1 Corinthians

The apostle showed how the Israelites, despite their rights and privileges, suffered in the wilderness. Through the use of typological interpretation of the Old Testament events, Paul warned the Corinthians not to grumble or dabble with idolatry. Christians, however, need not be fearful in the face of temptation, for God has provided help and a way of escape for those who will take it.

Spiritual fellowship at the Lord's table served as a stern reminder that the Corinthians should have nothing to do with idols. One cannot share simultaneously in the Lord's table and in the table of demons.

A summary of the discussion brings chapters 8-10 to a conclusion. The food had not been affected even if it previously was offered to idols, since all food belongs ultimately to God. It is not that the meat had been contaminated. The problem remained with the weak Christian whose conscience was tainted. The strong believers should have passed the meat by out of concern for the good of the congregation and other believers. Believers must always act in a spirit of love, in a spirit of self-discipline, with the good of the community in mind, and with God's glory uppermost in mind.

The next issue Paul addressed concerned the different head coverings that appropriately distinguish women and men as they pray or prophesy in worship. Paul praised the church at this point because they had not departed significantly from the substance of what he had previously taught. He had no praise for what he heard about their behavior at the Lord's Supper. Their action did more harm than good. The Lord's Supper should be a celebration of unity; instead divisions among the church were magnified.

Paul repeated the words of institution to point out they are participating in Christ's body and blood (see 10:16-17). To participate in an unworthy manner, with divisions among them, profanes the supper and invites God's judgment. Paul exhorted them to examine their motives, their methods, and their manners as they gathered to worship the Lord at His supper (see the article "The Lord's Supper").

The exercise of spiritual gifts in the church was a subject on which the Corinthians had asked for advice. Many of them were attracted by the more spectacular gifts. All spiritual gifts are given by the Spirit. No one speaking by the Spirit's power will use derogatory words about Jesus. The confession "Jesus is Lord" is the touchstone of the Spirit's genuine work in the community.

Paul named nine gifts of the Spirit. Their use is compared to the functioning of the various parts of the human body for the good of the whole. All believers have been "baptized by one Spirit into one body." The same Spirit brings refreshment and unity to the whole body. Paul emphasized the unity of the church expressed in variety. As chaos would take over in the human body if each part tried to do the work of other parts, so problems will break out in the church unless each member makes his or her proper contribution for the good of the whole.

Paul now explained the right way to exercise all spiritual gifts. Higher than all the gifts of the Spirit is the grace of heavenly love. Paul declared that even the most spectacular manifestations of the gifts, even tongues or prophecy, mean nothing unless motivated by love. Christians may be talented, gifted, devoted, generous in their giving, or endowed with mountain-moving faith; but it is of no value if love is not present.

Spiritual gifts have their place for a time, but love endures forever. Above all else love is the one thing needful. Faith, hope, and love form a heavenly triad of spiritual graces that endure forever, but "the greatest of these is love."

Paul applied this grand truth to the Corinthian church by exhorting them to "follow the way of love." While all gifts should be desired, Paul maintained that prophecy should be the gift of choice in the church meetings. The Corinthians desired tongues more than other gifts. Paul claimed that tongues without interpretation is of little value to anyone except to the speaker. The goal of the practice of any spiritual gift is the edification of others. When tongues speakers speak only to themselves, they edify no one. The confusion seems like madness to those outside the church.

Outside there is perhaps a role for tongues, either for private devotion or as a sign of judgment. Inside the church tongues should not be used unless an interpreter is present. Prophecy, however, should be exercised inside the church or outside the church because it both builds up and convicts.

All gifts are allowed to function with the goal of mutual edification in mind, not selfish demonstration. Both tongues speakers and prophets must speak in turn. Each utterance should be properly evaluated. Women should refrain from interrupting with their questions.

Two principles remain valid for the church of any place or time period: (1) all "must be done for the strengthening of the church," and (2) "everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."

Paul knew that at Corinth there were doubts about the resurrection. He affirmed that the resurrection of Jesus is essential for the gospel message. The consistent testimony of the church was that Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and appeared to numerous witnesses. Paul pointed out that if the Corinthians consistently maintained their antiresurrection argument, Christ could not have been raised. If Christ has not been raised, there is no hope, and all gospel proclamation is in vain.

The resurrection of Christ carries with it the promise of resurrection from the dead for all believers. Just as the firstfruits presented to God on the first day of the week following Passover guaranteed the coming harvest (Lev. 23:9-11), so Christ's resurrection guarantees the resurrection of believers.

The hope of the resurrection encourages men and women to become Christians. The same hope provided Paul with boldness to proclaim the gospel and endure the suffering that accompanied his calling.

The resurrection body will be one adapted to its new spiritual environment. The physical body is weak, dishonorable, and perishable. It will be raised in Christ as spiritual, glorious, powerful, and imperishable. The resurrection will take place when the last trumpet sounds. With genuine excitement the apostle shared his real hope: the transformation of the dead who will be raised. Those alive at Christ's coming will also be transformed "in the twinkling of an eye." Thanks to the victory of Christ, death will be finally abolished. This is great encouragement for all believers to persevere faithfully in the Lord's service, knowing that "labor in the Lord is not in vain."

Paul told them to set aside some money week by week so that it would be ready to be taken to Jerusalem for the needs there (see 2 Cor. 8-9).

Paul planned to remain at Ephesus to make use of ministry opportunities there. In the meantime the Ephesians could expect a visit from Timothy. A closing formal exhortation to firm faith and love led Paul to conclude with his customary greetings and benediction.

Theological Significance. If Paul were to write a letter to the average church today, he probably would rewrite much of 1 Corinthians. The Corinthians' world was much like our modern world. The people had the same thirst for intellectualism, the same permissiveness toward moral standards, and certainly the same fascination for the spectacular. The church resembled our churches—extremely proud, affluent, and fiercely eager for acceptance by the world.

In doctrine there existed a mixture of orthodoxy and error. In ethics the church manifested widespread immorality and worldliness. Two valuable contributions come from this letter. First, we have the doctrinal and pastoral expositions of the topics discussed. Second, we have Paul's approach to the problems. Paul carefully defined each issue and then offered helpful principles to deal with them. What we learn from the apostle's method is as important for the contemporary church as the solutions he articulated.

Blomberg, Craig. L. 1 Corinthians. NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994.

Fee, Gordon D. The First Epistle to the Corinthians. The New International Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1987.

Gromacki, Robert G. Called to Be Saints: An Exposition of 1 Corinthians. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1977.

Lea, Thomas D. and Curtis Vaughan. First Corinthians. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1983.

Morris, Leon. The First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians. Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1958.