Introduction to 1 Corinthians

The city of Corinth

Short History

Flourished as a Greek city-state during the 5th century B.C

Was destroyed in 146 B.C by Lucius Mummias due to coming into conflict with Rome

Was refounded by Julius Caesar as a Roman colony in 44 B.C

Settled by mostly “freed men” from Rome

The Region

Was in a key area for commerce due to having control over two primary ports for East-West trade

Had water freely available and was surrounded by natural defences

Culture

The First Epistle to the Corinthians I. The City and Its People

Sexual sin there undoubtedly was in abundance; but it would have been of the same kind that one would expect in any seaport where money flowed freely and women and men were available.

It was essentially the New York, L.A, or Las Vegas of the new world

The Church

Primarily made up of gentiles with a mix of lower and upper class. The mixture leaned more towards lower class.

The Letter

Paul left around A. D. 51-52 and wrote the letter about three years later in response to how the church was growing

It’s very evident that the entire letter is aimed at the entire body, not any on particular person or group. There was likely some key leaders who were teaching an anti-Pauline gospel but Paul spends little time singling out individuals.

Verses like suggest there was an initial letter sent to them after the founding, probably while he was in Ephesus, which instructed them on certain matters like sexual immorality and idolatry.

It’s very likely then that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus () brought the Corinthians response to Paul’s initial letter back to him. Based on their response, and what he heard from Chloe’s household (), Paul’s combative response is indicative that the Corinthians took exception to some items in his initial letter.

The Corinthians stood in judgement over him, and discounted him being spiritual or a prophet (

Paul is thus faced with a unique situation where he has to assert his authority while maintaining the servant/leader example and correct their behavior/theology before it damages the gospel message beyond repair.

Key Themes

The understanding of God’s people living “as if not.” We are not conditioned by the present age which is passing away (). However, as sure as life, we are already promised a future consummation with Christ (). The promise of the future necessarily dictates our life in the present.

While Paul’s letter to the Romans focused on faith outside the works of the law, this letter focuses on those who have faith should follow the commandments of God (). Paul’s message here is simply “becoming what you are.” ()