1I Corinthians 1:1-9 -- Introduction

1. How many letters did Paul write?

2. What other NT book tells about Paul’s ministry in Corinth?

3. What do we know about the city of Corinth (location, size, reputation, etc.)?

4. Why does Paul write this first letter to the Corinthians?

SALUTATION (1:1-3)

5. What is the typical sequence that is found in the salutation of all of the NT letters?

6. Is Sosthenes mentioned anywhere else in the NT (Acts 18:17)?

7. How can Paul refer to the Corinthians as “sanctified” when they are the most carnal church in the NT?

THANKSGIVING (1:4-9)

8. Is there any epistle of Paul in which he does not give thanks for his recipients at the outset of his letter?

9. What does Paul thank God for in regard to the Corinthians and why is this appropriate in view of their reputation (vv.4-6)?

10. Is there any correlation between being highly gifted and one’s level of spirituality (v.7)?

11. How does Paul’s statement in v.8 further emphasize God’s incredible grace?

12. God is faithful! (v.9) → Lam. 3:22-23

[Next week: I Cor. 1:10-17]

I Corinthians 1:10-17 -- The Problem of Divisions

Divisions in the Church (1:10-17)

1. Does Paul’s use of “brethren” in v.10 exclude the women in the congregation?

2. The Greek word katarti<zw, translated “perfectly united” in v.10, is used elsewhere in the New Testament of “mending nets” (Mk.1:19) and of “restoring” a sinning brother (Gal. 6:1). One of its uses in secular Greek was as a medical term for the mending of a joint.

3. Do you think Paul was expecting the Corinthian Christians to be in total agreement on every issue? -- not unison, but harmony!

4. “You’re all picking sides, going around saying, ‘I’m on Paul’s side,’ or ‘I’m for Apollos,’ or ‘Peter is my man,’ or ‘I’m in the Messiah group.’” (v.12 in The Message)

5. We might wonder what was wrong with those who claimed to be ‘of Christ’ (v.12). Barclay says, “Their real fault was not in saying that they belonged to Christ, but in acting as if Christ belonged to them.”

6. The Greek language has a way of asking questions that enables the reader to know whether a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ answer to the question is expected. What do you suppose is the expected answer to each of Paul’s questions in v.13?

7. Who were Crispus (Acts 18:8), Gaius (Rom. 16:23; Acts 18:7) and Stephanas (I Cor. 16:15)?

8. How does v.17 argue against the view that baptism is necessary for salvation?

9. What is the danger of preaching with “cleverness of speech” or “fancy rhetoric” (v.16; The Message)?

[Next Week: I Cor. 1:18-2:5]

I Corinthians 1:18-2:5 -- The Problem of Divisions

The Foolishness of the Gospel (1:18-25)

1. Every living person fits into one of the two groups in v.18.

(cf. Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female)

2. Is it the act of preaching (KJV) or the content of preaching

(NIV) that is foolish? Why is the preaching of the cross

“foolishness” to the unbeliever (v.21)?

3. What were the Jews looking for in their Messiah? What were the Greeks looking for? What did they get instead?

The sign-seeking Jews missed the greatest sign of all.

The wisdom-seeking Greeks missed the greatest wisdom of all.

The Insignificance of the Believers (1:26-31)

4. What does Paul mean by the expression, “when you were called” (v.26)?

5. Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, thanked God for the ‘m’ in “many” (v.26).

6. Why do you suppose God has chosen the foolish instead of the wise, the weak instead of the strong, etc. (vv.27-28)?

7. How does v.30 demonstrate God’s grace? The dying remark of John Allen of the Salvation Army was this: “I deserve to be damned; I deserve to be in hell; but God interfered!”

8. What is to be the focus of our boasting as believers (v.31)?

Preaching Without Eloquence (2:1-5)

9. What was the focus of Paul’s preaching (v.2)?

10. Why do you suppose Paul came to Corinth in “weakness and fear, and with much trembling” (v.3)?

11. Why is Paul concerned that his preaching be not “with wise and persuasive words” (vv.4-5)?

[Next week: I Cor. 2:6-16]

I Corinthians 2:6-16 -- The Problem of Divisions

The True Wisdom of the Gospel (2:6-16)

1. What kind of wisdom does Paul proclaim (vv.6-7)?

2. Who are the rulers of this age and what is happening to them, according to v.6?

3. What is ‘secret’ or ‘hidden’ about God’s wisdom (v.7)? Does this mean that we are ‘in the dark’ as to what God is doing?

4. How do you interpret v.9? Will we have to wait until we get to heaven to understand God’s wisdom (cf. v.10)?

5. What is the point of Paul’s human illustration in v.11?

6. How can we understand the ‘deep things of God’ (See v.10)?

7. Lenski says of v.13, “This is Paul’s definition of verbal inspiration.” Note the following translations:

NASB “combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words”

RSV “interpreting spiritual truths to those who possess the Spirit”

NIV “expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words”

KJV “comparing spiritual things with spiritual”

8. Who is the ‘natural man’ and why can he not understand the things of the Spirit (v.14)? “Human ears cannot hear high-frequency radio waves; deaf men are unable to judge music contests; blind men cannot enjoy beautiful scenery and the unsaved are incompetent to judge spiritual things, a most important practical truth” (Wycliffe Commentary).

9. Who is the ‘spiritual man’ and how is he able to make judgments

about all things (vv.15-16)?

Thank God for his Holy Spirit who brings to us the mind of Christ!!

[Next week: I Cor. 3:1-9]

I Corinthians 3:1-9 -- The Problem of Divisions

The Carnality of the Corinthians (3:1-4)

1. According to v.2, what kind of spiritual food do new Christians require? What about mature Christians?

2. Why is Paul upset with the Corinthians (v.3)?

3. There are four levels of spiritual experience. Every person alive fits into one of these four categories:

 Natural man (yuxiko<j) = unbelievers (2:14)

 Carnal-weak man (sarkino<j) = new converts (3:1)

 Carnal-willful man (sarkiko<j = Corinthians (3:3)

 Spiritual/mature man (pneumatiko<j) = us?? (2:15; 3:1)

The Clarification of the Minister’s Role (3:5-9)

4. How does Paul describe himself and Apollos (v.5)? What does it mean to be a ‘servant’?

5. What practical lesson about personal evangelism can we learn from vv.6-7?

6. According to v.8, how will we be rewarded for our witness to others (cf. Mt. 25:21ff.)?

7. What two metaphors does Paul use to describe the Corinthian believers (v.9)?

[Next week: I Cor. 3:10-23]

I Corinthians 3:10-23 -- The Problem of Divisions

The Foundation and the Building (3:10-17)

1. Why does Paul mention the grace of God in v.10? What does Paul mean by “I laid a foundation”?

2. What foundation is every true church built upon (v.11)?

3. What do the six different building materials of v.12 represent?

4. What ‘Day’ is Paul referring to in v.13 (cf. II Cor. 5:10)? When our works are judged, will the emphasis be upon quantity or quality?

5. Does our salvation depend upon the works that we have done in this life (vv.14-15)?

6. What does Paul mean by “God’s temple” in vv.16-17? What warning does he give in v.17?

Notice the progression of thought in these verses:

3:14 -- A good superstructure wins a reward for the builder.

3:15 -- A bad superstructure perishes, but the builder is rewarded.

3:17 -- But he who, instead of adding to the edifice ruins what has been built, will himself meet with ruin.

Worldly Wisdom is ‘Foolishness’ (3:18-23)

7. What does Paul mean when he says that to become a ‘fool’ is to become wise (v.18)?

8. Just as worldly wisdom is foolishness to God, divine wisdom is foolishness to the unbeliever (2:14). It is only through conversion that we receive the mind of Christ and begin to see things from God’s perspective.

9. What is Paul’s point in vv.21-23? How do these verses speak to the problem of divisions at Corinth?

[Next week: I Cor. 4:1-21]

I Corinthians 4:1-21 -- The Problem of Divisions

Servants of Christ: the Ministry of the Apostles (4:1-13)

1. In v.1, Paul describes himself as a ‘servant’ (u[phre<thj) and as a ‘steward’ (oi]kono<moj). What kind of a ministry do these terms suggest?

2. What is the basic requirement of a steward (v.2)?

3. Whose evaluation of our work really matters in the last analysis and how should this affect our attitude (vv.3-5)?

4. What is meant by “Do not go beyond what is written” (v.6)?

5. Who deserves the credit for all of our accomplishments (v.7)? [This verse was very influential in Augustine’s (A.D. 354-430) life and led in his thinking to his belief in man’s total depravity, irresistible grace, and absolute predestination.]

6. What do you think Paul is trying to say in vv.8-13? Do you sense a note of sarcasm in this paragraph?

7. List some of the hardships of the apostles that Paul mentions in vv.8-13 (cf. II Cor 6:4-10; 11:23-29).

A Personal Appeal (4:14-21)

8. Note the sudden change of tone in v.14. Paul’s harshness changes to tenderness as he addresses “my dear children.”

9. What is Paul’s appeal in v.16? Would you feel comfortable in making a similar appeal to your friends (cf. I Cor. 11:1)?

10. What does Paul mean in v.20, and how does this apply to us

(cf. I Jn. 3:18)?

[Next week: I Cor. 5:1-13]

I Corinthians 5:1-13 -- The Problem of Moral Laxity

[In I Cor. 5-6, Paul deals with three problems of moral laxity in the church at Corinth: incest, lawsuits, and fornication. “The church was in the world as it ought to be, but the world was in the church as it ought not to be.”]

A Case of Incest (5:1-13)

1. A man is apparently having a sexual relationship with his father’s (former?) wife, a reproach even to the Greeks (v.1)!

2. What was the reaction of the Corinthian believers to this perverted behavior (v.2)? F. F. Bruce writes: “This [attitude] was much worse than the sexual offence itself.”

3. What should they have done with the man (v.2)? What specific guidelines does Jesus give for dealing with a sinning brother or sister (Mt. 18:15-17)?

4. Paul has already passed judgment (ke<krika) on this man and he wasn’t even on the scene (v.3).

5. What does Paul mean by his charge to “hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed” (v.5)? What is Paul’s ultimate hope for this man, according to the end of v.5 (cf. I Tim. 1:20)?

6. What illustration from the kitchen does Paul use to make his point in vv.6-8? What is his point? [Just as there was to be no leaven in the house during Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread the week following (Ex. 12:15), so we too are to get rid of the evil in our lives.]

7. What letter is Paul referring to in v.9? How had the Corinthians misunderstood what Paul had written (v.10)? What did Paul really mean for them to do (v.11)?

8. We are not to judge those outside the church, but we are to judge those within. How does this line up with Mt. 7:1-6?

[Next week: I Cor. 6:1-20]

I Corinthians 6:1-20 -- The Problem of Moral Laxity

Lawsuits Among Believers (6:1-11)

1. How should disputes among Christians be settled (v.1)? Is it ever permitted for a Christian to be involved in a lawsuit against anyone? Against another Christian?

2. If believers will eventually judge the world (v.2) and angels (v.3), the highest order of created beings, surely we ought to be qualified to judge matters pertaining to this life.

3. It is a shame to them that there is no one wise enough to settle a dispute among believers (vv.4-6), especially in light of Paul’s reminder that “we have the mind of Christ” (2:16).

4. What should be the believer’s attitude when treated unjustly by another Christian (vv.7-8)? By an unbeliever (I Pet. 2:20)?

5. In vv.9-10 we have a horrible catalogue of sins, any of which will bar a person from the kingdom. But Jesus can make the vilest sinner clean (v.11)! How can those who deny the sin of homosexuality make peace with these verses?

Sexual Immorality (6:12-20)

6. What is Paul’s point in v.12? Christian liberty must be limited by expediency and by self-control.

7. What distinction is Paul attempting to make between food & stomach and body & Lord in vv.13-14?

8. Why is the sin of prostitution singled out as being of greater consequence (vv.15-17)? In what sense is this sin a sin against one’s own body (v.18)?

9. Flee (feu<gete = “keep on fleeing”)! Disapproval is not enough. Evasive action is required (cf. Gen. 39:1-12)!

10. Our bodies are a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit (v.19). Christ paid a terrible price for his dwelling place in us [Salvation is free, but it is not cheap!]. “Therefore honor God with your body” (v.20)!

[Next week: I Cor. 7:1-16]

I Corinthians 7 -- Questions about Marriage

 Notice that Paul now answers questions that had been raised by the Corinthians (Peri> de<...; cf. 7:25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1,12).

 Paul wages war against two extremes that were dominant in Greek thought, both of which stemmed from a low view of the body and of all matter as being evil:

Libertinism--everything is permissible (cf. 6:12)

Asceticism--all bodily appetites must be subdued

Advice to the Married (7:1-7)

Question # 1: Are Christians to continue normal sexual relations after conversion? Answer: Yes, they owe it to one another to do so.

1. What are the three criteria for abstinence according to v.5? 1) mutual agreement; 2) temporary; 3) for a spiritual objective such as prayer.

2. Paul wishes that all would remain unmarried as he is, but not all have the gift of celibacy and therefore in that case they should marry (v.7).

Advice to the Unmarried (7:8-9)

Question # 2: Should the unmarried marry? Answer: Paul commends celibacy, but only for those with that gift.

3. Self-control is the key. Without the gift of celibacy, a man should marry lest he be consumed with passion (v.9).

Divorce Prohibited (7:10-11)

Question # 3: Is divorce permitted to a Christian couple? Answer: No.

4. Are there exceptions? Jesus gives one in Mt. 5:32 and 19:9 when he cites ‘porneia’ as a ground for divorce. What does ‘porneia’ include and are there other grounds?

Mixed Marriages (7:12-16)

Question # 4: When one partner gets converted, should the marriage continue with the unconverted spouse? Answer: Yes, the Christian is not to leave the unbelieving partner unless the latter desires separation.

5. Is desertion by the unbelieving partner a legitimate ground for divorce and/or remarriage?

[Next week: I Cor. 7:17-40]

I Corinthians 7 -- Questions about Marriage

Calling and Status (7:17-24)

1. As a general principle of life, Paul exhorts the new Christian to continue in his pre-conversion calling—unless, of course, it is immoral (vv.17,20,24).

2. There is to be a social continuity with the past; Christianity is to bring a sanctifying influence within society:

married ↔ unmarried (family)

circumcised ↔ uncircumcised (religious)

slave ↔ free (social)

3. According to v.19b, what is the ‘bottom line’ for the Christian?

4. How does becoming a Christian change everything (v.22)?

Advice on Virgins (7:25-38)

Question # 5: Ought Christian fathers to give their daughters in marriage? Answer: Each father should make his own decision, bearing in mind the passing nature of this world and the greater liberty to serve Christ that being single allows.

5. What is the ‘present crisis’ that Paul is referring to in v.26. It is most likely a combination of 1) persecution; 2) traumatic events just prior to the Lord’s return; and 3) difficult circumstances at Corinth unknown to us.

6. What is Paul’s point in vv.29-31? What danger must the Christian guard against in relation to this world (v.31)?

7. What are the advantages of being single (vv.32-35)? Are there any disadvantages?

8. For a father to withhold his virgin daughter from marriage or for a young man to decide not to marry his fiancé may be the best choice under the circumstances in Corinth (vv.36-38).

Advice for Widows (7:39-40)

Question # 6: May a Christian widow marry? Answer: Yes—with qualifications (e.g., must marry a believer).

[Next week: I Cor. 8:1-13]

I Corinthians 8 -- Questions about Idol Sacrifices

Paul deals with two questions in Chapters 8-10:

 Might a Christian buy and eat meat that may have been offered to an idol?

 Might a Christian participate in an idol feast in a pagan temple, partaking of meat offered to a pagan god?

Knowledge about Idols (8:1-6)

1. The Corinthians were proud of their knowledge. How does Paul contrast the byproducts of knowledge with those of love (v.1)? Phillips: “While knowledge may make a man look big, it is only love that can make him grow to his full stature.”

2. True knowledge should lead to humility rather than pride. I once heard the following statement from Norm Cook: “The greater the diameter of knowledge, the greater the circumference of ignorance.” It is not so much what we know that matters, but rather that we are known by God (v.3)!

3. In vv.4-6, Paul emphasizes that there is but one God through whom and for whom all things exist. By contrast, an idol is nothing in the world (cf. Isa. 44:12-20).

The ‘Weak’ Brother (8:7-13)

4. Who is the ‘weak’ brother in Corinth according to vv.7-8? Since meat offered to idols is not an issue with us, what might be an example of a ‘weak’ brother in the church today?

5. What is Paul’s underlying concern in this passage (See v.9 in particular; cf. Rom. 14)?

6. Why is the wounding of a weak brother’s conscience such a serious matter (vv.10-12)?

7. What is Paul’s conclusion to the matter of exercising his ‘rights’ as a Christian (v.13)?

8. Someone wrote an article in Eternity Magazine some years ago entitled, “Don’t be a 95 Pound Christian Weakling.” What do you suppose was the point of the article?

[Next week: I Cor. 9:1-27]

I Corinthians 9 -- The Example of Paul

Paul’s Rights as an Apostle (9:1-14)

1. Paul begins by establishing his apostleship (vv.1-2). When had Paul seen the Lord Jesus?

2. In vv.3-14, Paul gives a number of reasons why he is entitled to material support from the Corinthians. How many can you identify?

Paul’s Refusal to Exercise his Rights (9:15-18)

3. Why did Paul refuse to exercise his right to material support (See vv.12b and 15)? How was he able to support himself

(cf. Acts 18:3)?

4. What is the point that Paul is making in vv.16-17?

5. What is Paul’s “reward” for preaching the gospel (v.18)?

Paul’s Service to all Men (9:19-23)

6. Paul is willing to become “all things to all men.” What is Paul’s goal in doing this, according to v.19?

7. What are some examples of how we might become “all things to all men” in our lives today?

Paul’s Self-control (9:24-27)

8. What lessons can we learn from the athlete that also apply to our Christian lives?

 Determination -- “Run to win” (v.24)

 Discipline -- “Exercise self-control” (vv.25, 27)

 Direction -- “Keep your eyes on the goal” (v.26)

9. What does Paul mean by the term “disqualified” in v.27? He surely is not speaking of loss of salvation, but rather of reward.

[Next week: I Cor. 10:1-33]

I Corinthians 10 -- Questions about Idol Sacrifices

The Example of the Israelites (10:1-13)

1. The fact that we are greatly blessed of God does not guarantee that we will not be ‘disqualified’ (9:27). How do vv.1-5 make this point in the case of Israel?

2. According to v.5, “God was not well-pleased with most of them.” How many of those over 20 years of age made it into Canaan (Num. 14:29-30)?

3. What four sins of Israel are cited in vv.6-10?

4. The warnings of vv.11-12 are followed by a wonderful promise in v.13: God will always provide a ‘way out’ (e@kbasin) of any temptation. We have no excuse for our sins.

The Lord’s Table and Idol Feasts are Incompatible (10:14-22)

5. What is the best way to deal with temptations (v.14)? “Don’t see how near you can go, but how far you can flee.”

6. Just as participation in the Lord’s Table involves participation in the body and blood of Christ (v.16), so participation in idol sacrifices involves participation—even fellowship!—with demons (v.20). To try to have it both ways is to arouse the Lord’s jealousy (vv.21-22).

The Practical Outcome (10:23-11:1)

7. What important principle does Paul share in vv.23-24? “Love starts when another person’s needs become more important than your own” (cf. Phil. 2:3-5).

8. Attending idol feasts in a pagan temple is off limits, but, as stated earlier in Ch. 8, eating meat offered to idols is no problem for Paul (vv.25-26).

9. However, when does Paul refrain from eating such meat (vv.28-30; cf. 8:13)?

10. What is the ultimate purpose of our lives according to v.31?

11. May God help us to live in such a way that others may safely pattern their lives after ours (11:1)!

[Next week: I Cor. 11:2-16]

I Corinthians 11:2-16 -- The Veiling of Women

[As Paul begins to deal with disorders in public worship, he is apparently responding to reports that have come to him of certain ‘emancipated’ women who had dispensed with the veil in public worship and also of serious abuses of the Lord’s Table (vv.17-34).]

1. In v.2, Paul begins by commending the Corinthians for holding to his teachings which he has passed on to them. Christ, our Example (v.1); The Bible, our Standard (v.2)

2. What is the ‘order of creation’ according to v.3 (fill in the blanks)?

__________ → __________ → __________ → __________

What can we learn from this sequence that sheds light on the relationship between man and woman/husband and wife?

3. Why does a man dishonor his head when he worships with a hat on (v.4)? Why is the opposite true in the case of a woman (vv.5-6)? (Note: Contemporary punishment for a prostitute in Corinth was to have her head shaved!)

4. In vv.7-9, Paul appeals to the creation account in Gen. 1-2. What is his point in v.7? In v.8? In v.9?

5. Why does Paul refer to the angels in v.10? He is apparently suggesting that since the good angels are always with us, they would be insulted by an unveiled woman in worship.

6. Before God, man and woman are of equal value and, in fact, are interdependent. While woman came from man initially, man is born of woman (vv.11-12).

7. According to vv.13-15, it is natural for a woman to have long hair and a man short hair. Exceptions have been local and temporary.

8. Paul has no desire to argue the point, but appeals once again to universal church practice (v.16).

Conclusion: The hat or the veil is not the important concern, but rather the subordination for which it stands. What are some contemporary evidences of the subordination of woman to man?

[Next week: I Cor. 11:17-34]

I Corinthians 11:17-34 -- The Lord’s Supper

[The celebration of the Lord’s Supper customarily followed a love feast as when it was first instituted in the Upper Room. The abuses of the Lord’s Supper that were occurring at Corinth have been variously described as “an unholy free for all,” “scandalously disrupted,” and “a disgraceful farce.”]

The Offences (11:17-22)

1. How does Paul evaluate the ‘benefit’ of their coming together in v.17?

2. What is the first problem that Paul identifies in their coming together (v.18)? What is the one good thing that results from this problem (v.19)?

3. What is the second problem that Paul identifies in their coming together (vv.20-21)? They may have been coming together for a supper, but it definitely was not the Lord’s Supper!

4. Home is the place to satisfy your hunger and thirst. If that’s all you care about, then eat at home (v.22)!

The Institution of the Lord’s Supper (11:23-26)

[This is the earliest account of the Lord’s Supper and, for that matter, of any words of our Lord—at least 10 years before the Gospels were written.]

5. We are not sure whether Paul received this information directly from God or through the passing along of oral tradition (v.23).

6. What do the bread and the wine symbolize (vv.24-25)? Notice that the word “broken” (KJV) is not in the best manuscripts. Jesus simply says, “This is my body, which is for you.” How does the Lord’s Supper look backward and forward (v.26)?

The Practical Outcome (11:27-34)

7. What does it mean to partake of the Lord’s Supper “unworthily” (v.27; KJV)? What are the consequences (vv.29-32)? “Damnation” (v.29; KJV) or divine discipline?

8. What is the sum of the matter as Paul concludes (vv.33-34)?

[Next week: I Cor. 12:1-11]

I Corinthians 12-14 -- Spiritual Gifts

[The Situation in Corinth: The phenomena described in these chapters were largely abnormal and transitory and not a part of the regular development of the church. Though some had received exceptional spiritual endowments, these did not make them morally better. In fact, the opposite was often true, since the gifted were puffed up by their gifts and looked down on the ungifted. The most valued gifts were not the most useful ones, but rather the ones that made the most show.]

The Variety of Gifts (12:1-11)

1. How does Paul describe the Corinthians in their pre-Christian experience (v.2)? The Greek word for “led astray” (a]pa<gw) was used in the Gospels of Jesus being led away to the cross (Mt. 27:31). The heathen are under constraint as helpless captives to dumb idols—a pathetic image!

2. Paul provides a rule of thumb by which the Corinthians may discern the genuinely spiritual utterance from the heathen utterance (v.3). “Jesus is Lord” was one of the primitive confessions of the early Church (cf. Rom. 10:9; II Cor. 4:5).

3. What do you suppose is Paul’s primary point in vv.4-6? Do you see any significance in the three different names for deity in these verses?

4. What is the purpose of the spiritual gifts according to v.7? Do you see a recurring theme in later verses such as 14:5,12,19?

5. In vv.8-10, we have one of the four listings of spiritual gifts to be found in Paul’s letters (See also 12:28-30; Rom. 12:6-8; Eph. 4:11). Nine gifts are listed here out of a total of twenty (See the accompanying chart, A Listing of the Spiritual Gifts in Paul’s Letters).

6. What is meant by the gift of faith in v.9? Doesn’t every Christian have this gift as a basis for his/her salvation? What is involved in the gift of prophecy (v.10)?

7. What two gifts are listed last in vv.8-10 and again at the end of the chapter in verses 28 and 30?

8. Who determines who gets what gift or gifts (v.11)? How should this affect my attitude toward my particular gift(s)?

[Next week: I Cor. 12:12-31]

A Listing of the Spiritual Gifts in Paul’s Letters

I Cor. I Cor. Rom. Eph.

12:8-10 12:28-30 12:6-8 4:11

Wisdom x

Knowledge x

Faith x

Healing x x

Miracles x x

Prophecy x x x x

Discernment x

Tongues x x

Interpretation x x

Apostles x x

Teachers x x

Helpers x

Administrators x

Exhortation x

Service x

Contributing x

Giving Aid x

Acts of Mercy x

Evangelists x

Pastor-Teachers x

I Corinthians 12-14 -- Spiritual Gifts

The Body Analogy: Unity in Diversity (12:12-31)

1. How does Paul’s use of the human body help to illustrate the nature of the body of Christ (v.12)?

2. Pentecostals like to speak of “getting the baptism”. According to Paul, when are we baptized by the Spirit (v.13)? Stott: “It is difficult to resist the conclusion that the baptism of the Spirit is not a second and subsequent experience, enjoyed by some Christians, but the initial experience enjoyed by all.”

3. In vv.14-16, Paul deals with the problem of INFERIORITY in the body. How does he illustrate this? Chrysostom: “The foot contrasts itself with the hand rather than with the ear, because we do not envy those who have a much higher position than ourselves so much as those who are just a little above us.”

4. In vv.17-20, Paul deals with the problem of UNIFORMITY in the body. How does he illustrate this? Can you imagine the whole body being an eye or an ear or a nose? There is a great difference between unity and uniformity!

5. In vv.21-24a, Paul deals with the problem of SUPERIORITY in the body. How does he illustrate this? Hodge: “It is an instinct of nature to adorn most the least comely portions of the body, and it is an instinct of grace to honor most those members of the church who least attract admiration.”

6. Who is responsible for the assigning of various spiritual gifts to individuals in the body of Christ (v.24b; cf. v.11)? How will a healthy body function (vv.25-26)?

7. In vv.27-31, Paul includes two more lists of spiritual gifts, adding four that were not mentioned in vv.8-10 [See “A Listing of the Spiritual Gifts in Paul’s Letters” distributed last week]. What four gifts are added here and what do they involve?

8. All of the questions in vv.29-30 are worded in such a way in Greek as to expect a “no” answer. How does this argue against the view of many Pentecostals that every Christian who is Spirit-filled will speak in tongues?

[Next week: I Cor. 13:1-7]

I Corinthians 13 -- The Supremacy of Love

[I Cor. 13 is not a digression in Paul’s argument, but rather is central to the discussion of spiritual gifts. Love (a]ga<ph) is not one of the gifts of the Spirit, but is rather a fruit of the Spirit

(Gal. 5:22). It is “the most excellent way” (12:31b) without which the possession and exercise of spiritual gifts is of absolutely no value (13:1-3). As Carson observes regarding vv.1-3, “In this divine mathematics, five [gifts] minus one [fruit] equals zero.”]

The Characteristics of Love (13:4-7)

patient -- “long-tempered” (opposite of “short-fused”); love has an infinite capacity for patient endurance and self-restraint

kind -- reacts with goodness to those who ill-treat it

does not envy -- “Love never boils with jealousy” (Williams)

does not boast -- not a wind-bag or braggart; not “anxious to impress” (Phillips)

not proud -- not puffed up; “does not cherish inflated ideas of its own importance” (Phillips)

not rude -- does nothing to raise a blush; avoids all indecency

not self-seeking -- “does not insist on its own way” (NRSV)

not easily angered -- never flies into a temper; “is not touchy” (Phillips); “not quick to take offence” (NEB)

keeps no record of wrongs -- an accounting term: “doesn’t keep score of the sins of others” (The Message)

does not delight in evil -- finds no pleasure in the misfortunes of others; “It is one of the queer traits of human nature that very often we prefer to hear of the misfortune of others rather than of their good fortunes.” (Barclay)

rejoices with the truth -- “always glad when truth prevails” (Williams)

always protects -- never purposely exposes the faults of others

always trusts -- always gives the benefit of the doubt

always hopes -- optimistic; refuses to take failure as the last word

always perseveres -- courageous endurance and staying-power

[Next week: I Cor. 13:8-14:12]

I Corinthians 12-14 -- Spiritual Gifts

The Temporary Relevance of Spiritual Gifts (13:8-13)

[In order to emphasize the temporary nature of spiritual gifts, Paul contrasts them with the permanence of love; vv.8a and 13.]

1. In vv.8-10, Paul speaks of the ultimate demise of the spiritual gifts, using prophecies and knowledge to illustrate his point. Why will the gifts ultimately cease? What does Paul mean by ‘perfection’ (to> te<leion) in v.10?

2. What two analogies does Paul use in vv.11-12 to illustrate the temporary nature of the gifts? [The Message: “When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good.

We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!”]

3. Paul reminds us of the limitations of our understanding in this life. “When we can only see enigmatically we should be careful how we speak dogmatically!” (Ralph Earle)

4. What makes love greater than faith and hope (v.13)?

The Superiority of Prophecy to Tongues (14:1-25)

5. How does 14:1 provide a helpful transition into the new chapter?

6. What are some of the advantages of prophecy over speaking in tongues according to vv.2-4?

7. Is Paul opposed to tongue speaking (v.5)? What is Paul’s primary concern in his evaluating of spiritual gifts?

8. In vv.6-12, Paul uses three illustrations to show the limited value of uninterpreted tongues. What are his illustrations and what is the point of each?

9. Paul concludes this first series of arguments by emphasizing again the importance of the edification of the body (v.12).

[Next week: I Cor. 14:13-40]

I Corinthians 12-14 -- Spiritual Gifts

The Superiority of Prophecy to Tongues (cont.)

[After pointing out the uselessness of uninterpreted tongues for corporate edification in vv.1-12, Paul now proceeds to show why tongues must be interpreted if they are to be of value (vv.13-19).]

1. Paul gives three reasons why interpretation is necessary. What is the first reason in vv.14-15? the second in vv.16-17? and the third in vv.18-19?

2. Paul clearly states in v.18 that he speaks in tongues more than any of the Corinthians. Whether this was public tongue speaking or private prayer language we do not know.

3. In v.20, Paul exhorts his readers to be mature in their evaluation of the gifts rather than to overemphasize the value of tongues.

4. In vv.21-25, Paul points out that tongues are a sign for unbelievers—a sign of their judgment, that is. Whereas prophecy brings repentance leading to worship (vv.24-25), tongues only bring confusion and offense to the inquirer (v.23).

The Practical Outcome (14:26-40)

[In vv.26-33, Paul gives us the most intimate look at early Christian worship to be found anywhere in the New Testament.]

5. What are the guidelines for the exercise of tongues in public worship according to vv.27-28?

6. What are the guidelines for the exercise of prophecy in public worship (vv.29-31)?

7. What two important principles relating to the exercise of spiritual gifts does Paul set forth in vv.32-33?

8. Once again in vv.34-35, Paul raises the difficult issue of the role of women in public worship (cf. our earlier discussion relating to the veiling of women in 11:2-16).

9. After reminding the Corinthians that they had no corner on the truth (v.36), Paul sums up his teaching on spiritual gifts in vv.37-40. While acknowledging the legitimacy of tongues, he emphasizes the priority of prophecy—and so must we!

[Next week: I Cor. 15:1-11]

I Corinthians 15 -- The Resurrection

[The Greeks generally believed in the immortality of the soul, but did not accept the idea of a bodily resurrection because of their belief in the inherent weakness and evil of the body — “the prison-house of the soul.” One Greek is quoted as saying, “I am a poor soul shackled to a corpse.” This pessimism regarding the body made the idea of resurrection unthinkable, since this would involve another descent of the soul into the grave of the body (cf Acts 17:18, 32). The Corinthians were undoubtedly influenced by this thinking and the Jewish Christians would also be influenced by the Sadducees who denied the resurrection.]

The Resurrection of Christ (15:1-11)

1. Paul begins in v.1 by reminding them of the gospel he had preached to them during his 18 months in Corinth (Acts 18). In v.2 he says that they are being saved (present tense) if they continue to hold firmly to the word he had preached to them. What does this teach us about the nature of our salvation?

2. In vv.3ff, we have the very core of the gospel message (kh<rugma) as Paul had received it: Christ died, was buried, was raised, and appeared to many. Why did he die (v.3)? What Old Testament scripture most clearly predicted his death (v.3)?

3. The fact that he was buried leaves no room for the swoon theory. When Paul refers to the resurrection on the 3rd day, he switches to the Greek perfect tense (e]gh<gertai) which places special emphasis on the continuing state of an event. He not only was raised, but He is alive!

4. In vv.5-7, Paul gives us a selected list of Jesus’ resurrection appearances (e.g., no appearances to women). What do you suppose his appearance to Peter was like (Lk. 24:34)? He actually appeared to the eleven rather than the Twelve (v.5). How do we know this?

5. According to v.6, Jesus appeared to more than 500 at one time, most of whom were still living as Paul writes some 25 years later. What is the apologetic value of such a statement? Why does Paul refer to death as “falling asleep”?

6. Who is the James of v.7? This must have been a turning point in James’ life (See Jn. 7:5; Acts 1:14; Gal. 2:9).

7. Finally, Paul says that Jesus appeared to him “as to one abnormally born” (v.8). When did this happen? Why do you suppose Paul describes himself this way? Perhaps the answer is to be found in v.9.

8. Why does Paul consider himself “the least of the apostles” (v.9) and “the foremost of sinners” (I Tim. 1:15)? Who does Paul credit with the remarkable change in his life (v.10)?

9. No matter who proclaims the gospel message, it is the same identical message (v.11). How are we doing in sharing this message today?

[Next week: I Cor. 15:12-28]

I Corinthians 15 -- The Resurrection

The Consequences of Denying the Resurrection (15:12-19)

1. In v.12, Paul inquires how the Corinthians can deny the resurrection when it lies at the very center of the Christian faith. Paul then proceeds in vv.13-19 to list the depressing consequences of such a denial:

a. Christ has not been raised (v.13; also v.16).

b. Our preaching is vain and your faith is vain (v.14).

[In the Greek text, the word vain (kenh<) stands first in both clauses for emphasis.] As someone has observed, “A full gospel demands an empty tomb.”

c. We are found to be false witnesses against God (v.15).

d. You are still in your sins (v.17). Godet comments: “Christ dead without resurrection would be a condemned, not a justified Christ.” Someone has said, “The resurrection is God’s ‘Amen’ to Christ’s ‘It is finished’.”

e. Those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished (v.18). “They are utterly dead and gone” (Phillips).

f. We are of all men most to be pitied (v.19). If this life is all there is, the Christian message is a mockery (cf. v.32b).

The Consequences of Christ’s Resurrection (15:20-28)

2. Against the depressing backdrop of vv.12-19, the brilliant truth of v.20 shines forth in resurrection brightness! “But now [nuni> de>] Christ has been raised [e]gh<gertai -- 7th occurrence in this chapter]....” He’s alive!!

3. What is the significance of Christ as the ‘firstfruits’ of those who have fallen asleep (v.20)?

4. In vv.21-22, Paul draws an analogy between two uniquely representative men: Adam, the head of the old creation in whom all die, and Christ, the head of the new creation in whom all are to be made alive. How do we avoid universalism in v.22 -- that is, will all mankind ultimately by saved?

5. According to vv.23-28, what is the last enemy to be destroyed, who will destroy it, and when will that occur? What is the ultimate purpose of the subjection of all creation to Christ and of Christ to the Father (v.28)? ....that God may be all in all!

[Next week: I Cor. 15:29-49]

I Corinthians 15 -- The Resurrection

Arguments From Christian Experience (15:29-34)

1. Verse 29 is one of the most difficult verses in the New Testament (at least 40 different interpretations!). The most natural interpretation would be to take it as a reference to vicarious baptism (Mormon view). [Note that Paul does not endorse it (“what will they do....?)] Whatever the meaning here, if there is no resurrection, this practice is pointless!

2. Furthermore, if death is the end of everything, who would be so foolish as to suffer and die for a hoax (vv.30-32)?

3. In v.33, Paul cites what was probably a common proverb. To mingle with those who deny the resurrection and live for this life only will lead to corruption. Therefore Paul exhorts, “Wake from this drunken fit” (Weymouth) and stop sinning! You are proud of your knowledge, but some of you are ignorant of God (a]gnwsi<an Qeou?) -- the worst kind of ignorance!

The Nature of the Resurrection Body (15:35-49)

4. Paul begins this section by raising two questions (v.35) and then proceeds to answer them in turn (vv.36-49).

Question # 1: “How are the dead raised?” In other words, how can a body that has disintegrated in the grave be raised?

Answer: Doesn’t nature itself teach us that death and decay is a prerequisite for life (v.36; i.e., the seed rots, then sprouts)?

5. Question # 2: “With what kind of body will they come?” In other words, what will the resurrection body be like?

Answer: In vv.37-41, Paul uses illustrations from nature to prepare his audience for a description of bodily resurrection which follows in vv. 42-49. There are myriads of differences among God’s created beings, whether in the plant, animal, or celestial kingdoms. A God of such power and creativity can surely fit a resurrection body to the dead in Christ.

6. What four characteristics of the resurrection body does Paul set forth in vv.42-44?

7. There is an order in creation: first, we are like our father, Adam, men with physical bodies and souls. Later, we shall be like our elder brother, Jesus Christ, spirit beings with spiritual bodies (vv.45-49). So what then will our resurrection bodies be like? Something like our earthly bodies, but not identical (continuity without identity). “We shall be like Him” (I Jn. 3:2). Exactly what that means we cannot fully comprehend, but the fact that Christ will return and that we will receive eternal glorified bodies is a robust certainty -- our blessed hope!

[Next week: I Cor. 15:50-58]

I Corinthians 15 -- The Resurrection

[Paul has already raised two questions regarding the resurrection in v.35 and then proceeded to answer them in vv.36-49. Now in this final section of Chapter 15, he raises a further question: What will happen to those believers who are alive when the Lord returns?]

Victory over Death (15:50-58)

1. Paul makes it clear in v.50 that our physical bodies of flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, for they are perishable (i.e., subject to decay).

2. What is the sequence of events that will accompany the Lord’s return according to I Thes. 4:16-18?

3. What further ‘mystery’ regarding the dead and the living at the Lord’s return does Paul reveal in vv.51-53?

4. How long will it take for these events to occur according to v.52? (e]n a]to<m& = ‘that which cannot be divided’)

5. The sounding of a trumpet is often associated with the events of the Lord’s return. It would appear that “the last trumpet” of v.52 is the same as “the seventh trumpet” of Rev. 8:2 and 11:15 (cf. Mt.24:31; I Thes. 4:16). If so, this argues against the pretribulationist who interprets the I Cor. and I Thes. passages as referring to the Rapture and the Mt. and Rev. passages as referring to the Revelation seven years later.

6. In vv.54-55, Paul declares that “Death has been swallowed up in victory” (cf. Isa. 25:8) and has lost its sting. In what sense is this true?

7. What is the meaning of Paul’s two statements in v.56?

8. Note Paul’s use of the present tense in v.57: “But thanks be to God who is giving to us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” We are already participating in the victory over death!

9. Paul ends this great chapter with a powerful application (v.58): “Therefore...stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord....” Motivated by resurrection hope, we have every reason to give ourselves wholeheartedly to the Lord’s work. As Frances Schaeffer has said, “The only way not to throw your life away is to do the Lord’s work in the Lord’s way.”

[Next week: I Cor. 16:1-24]

I Corinthians 16 -- Conclusion

The Collection (16:1-4)

1. Although heavily focused on theological matters, Paul never neglects the personal concerns of his congregations. In v.1, he addresses the matter of the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem (cf. Rom. 15:25-27).

2. What ‘guidelines for giving’ can you identify in v.2?

Personal Requests (16:5-18)

3. Paul shares his plans to visit Corinth perhaps for the winter months, but only after visiting the churches of Macedonia and always subject to the Lord’s direction (vv.5-7).

4. One of the important realities of Christian ministry is reflected in v.9: When God moves, Satan countermoves! In other words, if we are not facing opposition in our efforts to serve the Lord, this may indicate that what we are doing is of little effect.

5. In vv.10-11, Paul expresses concern for the well-being of Timothy, his “true son in the faith” (I Tim. 1:2).

6. Where have we met Apollos (v.12) earlier in I Corinthians?

7. Each of the five commands in vv.13-14 is in the Greek present tense, thus emphasizing a Christian lifestyle.

8. Paul urges the Corinthians to recognize those who have labored in their midst and also have brought encouragement to him (vv.15-18). “Such men [and women] deserve recognition.”

Final Greetings (16:19-24)

9. Who were Aquila and Priscilla (v.19)? Where did the Corinthian Christians meet for worship (v.19)? How do we greet one another in the church today (v.20)?

10. Paul takes the pen from his secretary in v.21 and writes these final greetings in his own hand (cf. Gal. 6:11; Col. 4:18; etc.).

11. Our word “Maranatha” derives from v.22 (KJV). It is the Aramaic expression for “Come, O Lord.” This has been the cry of the church from its beginning, especially in times of persecution. May it continue to be our watchword!

[Next week: review of I Corinthians]

A Review of I Corinthians

[The following is a summary outline of I Corinthians including key verses for each section. This outline should be used in conjunction with the study sheets provided throughout our course of study.]

1:1-9 Introduction 1:2 ➛ 1:7-9

1:10-4:21 The Problem of Divisions in the Church

1:11-12 ➛ 3:5-7 ➛ 3:16-17

5:1-13 The Problem of Uncondemned Incest

5:1 ➛ 5:11

6:1-11 The Problem of Lawsuits

6:1 ➛ 6:7

6:12-20 The Problem of Sexual Immorality

6:16 ➛ 6:19-20

7:1-40 Questions about Marriage

(See 6 questions & answers on study sheets)

8:1-11:1 Questions about Meat Offered to Idols

8:4 ➛ 8:7 ➛ 8:13 ➛ 10:21 ➛ 10:31

11:2-16 The Problem of Unveiled Women in Worship

11:13 ➛ 11:5

11:17-34 The Problem of Abuses at the Lord’s Table

11:20-21 ➛ 11:33-34

12:1-14:40 Questions about Spiritual Gifts

12:7-11 ➛ 13:1 ➛ 14:5 ➛ 14:39-40

15:1-58 The Resurrection Body

15:19-20 ➛ 15:35 ➛ 15:36 ➛ 15:42-44 ➛ 15:58

16:1-24 Concluding Exhortations

16:2 ➛ 16:10-11 ➛ 16:13-14

I CORINTHIANS

A Discussion Guide

Prepared by Arlan Birkey