and amongst denominations. However, many exist that are just as contentious. Some denominations claim that others are from the devil because they do not do this and they do that evil thing. Why do you try to test God? Who appointed you head of Christ’s church? When did Jesus give you the keys? Does the exercise of your religious practices become a stumbling block to the weak, for whom Christ died? If you are such a superior, enlightened Christian, why not bring your teachings to those wandering the streets at night and invite them to eat with you, rather than condemning someone who calls on the name of Jesus and wound their weak conscience?
What is an idol? A man-made idea that may be a form put before God, considering Exodus 20:3-5 and Deuteronomy 5:7-9: “You shall have no other gods before me.” Jesus further defines an idol with these words, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13). “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15)
What did Jesus command us? Apostle Paul repeats what Jesus told his apostles on the night that he was betrayed, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Our problem is that we do not. Why? Because we have set up idols in our hearts. We have placed ourselves before others. We do not love as Jesus commanded us. We have sinned, sinned, sinned. Oh, what a sinful race we are! What good is it to know there is one God and one Lord and we do not obey them? Yesterday I was too sick to write BDBD. I wonder if anyone assumed something was wrong and prayed for me.
Imagine being told of and then given a small deposit of gold with a map to a sure vast treasure. The map consists of learning truths and discovering that things you thought were true are misconceptions and lies that, if held onto, will keep you from the great vast treasure.
Quickly, you obtain knowledge and you begin feeling good about yourself. You begin to look at others and think, “If you only knew the lies you live. If you knew the truth, it would set you on the path to the vast treasure I am seeking. The knowledge I now possess has made me greater than you.”Such was the mentality of some in the Corinthian congregation.
Paul shared with them the rich gospel truth and the hope of eternal life with God and his Son, Christ Jesus, a few years earlier. God sent them the Holy Spirit as a down deposit. The Spirit revealed to them truths through the apostles Paul, Apollos, and perhaps others.
The knowledge the congregation obtained puffed them up. They did not build others up in love. Because they did not practice love, they did not know what they ought to know. They did not love their fellow believer.
Jesus said if we love his little ones, we love him. Since those puffed up by knowledge did not practice love for neighbor, they did not love God. Did God know them?
What is more important to me? Knowledge is easy, for it does not harm me. Love for people is hard because they can and probably will harm me. Love is better than knowledge. By practicing love, I can know God, Christ Jesus. Do I want Jesus to say when I stand before him, “I do not know you. Go away from me.”
The Greek and Roman cultures were full of idols and temples where people would offer sacrifices, including meat. People would buy and eat this meat at the temples.
Paul answered a question about this. The Corinthian congregation asking if it was ok to eat this meat since the idols weren’t really gods. He said sure as long as it doesn’t cause someone with a weak conscience to sin.
According to Paul, some have a weak conscience and others a strong one. How weak or how strong depends on how I continually act with the revealed knowledge of God; his character, his will, his design, his Word, his Son, and his Spirit. (Romans 1:21-25, Ephesians 4:17-19, 1 Timathy 4:2-5) Paul said even Christians can have a weak conscience if their understanding is incorrect.
As I grow in Christ and do the right things my conscience becomes stronger. Truly I have grown a lot and needed to change my thoughts and actions through the years. Growing in conscience isn’t easy for my sinful nature is always there. God writes his word on my heart through the Holy Spirit, help to my conscience. (Romans 7:15-22)
God did not create man with a conscience. Adam and Eve knew God. Since they had not sinned, they did not need to determine if what they were doing had been right or wrong. Yet God told Adam, “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” When he and his wife ate from the forbidden tree they gained a conscience and passed it down to all. They learned good and evil. They gained a conscience.
Love for others is more important than my rights. God has taught me a lot from years of studying the Bible, prayer, living by faith, and his insights. I see others have a wrong understanding and thus have a weak consciousness. I should not cause them to stumble with my rights.
Apostle Paul finishes the Corinthian congregation’s questions concerning the married, the young single -the virgins, those thinking about divorce, those thinking about marriage, and sex with advice concerning the covenant bond of marriage. Does the bond last beyond the grave? Can they marry another?
Paul states in verses 8 and 9 that it would be better if the unmarried and widows remain unmarried, but only if they can control sexual desire and passion (9). Here, he states that if a spouse dies, the ties that bind the married couple end. The remaining one is free to marry anyone they wish as long as the new spouse belongs to the Lord, that is, they believe Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Creator God, the Savior. Though the apostle says he believes she should remain a single widow, as he did in verse 8.
Apostle Paul’s statement that the union, that is, the binding of a man and woman when they marry is broken when one of them dies, that statement is taken from Christ Jesus’ teaching to the Sadducees. One day, the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. They told a sad story about a woman who married consecutively seven men, who kept dying in turn. Then, they asked Jesus, “At the resurrection, whose wife will she be of the seven, since all of them were married to her?” (Matthew 22:23-28; Mark 12:18-23; Luke 20:27-33)
Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in that age and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection.” (Luke 20:34-36)
Therefore, when a person who is married dies, God, who created the marriage union-bond through the power of the Holy Spirit, ends the marriage union-bond. They await the resurrection to come at the beginning of the age to come. Paul explains the resurrection to come in greater detail in chapter 15.
What can we do when we face a major life decision, and there are only two choices: do or do not do? Both seem right. So, which one do we choose? Can we be sure that we are making the best choice?
The Corinthian congregations’ request for direction regarding virgins (25-38), especially in these three verses (36-38), falls into this life decision predicament. The limited passage deciphering is that they are asking if it is good and right for a virgin to marry, and should they marry off an engaged virgin, or should the virgin remain devoted to the Lord’s work (whether male or female, does not matter).
The congregation went to Paul. He gave some advice. However, he left the decision up to them. Apostle Paul was not avoiding his responsibility as apostle to the Gentiles. He was deferring to the people involved because it is a case-by-case decision based on logic and emotions. As Paul reminded them in verse 25, “I have no command from the Lord.”
We all face the hard decisions, when do and do not do both seem right. How do we know which is right? If the decision is not a sin, immoral, or unethical, then it would fall under this category of life-changing, hard-to-make decisions. When we are not harming others or ourselves, it also falls under this. However, if sacrificing ourselves to help others falls under the decision, then sacrifice self for the others. This is what Jesus taught.
When Paul wrote, “If anyone thinks he is acting improperly towards the virgin…” it seems Apostle Paul is kindly saying the person needs to give up their will for the virgin’s benefit. Though a hard decision, the virgin should be allowed to marry the one they are engaged to if they so desire before they gets to far past the age their society deems they should be married. Sometimes, though there is neither a right nor a wrong decision, there is a better decision, and we choose not to make it because the best decision will hurt.
The year before I was born, an album and song were recorded that began a rock ‘ n ‘ roll group’s very long, popular career. “Please Please Me” was the name of The Beatles’ first album and hit. The not-so-subtle request in the title stands in opposition to the selfless sacrifice presented in this paragraph.
The unmarried man is concerned about how he can please the Lord (32). The married man is concerned about how he can please his wife (33). The unmarried woman and a virgin are concerned about how they can please the Lord (34a). The married woman is concerned about how she can please her husband (34b). Each is devoted to please please someone else (35).
Apostle Paul’s intent is to display the benefit of remaining single, which is that they can be fully dedicated to the Lord (35). His desire, if the person is called to live an unmarried life and has self-control, is to remain single (1-2, 6, 9).
My intent is for myself to look at where I am now and set my devotions. Am I concerned about myself? My spouse? My Lord? Am I a branch producing fruit for the Lord, or do I need to prune unproductive, self-serving stems that suck time and energy away from pleasing my Lord and my spouse? Am I expecting my Lord and my wife to please please me? Am I devoted only to myself?
The Corinthian congregation asked another question about a subject that Jesus did not give a command on while on the earth. The subject was about virgins. Should these young ladies marry or live a celibate life as they waited for the Lord Jesus to return, serving him and the congregation?
Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, gave advice, not a command. He left the decision open to the people involved. He suggested remaining in the place in life that the Lord assigned to them when called (26). Their decision would not be a matter of right and wrong. It is a matter of their present times of suffering and persecution (28). Areas of persecution spontaneously brought out throughout the Roman empire dislodging the life of many Christians during the first three centuries.
The time for doing the Lord’s work has become increasingly short. Life is fleeting, as times of persecution remind us. Do not be unduly concerned with the affairs of this world (29-31) because material things are changing and disappearing (31). The Lord is coming. Make wise decisions.
The subject Paul is continuing is mixed-religion marriages: a Christian with a non-believer. He is given illustrations to show the basic concept applies to more than mixed-religion marriages. The basic concept is repeated a third time in verse 24, “Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to.” This is also stated in verses 17 and 20. The illustration given in these verses is that of being a slave and a freeman.
If the person became a believer in Jesus when they are a slave, remain a slave and be content with that (21). The short letter to Philemon addresses a runaway slave, Onesimus, who became a believer in Jesus while Paul was in chains. Paul sent the runaway slave back to his owner, instructing him to accept the man as a believer, and consider releasing the man from slavery. (Philemon 1:12-16)
Of note, the advice here given is that if a chance to gain freedom is offered to the slave, they should take it. Improving the condition and circumstances of our lives is not wrong. What is wrong is not accepting and being content wherever God has placed me.
How can I be content in all and every situation? Know my place with Christ. Though slave to man, I am free in Christ. Though slave to no man, I am slave to Christ, and better because of it, for I was bought by Christ Jesus from slavery to sin and death with the blood of Christ, and so I am free to live as a slave to him. Far better to be a slave to Jesus than a man who believes he lives free, but is actually a slave to sin and death. Praise be to God. My eyes are opened.
The general principle is given. Retain the place in life the Lord assigned me. Retain the place God has called me. As God distributes when called, I am to walk it as a believer in Christ Jesus. This implies two things. First, God was in control of my life before he called me, when he called me, and forevermore. Second, I am to be content with where God placed me this moment, every moment, till there are no moments left for me. That is the general principle.
Proverbs 19:23 states, “The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.”
Paul gives a silly religious example. A circumcised man should not seek to be uncircumcised. Physically, in Paul’s day, that would have been impossible. An uncircumcised man should not seek to be circumcised. A direction given by all the apostles at the council in Jerusalem early in the church. Every believer knew this (Acts 15).
Though there are practices to the religious example to be followed, Apostle Paul gives this silly religious example to illustrate the general principle, “Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him.” (20) Each Christian is to live contentedly for the Lord in whatever economic, social and religious situation in life God has placed them. If a Jew, live as a Messianic Jew contentedly. If a Roman or Greek Christian, live as such contentedly.
Apostle Paul continues his answer on their questions about marriage, giving advice that Christ Jesus did not speak about during his earthly ministry, a mixed religion marriage. What should a spouse do when they come to faith in Jesus and their spouse has not yet done so? Should they remain married to them or divorce them?
Actually, the Greek words translated “divorce” and “certificate of divorce” in the New Testament mean “put away” and “send away”, not divorce as we know it. This is because, for most,becoming a married couple in antiquity was different from the modern era. Unless one was an elite, rich, or royal, they did not receive a legal document certifying their marriage from the government or any other institution. Common law marriage was the norm, the same as couples living together today without being legally married. Roman slaves were not allowed to marry, having only informal unions that their masters could end at any time. Most in ancient Greek and Roman societies separated when they “fell out of love”. The owner of the property the couple lived in “sent away” their spouse.
So, the Corinthian believers asked Paul, “Should we send away our spouse who does not believe in Jesus?” Perhaps they were concerned that they would be influenced into a sinful lifestyle again. Paul’s advice is to stay with the unbelieving spouse. Commentators are unsure as to how the unbelieving spouse is sanctified, “set apart”, and their children are holy (a derivative of the Greek word translated sanctified), especially since Paul does not encourage marrying an unbeliever in 2 Corinthians 6:14-16.
One commentator does make the point that Apostle Paul, who wrote this letter, and young Timothy, who deliveredit, were both children of mixed marriages. Both had mothers who were Jews, but fathers who were pagans. Both put faith in the God of Abraham while retaining their Roman citizenship. Their personal experience must have weighed heavily in Paul’s decision to stay with the unbeliever, for their mother did, and it was to their benefit in the end. Similarly, how may children learn that one parent believes in Jesus, while the other does not, even though they may at least on occasion attend a congregation.
Apostle Paul responds to a request related to the one he addressed in the previous two verses. The subject is divorce. Paul repeats what the Lord Jesus taught concerning divorce (Matthew 5:31-32, 19:1-12; Mark 10:1-12; Luke 16:18)
The most notable quote comes from Apostle Matthew. Jesus told some Pharisees who came to test him, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.” The disciples were shocked. We know that Peter was married. So at least he knew of the problems of marriage. But they all had witnessed their parents’ relationship problems.
Jesus replied to them, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
Something for the married believer in Jesus to consider is his faithfulness to us. He promises us, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b) Cannot I follow his example in this?
When a person is not married, the questions they ask themselves are, “Does God intend me to marry?” “Is there someone out there I am supposed to be with for the rest of our lives?” “Can I live alone?” “Am I designed to live alone?” “I know God is with me always, but sometimes I want to have a conversation with, walk hand in hand with, eat a meal with, and know the physical presence of someone I love and that loves me. God is with me in Spirit, not in the flesh at this time. Can I pay the price to be fully dedicated to God and remain single, serving Jesus only?” The widow faces similar and harder questions.
Perhaps the single person is open to marriage, has dated disappointment and hurt, and cannot endure those again. They do not want to be single, but have given up trying to find a good person.
Giving up is not the same as resolution.Apostle Paul is addressing the congregation’s questions about a commitment to marry or remain single (8). The difference between giving up and resolution is prayer and faith. Giving up does not involve prayer and turning it over to God. Resolution involves faith and prayer. The one who makes a resolution trusts in God. Apostle Paul made a resolution. Should they?
Apostle Paul, addressing this matter that they wrote to him about (1a), considers something else, sexual passion. When God created Adam and Eve, he blessed them and gave them a command to be fruitful and increase in number (Genesis 1:28). Part of the blessing was sexual passion, pleasure, and instinct. The physical design of the nervous system reveals that the blessing was physical as much as emotional, for nerves are concentrated around the reproductive and arousal systems. (This also says so much about the sins of homosexuality and sex change.)
The man or woman, who God blesses to remain single, will be given the gift of self-control of sexual passion, pleasure, and instinct (9). If the gift of self-control is not given, then it can be sure that God does not have a single life in their future. Also, if jealousy and covetousness of the married enter the heart of the single, then they need to consider if they have been called to that vocation, or have chosen it of their own free will. They should pray about marriage.
“The two will become one flesh,” so wrote Paul in 6:16, quoting Jesus, who added, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife… So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate. Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:7-12) Jesus, of course, was commenting on Genesis 2:24.
Verses 4-7 address another aspect of the marital covenant union: the duty each has to the other. Since they are united in flesh, they are responsible for each other’s bodies. Jesus displayed his responsibility to the church by offering his body and blood so that his bride could have a new resurrected body. Our bodies are weak and decaying. We have a sinful nature. So he offered his body for our sake. In the same way, husbands and wives are to offer their bodies to one another. Apostle Paul explains this in this way in Ephesians 5:22-33.
Sex is not for self. Sex is for the benefit and gratification of the one with whom we made a marital covenant. When the Holy Spirit inspired the apostle to write, “…the body does not belong to her and him alone…” the model was Christ, who did not give his body for himself. The error made by the world is this: sex is self-gratification.
Another error made is that the world does not know how to have mutual consent to take time to pray alone. Praying together is important, but communing with the Lord alone is also wise (5). After all, our body is a temple, a place to worship as a couple and as an individual. Marital romance and intimacy are a form of worship as much as prayer, meditation, reading and studying the Bible, and acts of service in the name of Jesus.
The husband is to ask the Lord to help him take care of his wife’s body, soul, and spiritual life. The wife is to ask the Lord to help her take care of her husband’s body, soul, and spiritual life. Husband, ask your wife, “What can I do to help you today?” Wife, ask your husband, “How may I serve you today?” Better yet, look for an opportunity to surprise them by unexpectedly doing something to help them.
Corinth was on a peninsula. Ships needing to get from two important shipping seas would be taken across land at Corinth. Sailors would have several hours to explore the city as their ships traversed the land. The temple prostitutes for the goddess Aphrodite numbered in the hundreds, even thousands, at Corinth, profiting from the sailors. Rampant legal religious prostitution, though financially profitable, was socially and personally destitute.
New Christians in morally desolate Corinth sought Paul’s guidance on secure living practices concerning marriage and sex. Apostle Paul knew the benefits of a celibate life. He also knew that this would be especially hard for the Corinthians who accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior in Corinth. The city had so much immorality that each man should take a wife, and each woman should have a husband (2).
Marriage is so much more than sex. Paul is not saying that marriage is only about sex. He is simply addressing a matter for which they asked for his advice. He states in verse 6, “I say this as a concession, not as a command.” He will have more to say on this later in the letter.
The young man and young woman who are dating and considering marriage, the newly married, and those who are struggling in their marriage need to know that sex is designed by God to be a part of married life, not the principal part of marriage. Sex is a part, not the whole of marriage. Sadly, modern society has placed such a high expectation on sex that sex is confusing and then disappointing to many, just as it was in Corinth. The relational aspects: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, gentleness, self-control, romance, and intimacy are lost in the modern quest for constant sex. People are devastated in a quest for someone elses idea that life’s goal is perfect sex all the time.
Chapter 7 is long, with a lot of advice about husbands and wives, marriage, divorce, and indirectly sex. Paul is answering questions they had while continuing the subject at the end of the previous chapter. Corinth was the center of much immorality, causing the new congregation to be confused about many things involving marriage and sex more than any other congregation Paul founded. Paul is addressing this unique problem in great detail (compare Ephesians 5:22-33; Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Timothy 3:2, 12, 4:1-5, 5:14). I know of no one who quoted this chapter at their wedding ceremony for this reason, even though it deals with marriage. Instead, they quote from chapter 13, for it deals with love.
God is the origin of the unique relationship between a man and a woman, which we call marriage. He designed it based on the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. Marriage is for life (10-11). The husband belongs to the wife and the wife belongs to the husband according to the covenant of marriage (1-7). But what if the person is not a believer? Paul addresses that problem (12-16).
God unites a man and a woman so that they become one flesh. The union is meant for life (10-11). The union is in the heart, mind, will, soul, and body. Marriage is based on love, respect, truth, trust, intimacy, sex, and is exclusive. It is dynamic and passionate. It is designed to be a form of worship. The marriage should remain for life, but at times it does not. Apostle Paul gives a unique example of when someone is to divorce.
Apostle Paul goes into detailed reasons why a person should remain in the station of life they were in when they came to believe in Jesus. He not only applies this to marriage and being single, but also to occupation (17-24). However, he does not say that is an absolute rule.
The apostle gives directions to virgins, single life (25-28, 36-38), trials of the married state (32-35), a reason to marry (8-9, 36-38), and directions to wives and widows (39-40). Indeed, this is a long chapter.
Almost everyone has been in an environment where they have experienced a sense of special presence. The ambiance was the combination of the comfort and warmth of the womb, the glorification and illumination of the heavens, and the serenity and beauty of a nature retreat. The Temple possessed such an environment as long as the Lord God made himself known there.
The Holy Spirit, sent from and of the Lord God, now dwells within the bodies of those who have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ, calling on his name and calling him Master. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (19). I received the Spirit from God. My body is now God’s Temple. I am not my own (19).
I was bought with the body and blood of Christ Jesus (20a). David, on behalf of Israel, bought the plot of ground where the Temple would be built from Araunah the Jebusite. (2 Samuel 24:22-25) Solomon bought the cedar from Lebanon. The gold made into furnishings and the stone cut into blocks for the walls were bought with war. Yet, the price Jesus paid to purchase me was more than all these. The temple that is me is worth more than Solomon’s temple.
Apostle Paul’s point is that Jesus’ possession is the temple of the Holy Spirit, a sacred place, a place where his people are to experience his special presence. Therefore, we should keep ourself pure and flee sexual immorality. In doing so we honor God with our body (20b).
Continuing his point in truth, countering a misrepresentation of grace, Apostle Paul presents the resurrected Christ and our future resurrection (14). Jesus was raised from the dead, and we will be bodily raised too. Why? We will be raised because we are united with him in body. Those who believe in Jesus has a been united in body with Christ himself (15). The connection I have with Christ Jesus is not just spiritual; it is also body and soul. (Ephesians 5:29-32) This is a profound mystery.
Consider this: the foundation and establishment of marriage between Adam and Eve was nothing new. Marriage is based on the essence of the Trinity. The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are one and yet three. The Trinity is a perfect union that is also a profound mystery for love cannot exist unless it is bestoyed unto another. The Father loves the Son and the Spirit, and in them love exists. Adam and Eve were made one flesh in the image of the Trinity. The Spirit dwelling in them bound the couple one in soul and flesh.
Knowing this truth, Apostle Paul continues his case. When a person has sex with a prostitute (or anyone), they are united in body and soul. They are one flesh. Paul says, “Never unite the Lord with a prostitute” (15).
Verse 17 adds the specialty of Christ’s bond with his beloved. We are united with him in spirit. This too is a profound mystery. (Ephesians 5:21-33) Sacrid and profane cannot be joined.
Every human develops an automated subconscious and conscious system that guides their decisions and actions, though most of the time, we are unaware of that system. Human society and instinct cause us to develop a moral and ethical GPS. Some in the Corinthian congregation developed two cute Greek bywords based on their understanding of Christianity to teach their moral GPS standard. They are in these verses. Paul counters and corrects them.
First is the general byword: “Everything is permissible for me.” They mean they have the right in Christ to do what they please, probably because of God’s unlimited grace. They could be using or adapting this byword from a pagan philosophy. Many today still have this misconception of God’s grace.
The apostle counters by observing that such “freedom” of action may not benefit the Christian. Ask rich King Solomon about the outcome of a sensual lifestyle. His reply is, “I thought in my heart, ‘Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.’ But that also proved to be meaningless.” (Ecclesiastes 2:1) A life without wise perimeters is destructive. A life without righteous rules will enslave me.
Second is a specific byword: “Food for the stomach and the stomach for food.” They mean the bodily functions have no bearing on one’s inner spiritual life, so the physical act of promiscuous sexual activity does not affect one’s spiritual life.
Free use of the stomach and food does not serve a purpose. God made them and all of me for a purpose. If they are not used for his designed purpose and when that purpose is completed, he destroys them. All of my body is meant for the Lord, including the parts only meant for the married couple and reproduction, according to the first law, “Be fruitful and multiply”. (Hebrews 13:4) They are blessed when used for those purposes.
One’s moral GPS must be based on truth. If not, one will end up in a place no one wants to go.
Those in Corinth who put their faith in Jesus were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ by the Spirit of God. (11) What did Apostle Paul mean by washed, sanctified, and justified?
The original Greek word for washed is “apolouo” meaning “washed away”, not “ablution”. Ablution is a washing or cleansing of the body as part of a religious purification rite. (Mark 7:3, 8; Hebrews 9:10) Ablution is a general term for the ritual washing of the body or objects for purification, while baptism is a specific, one-time, Christian sacrament signifying spiritual rebirth and cleansing from sin. While both involve water, ablution is often repeated, whereas baptism is a singular act that symbolizes a transformative inner action (Acts 22:16; Ephesians 5:26; Hebrews 6:1-2).Hebrews 10:22 states, “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.“
The original Greek word for “sanctified” is “hagiazo” meaning “make holy” and “separate, contrasting with the profane”. Thus, God separates his people, dedicating them to him and his use through Jesus. (1:2; Romans 15:16; 1 Peter 1:2) The moral implications are stunning. Hebrews 13:12-16 reads, “And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood… Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise–the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
The original Greek word for “justified” is “dikaioo” meaning “brought into an unmerited right relationship with God”. Simply put it is just-as-if I had never sinned. Paul wrote in 1:30, “It is because of God that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”
The common fact is that my status in Christ Jesus is all because of God. I did not deserve it. He did it anyway.
Apostle Paul, tells the Corinthian believers, “The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already.” (7a) Then, he defines the wicked, something he did in 5:9-11. Here, he lists sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prospitutes, homosexual offenders, thieves, greedy, drunkards, slanderers, and swindlers. Paul identifies three kinds of sexual immoral persons. (Also see Romans 1:26-27)
The wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God (9), a fact repeated often in the Bible. They will be filled with remorse, weeping a river of tears. (Matthew 8:12; 13:42, 50; 22:13; 24:51; 25:30; Luke 13:28)“Do not be deceived,” he begins his warning (9).
The good news is there is hope for the wicked. As long as we breath, there is hope for the sinner. Some of the Corinthian believers were locked in one or more of the wicked ways of life before they came to believe in the saving and redeeming power of Jesus, the Son of God (11). They were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Chirst by the Spirit of God. Now the Kingdom of God is theirs. They have a wonderful inheritance that will never fade, spoil, rot, or be boring. They were born again.
The time to decide is now Jesus is waiting for your positive reply.
The disputes Apostle Paul addresses are civil matters, not criminal. If it were criminal violations, the Roman state would be involved. (Romans 13:3-4) Also, Paul’s declaration, “Why not rather be cheated?” (7), also indicates that the disputes were civil matters involving money and property. The Romans allowed Jews (Christians were still considered a Jewish sect) to settle their own property disputes according to Jewish law.
Now, in my sixty-plus years, I do not remember any Christians being close enough to have a dispute over money and property, except for one area, inheritance. A human constant seems to be the sudden sibling relationship change upon their parent’s passing and the inheritance split. I first encountered this with my grandparents’ death, on both sides. I found it rather shocking to see siblings that I thought had a good relationship suddenly change into strong, bitter disputes.
When I asked those older than I about this, they said, “Yes. Sibling cheating and wronging happen most of the time regarding inheritance. Buried past wrongs come to life. Greed comes from the cave of selfishness.” Now that I am older, I can testify that this is true. The more possessions and wealth involve the longer the sibling has been planning and conceiving.
Make the decision now if you have siblings, “Why not be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” Do not make an enemy of blood now, only to bleed grief into your old age. My grandmother chose to marry one of the poorest men in the town over family wealth because she considered love and happiness worth more than the wealth of her family. As years pass, that sibling will be more of a comfort than money and wealth.
Apostle Paul addresses two more problems in the Corinthian congregation in chapter 6. First, lawsuits against others in the congregation, and second, employing a prostitute. The points are rather straightforward. Yet, some good truths are also revealed within.
First, if there is a dispute between two believers, they should settle it among themselves (1-8). The Corinthian believers were going to court against each other. If the brothers and sisters cannot settle their differences on a one-to-one basis, another member of the congregation should intervene. Paul said it is very important to settle disagreements between brothers and sisters in the Lord. The same is true between husband and wife, and between parents and children. Jesus also taught peace and love to the disciples, who often argued about who was the greatest. (Mark 9:33-37)
Secondly, I am the temple of God, and my wife is the temple of God. Therefore, I should honor God with my body sexually (12-20). Sex is God’s great gift to a married man and women only. When any man and a woman lie together, no matter the circumstances, they become one flesh. (16b). “One flesh” means one in body, mind, soul, and spirit. This union is sacred, designed by God (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5; Mark 10:6-9).
God’s design through sex is for the married and united couple never to be united with another, neither in body, mind, nor heart. The couple is to continually engage in building each other up in this sacred union blessed by the Holy Spirit. Looking at marriage statistics, couples I know, and my own life, I know this is truly great and yet takes effort, a determined will, and passion.
Because of the blessing of marriage and the sexual union, Paul emphasises, “Flee from sexual immorality.” (18) Self-control is a gift of the Holy Spirit we can choose to exercise. (1 Corinthians 7:5; Galatians 5:23; 2 Peter 1:6) All Christians have been given a gift to stay true to their spouse, whether married, engaged, or still waiting for the Lord Jesus to introduce them to the one whom He will unite them. Therefore, God has given us the ability to control our bodies, including keeping the marriage bed only with the one God unites us to. (Hebrews 13:4)
Apostle Paul lists Christians not to associate with. They call themselves a brother or sister in Christ Jesus, but continue to apply these six. They are sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness (substance addiction), and swindling (11). The confessed Christian knows these are sins, but does not resist committing them. The 5 Biblical sexual immorality were listed in the previous BDBD titled, “Chapter 5 Overview”.
Greed is an excessive or reprehensible desire to acquire or possess more than what one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth. In short, greed is covetousness (Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21, 7:25; Hebrews 13:5;1 Timothy 6:9; Matthew 6:20).Hebrews 13:5 instructs, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'”
Apostle Paul includes idolatry in the list of six sins that a person who calls themselves a brother or sister continues to commit, which I must avoid. Yes, idolatry. According to Colossians 3:5 and Ephesians 5:5, a greedy person is an idolater. Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” (Matthew 6:2) What do I desire more: God or money?
Slander is speaking critically of another person with the intent to hurt and to give false testimony. (Leviticus 19:16; Exodus 20:16; Deuteronomy) Slander is as habitual as the other five sins. “Every careless word said will need to be accounted for on judgment day,” so said Jesus (Matthew 12:36).
Swindling (extortion, rapacious) is to cheat or defraud of money or property and to obtain by fraudulent means. I cannot think of one company that hired me that did not keep to what we negotiated, and many of them went to a congregation.
The often proclaimed Christian have heard that these six are sins, but do nothing to resist them in their hearts and minds. In their stubborn refusal, they resist the work of the Holy Spirit that desires to make them like Christ Jesus.
In my six decades, I have seen men and women who remain trapped by these sins, and yet remain popular in congregations because they are rich and pleasing to look at. While the righteous autistic and “strange person” cry lonely tears because they are isolated. I even heard a pastor say more than once that he told college students they do not have to associate with people they consider weird, even though they attend the same congregation as them. Are we not guilty too? (Matthew 18:10)
Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is the third-earliest letter that we have today, 1 & 2 Thessalonians being earlier. In verses 9-10a, Paul has them recall an earlier letter that we do not have. That letter stated, “Donot associate with sexually immoral people.” He adds here, “…not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters (He’s defining unbelievers.).” (9)
However, in many other later letters, Paul writes the same thing as here: stay away from sexual immorality (i.e., 6:9; Ephesians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 12:16, 13:4; and John’s Revelation 21:8, 22:15).
Also, all the apostles, as is recorded in Acts 15, during the council in Jerusalem, gave only these restrictions to the gentile believers, “Abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.” (Acts 15:28-29) Paul keeps reminding his fellow believers in Jesus and me of the same thing – avoid sexual immorality and don’t place myself into temptation by associating with the believer who is sexually immoral, greedy, an idolater, or a slanderer, a drunkard, or a swindler (11).
Understanding the Biblical Holy Week (aka Passover Week) helps in understanding Paul’s analogy. (Exodus 12:1-30, Leviticus 23:4-8; Deuteronomy 16:1-8; John 13:1-2, 18:27, 19:14)
Preparations were needed before Passover began. According to tradition, cleaning the location of any yeast was first. “Get rid of the old yeast,” Paul repeats the Mosaic Law (7). Yeast is usually a symbol of sin in the Bible. (Matthew 16:11-12; Mark 8:15; Galatians 5:7-9)
After this, before Passover began, the Passover lamb was killed and prepared (7). Then, Passover began with the meal the evening before Passover day. The Passover lamb, bitter herbs, and unleavened bread (without yeast) were eaten that evening. Passover Day continued until evening the next day.
Jesus is our Passover Lamb who takes away sin. (7, John 1:29, 36) In his death on the cross, Christ fulfilled the true meaning of the sacrifice of the Passover Lamb (Isaiah 53:7). Jesus takes away yeast (sin).
The “Festival” is the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which follows Passover. It lasts for the remainder of the week, symbolizing living the Christian life in holy dedication to God (Romans 12:1-2; 1 Peter 2:5) and not getting involved in such sins as malice and wickedness and incestuous marriages. We are to remain without sin.
Thus, Apostle Paul uses these Mosaic Feasts, just as John the Baptist did, to reveal God’s plan for the church. We are to remain without sin (yeast).
Apostle Paul addresses another problem at the Corinthian congregation, their handling of a member who is engaging in sexual immorality of a kind that does not occur even among pagans (1). The woman involved, according to the phrase the apostle used, “father’s wife”, suggests that the woman was his step-mother. Some commentators have suggested that his father had passed and his son married her. However, that is unimportant, for it is not mentioned by Paul in his letter (though, perhaps in 2 Corinthians 7:12). The Old Testament prohibited such a marriage (Leviticus 18:8; Deuteronomy 22:30, 27:20).
The church leadership, if they had one at this time, had done nothing about the ongoing sin. In fact, the congregation was proud of their liberty, a distortion of grace (2). Not even the pagans had tolerance for the disgrace of a father’s bed. The Roman orator Cicero states that incest was practically unheard of in Roman society.
Some modern congregations are betrothed in the distorted grace of another type of sexual immorality, which I will not address, for BDBD is intended to be a personal devotional.
So, considering tolerance with the continued sexual sin of even a casual friend, it is best to take Apostle Paul’s direction, and meet with them in the name of your Lord Jesus,and as the power of our Lord Jesus is present. Hand this person over to Satan, that is,tell them you no longer consider them a friend because of their continuing in a sexual immorality that cannot be tolerated, especially since you will not live with a distorted grace. This seems harsh, for it is. Pray for them for quite some time, and you will see that distorted grace burns both.
Some avoid this chapter because some could be offended. I do not mean to offend. I am looking at Paul’s instructions here to understand and thus to have hope, faith, and love to continue in my life.
Paul addresses sexual immorality in the congregation. Incest is specifically mentioned in 1 thru 5. He says that the man doing this should be put out of their fellowship. He equated it to handing the man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh. (Lev. 20:11 says put him to death.) Yet, the man would be saved, for we are saved by grace through faith. In 2 Corinthians 2:5-11, Paul said to forgive him, love him, and bring him back into the fellowship because he stopped.
Paul then states that they were not to associate with believers who continually engage in 6 actions. He makes it clear that he is not including unbelievers. The actions are sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, slander, alcoholism, and swindling. I do not believe Paul is introducing the law. Rather, he is giving direction to help the congregation from falling into destructive yeast that would cause them to fall into harmful practices.
Sexual immorality is defined in Leviticus 18, 19:20-22, and 20 as 5 actions. Sexual immorality is defined as incest, adultery, homosexuality, bestiality, and during periods.
I am to help people, but only if they want to be helped. I am not and cannot force change on anyone. Forcing someone to stop a bad and even harmful habit when they have no desire to is a common mistake. Some who want change go through a 12-step program, good tool God uses. I know that I continually need to check my motives and actions to see if I am guilty of any of these, for I am tempted to fall into some of these harmful actions from time to time. Resist the devil, and he will flee.
The Kingdom of God is stated nearly 300 times in the New Testament. The Old Testament consistently foreshadows the Kingdom of God. Paul states that the Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power (20). Jesus is the King. He is power and coming in power (Revelation 1:10, 12-18, 4;1-6, 5:6-8).
God’s present reign in the lives of his people – that dynamic, peaceful, loving new life in Christ (3; John 14:27; 2 Corinthians 5:17), the power of the new birth (John 3:3-8), showing itself in a humble life, dedicated to Christ and his church – that reign is the kingdom of God in all is power and glory.
To the arrogant in Corinth, Apostle Paul says, “I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out… what power they have.” Paul, full of the Holy Spirit, will come in power, if the Lord wills it, to the congregation the Lord Jesus led him to found. He will not come with shouts. He will not yell. The presence of power was enough to bring armies down in silence.
The power that raised Jesus from the dead is within his people, for that power is the Spirit of God, who hovered over the formless dark deep in the beginning (Genesis 1:1-2). The genuine power of the Holy Spirit is ever present; sadly, it can be denied, as some arrogant people in the Corinthian congregation did. I should not be a subject of the Kingdom who rejects the Kingdom’s power.(Acts 7:55)
