1Cor1a

“THE CHURCH AT CORINTH”

(1 Corinthians 1:1-9)

      I invite you to come with me momentarily as we draw back the curtains of time and step back about two thousand years ago. It is a crisp, spring-like day as we step aboard a wooden ship, now harbored in Apollonia, part of Greece, and sail into the Gulf of Corinth, staying overnight in the port city of Lechaeum.

      Our destination is Ephesus, where we will meet a short, stoop-shouldered missionary named Paul. In order to reach the city of Ephesus, we will watch as our ship is carried overland on rollers across the isthmus near the city of Corinth. The reason for this procedure is twofold. Sailing around Peloponnesus to our south is both time-consuming and dangerous—so dangerous, in fact, sailors in the area observe: “a sailor never takes his journey around Malea) the cape at the south end of the peninsula) until he first writes his will. The second reason for taking the ship across the isthmus is that in the long-term, it is a less expensive option that sailing around the peninsula.

      It would be nice if we could spend some time in Corinth, for it is one of the leading cities at Greece. Perhaps we could watch the athletes getting ready for the Isthminian games—second only to the great Olympian games held in Rome. Or maybe we could climb up to the acropolis (literally “high city”) known as the AeroCorinth, where on a clear day, we could see Athens, some forty-five miles away. The AeroCorinth is situated on a 2,000 foot high granite mound and is large enough to hold all of Corinth (about ¾ million people) and its surrounding farmlands in a time of siege. The AeroCorinth houses some 1,00 priestesses known all over the world for plying their trade upon the many foreign travelers in the city.

      As a matter of fact, it is probably just as well that our stay at Corinth will be brief, because the city is also well-known for its vices and excess. Due to its strategic location, Corinth attracts many sailors, merchantmen, and travelers, and is a city void of moral conscience. The city is so base and vile that the expression “he is acting like a Corinthian” is now commonly used to describe base and wicked behavior.

      I have heard from various sources that the Corinthian Christians are not much better than their unsaved counterparts. In one of Paul’s recent letters, he has said that some believers are participating in fornication (the word us porneia, from which we get our word pornography), idolatry, adultery, effimamcy, homosexuality, stealing and covetousness. With Christi like these, who needs heathen people? In fact, some have said that it is difficult to tell a heathen from a Corinthian Christian.

      Now let us come back to the present and look tat the church at Corinth from a Biblical and historical perspective:

I.    THE CHURCH AT CORINTH

      I understand that Paul established the church at Corinth on his second missionary journey. I believe that he recorded the history of the church for us in Acts 18.

A.  The people of the church (Acts 18:

      The church at Corinth was formed by believers from Rome, who had been expelled by Claudius Caesar. Suetonius speaks of the Claudian edict:

      “The expulsion of the Jews was due to a riot and tumult in Rome caused by one Chrestus.” Though the name is spelled with an “e”, I suspect that Suetonius’ hearting is not what it was once was and that the person in question was actually the Messiah Jesus.

1.   Priscilla and Aquila

      At any rate, an entire Jewish community was expelled from Rom and many of them came to Corinth, among whom was Aquila and Priscilla. The name Aquila in Greek means “eagle.” The name “Priscilla” is a female form of Prisca, one of the great families of Rome. I have heard that Priscilla is related to the great Prisca family.

      Priscilla was a gifted and culture woman; Priscilla and Aquila were tentmakers by trade. They were used by God to instruct the future pastor of the Church at Corinth, Apollos, the Alexandrian.

      The church at Corinth had a slow start—notice verses 4-6: “4And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. 5And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.”

      Silas and Timothy, Paul’s fellow laborers, came along to help Paul out, so he gave himself completely to the ministry of the Word. Notice Acts 17:16: “16Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. 17Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.”

2.   Titus Justus (Acts 18:7)

      Acts 18:7 tells us that a house owned by a man named Titus Justus and strategically located next to the Synagogue was first used as a meeting place for the church at Corinth. Verse 8 mentions Crispus, leader of the synagogue who was saved: “8And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.” The word “akountes” translated “hearing” is a present indicative participle that carries the idea, “continued hearing, continued to believe, continued to be baptized.

3.   Apollos

      Apollos is mentioned in verses 24-28:

        “24And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. 27And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace.”

      Apollos was an Alexandrian by birth, mighty in the Scriptures, but possessed only a partial knowledge of salvation and the teachings of Christ. Notice verse 28: “28For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.”

      Notice that Paul mentions Sosthenes in verse 1: “1Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother.” Acts 18:17 tells us that “17…all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat.”

      We have seen the people of the church at Corinth, now let’s notice together:

B.  The peril of the church

      In the early days of the church at Corinth, it seemed as though the church was going to “die on the vine.” Notice verses 6-8:

            “6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. 7And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. 8And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.”

      The believers at Corinth were rejected by the Jews (v. 6), received by a Gentile (v. 7), and encouraged by a leader of the synagogue. But the Lord encouraged Paul in verses 9-11:

            “9Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: 10For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. 11And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”

C.  The problems of the church

      The Corinthian church had a number of serious problems:

1.   Factions (1:10-13; 3:1-9)

2.   Worldliness

3.   Specific questions

      The church was in an upheaval. Some of the members were getting drunk at the Lord’s Table, one man was living in sin with his Father’s wife, the church was splitting into factions and cliques.

      Someone, in the midst of all these problems, writes Paul a letter asking six church-related questions. Paul writes a letter back, not only in answering the questions, but also (in the first six chapters) dealing with their problems.

      The questions were:

a.   What were the right Christian principles concerning sex, marriage and divorce. Paul answers these questions in chapter 7.

b.   Should believers do their shopping at meat markets associated with great pagan temples? The crux of this questions centers upon doubtful things, gray areas. Paul answers these questions in chapters 8-10.

c.   Should a woman dress for church services as for a private or a public function. Should capable women take a leading part in the services. Chapter 11:2-16 deals with this issue.

d.   What was the proper way to observe the Lord’s Table? What were the Biblical parameters? Answer in chapter 11:17-34.

e.   What about the use and practice of spiritual gifts? Sometimes the worship service was disturbed by uncontrolled ecstatic speech. What guide-lines should be followed? Discussed in chapters 12-14.

f.    Finally, the question was asked concerning “the resurrection,” a strictly Jewish concept. The Greeks understood the concept of immortality, but what was meant by “the resurrection.”

      Paul’s beautifully discusses the resurrection in detail in chapter 15.

      Finally, let us turn to 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 and notice:

III. THE CHURCH OF GOD

      Notice verses 1-2:

A.  The character of the church

1.   Spiritual character

a.   Origin

      Founded by the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 16:13-20

b.   Purpose

      Already discussed

1.)  Edification

2.)  Evangelism

2.   Organizational character

a.   Two ordinances

b.   Two offices

1.)  Qualifications

2.)  Ministry

c.   Two thrusts

1.)  Edification

2.)  Evangelism

B.  The characteristics of saints

1.   Set apart by God

      The church is composed of saints (v. 2). The church is not specifically pious or self-sacrificing Christian who has been taught by an ecclesiastical counsel.

      The Greek word “hagios” means “set apart ones.” The word church is taken from two Greek words: “ek” which means “out of” and “kalesia” meaning “called ones.” Combine the two and the word “ecclesia” and means “called out ones;” those called together (v. 2).

      There are three distinct calls in the context of the church; one is special and selective, given only to a few; the other two are general, extended to all who are part of the church.

2.   Called to be leaders (v. 1)

      “Paul, called to be an apostle.”

a.   Purpose and responsibilities of apostles

      Chosen by God to work in the founding and forcing of the church, after which time apostleship ceased. The special ministry of revelation, special powers, supernatural wonder-working abilities (2 Corinthians 12:2)

      The Corinthians were specifically by God to minister the Word (Acts 6:4). There is no distinction teachings of the apostles and the teachings of God. There were uniquely empowered and inspired.

      1 Corinthians 7:12 indicates that Jesus, during His earthly ministry, gave his specific teaching on the subject being discussed.

b.   Purpose and responsibilities of church leaders

      These leaders were chosen by God to sustain, direct and steward the local church ministry. The specific call given to some to minister the Word, some in full-time capacity.

      1 Timothy 5:17-18 “Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they that labor in the word and in doctrine. For the Scripture saith, ‘Thou shalt not muzzle the oxen that treadeth out the corn. And the laborer is worthy of his reward.”

      All are to serve the Lord, serve the Lord people of the local church, not “lording” or setting themselves above other believers—“submitting yourselves” one to another in the fear of the God.”

      Paul frequently refers to himself as a servant. All the apostles and the Lord Jesus Himself made it clear that their spiritual leadership is expressed in service to the whole group.

      Now that we know who are positionally and practically, we should now discover some characteristics of one who has faith in Christ.

2.   Enriched by grace

a.   Past benefit in salvation

      “Thank my God always concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus.”

      “Evan as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you…” The word “witness is marturion. We are to be witnesses, testimonies, trophies of His grace.  We are to be concerned with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

      In 1:4 we see the divine offer of grace and in 1:6 the positive human response to grace.

b.   Present benefits (1, 5, 7a)

      Everything that Christ has given is ours and He gives us everything that we need.

      God’s divine power has granted us everything pertaining to life and godliness which is all a believer needs and should be all that he wants.

      We are enriched by his grace in:

1.   All speech

2.   All knowledge.

      Colossians 1:9-10: “Paul’s prayer for the Colossians church.” Ephesians 1:17: “Paul’s prayer for himself.”

3.   All gifts

      A Christian is never lacking in any gift that he needs to live a full and a faithful life.

      The Corinthians were especially rich in spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 8:7); but many were not using them properly.

c.   Future benefits

      The future benefits of the believer are seen in a third characteristic of saints. They are:

3.   Expectant of Christ’s return

      “Eager anticipation, coupled with activity.”

      There are five reasons that a believer should look for the return of Christ.

a.   It means Satan’s defeat

      The Lord’s return will bring Satan’s final defeat, humiliation and punishment. Satan will no longer be “ruler of the world” (John 14:30) or the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). He will be bound for a thousand years, released for a little while, then chained and thrown into the lake of fire for eternity.

b.   It means justice for the martyrs

      The Lord’s return will bring retribution against all who have persecuted and afflicted God’s people.

      2 Thessalonians 1:6-7: “for after all, it is only just for God to repay with affliction those that afflict you, and to give relief to all who are afflicted and to us and well when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven His mighty angels in flaming fire.”

c.   It means the death of Christ Rejecters

      Christ’s return will bring the death of all who have rejected him (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9).

d.   It means Christ’s exaltation

      The revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ will bring His long due and eternally deserved exaltation. When He comes, He will return in all His full glory and honor and majesty.

e.   It means heaven for those who believe

      When Christ returns, He will confirm, or establish us blameless before His heavenly father. We will be presented to Christ in perfection. The church will be presented “…in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she shall be holy and blameless.”

      The final characteristic of the believer is that we are:

4.   Dependent upon God’s faithfulness (vv. 8-9)

a.   It is God who saves us

b.   God gives us everything we need for life and health

c.   God sustains, empowers and spiritually

d.   The believer is absolutely dependent upon God’s faithfulness.

C.  The dilemma of the Church

      Their walk did not match their talk. They had professed Christ, possessed the Holy Spirit, but did not practice righteousness.

      The purpose of the letter is to encourage these Corinthians to synchronize their life with the lips, to coordinate their walk with their talk, to harmonize their profession with their practice.

      We have seen the church of God at Corinth.  We understand the spiritual character, founded by Christ, established by God for the purposes of building believers and reaching the lost.

      We understand its organizational character, with two ordinances, two offices, two primary points of emphasis.

      We also understand that we are called of god, called out the world. Some of us are called to lead. All are called to holiness.

      We are to live as Christ lived, to act as he acted, to think as he thought. As we do so, we are demonstrate to others that we are set apart by God. We have been enriched by God’s grace with the past benefit of salvation, the present benefit of enrichment in all knowledge, all speech, with the equipment of the gifts necessary to serve the Lord.

      We are expectant of Christ’s return—we look for Him to appear. And are dependent upon God’s faithfulness.

      Tell me:

Are you saved? Have you received the grace of God?

      Several years ago, a young boy, whose father was a pastor, was put in jail for stealing some merchandise from a department store. His father happened to be playing golf with some church leaders at the time and received a call while on the golf course to come down to jail to get his son. Thinking it was a mistake, the pastor took the other men with him to the police station. Needless to say, the pastor was greatly embarrassed. The deepest impression made on the boy’s mind by the incident was made by the repeated reminders received from these men, and from many others afterward, was that his father occupied a respected position in the community. “Having a father like yours,” they would ask, “how could you do what you did?” As humiliating and painful was the experience was, the boy knew that he was still his father’s son. He had not acted like the son of his father.