One of the most strategic locations in the Roman world
was the isthmus of Corinth. This narrow neck of land between the
Corinthian Gulf and the Saronic Gulf guaranteed its continued commercial
prosperity. The transit across this isthmus avoided the long, risky voyage
around the rocky, storm-tossed capes at the south of the Peloponnesus. It
was literally the crossroad of the world where the north-south trade routes
intersected the east-west traffic. It thus became one of the most
dominant cultural centers of its day: materially prosperous, intellectually
alert, and morally corrupt. Even in the pagan world the city was known for
its moral corruption. ("Corinth" came to imply licentiousness;
korinthiazesthai,
"Corinthianize," meant to live in debauchery.) It was Hollywood, Las
Vegas, and New York all rolled into one.
It is no wonder then that the letters to the church at Corinth embody so many
of the concerns that plague us today. It is also impressive to discover
how many basic Christian issues are addressed in these two (remaining) letters
Paul wrote to the church at Corinth: the "foolishness" of God contrasted with
the "wisdom" of man,1 the distinction between
salvation and rewards,2 problems of church
discipline,3 resorting to lawsuits,
4 marriage and divorce,5 Christian
liberty,6 the Lord's Supper,7
and the troublesome issues concerning speaking in
tongues.
The Spiritual Gifts
The most thorough treatment of the controversial issue of the spiritual gifts
is the focus of Chapters 12 to 14. [Remember: the chapters were not divided up
until the 13th century; the verses not until the 16th.] The gifts are,
indeed, also for today, but are as diverse as there are ministries. The
Spirit divides them as He will (1 Corinthians 12): there are a diversity of
gifts, but one spirit;8 there are a diversity of
members, but one body;9 there is a diversity of
service, but one church.10 Despite an excessive focus by
some, the gift of tongues is not
the most important: Paul indicates that the
greatest of the gifts is prophecy (1 Corinthians 14): it most edifies the
church;11 it most convinces outsiders;
12 and yet, its use should be orderly.
13 Furthermore, an entire chapter
on "a more excellent way" is wedged between
these two pivotal chapters on spiritual gifts: 1 Corinthians
13! The gifts are valueless without love: this most famous of all chapters
emphasizes the utter necessity of love,14 the moral
excellency of love,15 and the abiding supremacy of
love.16
Fabulous stuff, indeed! Although there is yet
another chapter that Paul seems to insist is the most important chapter in
the Bible!
It deals with
a subject without which we have nothing!17 The Resurrection: 1
Corinthians 15. This chapter opens with the precise definition of the
Gospel. It is surprising to many to discover what, in fact, the Gospel
actually is. It is even more astonishing to discover that it is not
preached in most pulpits in America! Paul makes no mention of
Jesus' teaching: many will acknowledge His profound instruction. Paul
makes no mention of His example: many will extol aspects of His personal
life. Paul makes no mention of His miracles: many will even acknowledge
that He did miracles. None of these things are the Gospel
(Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
This profound chapter then reveals the seven transitions which are destined for
the believer!
Four Letters and Three
Visits?
Paul's first visit was when the church was founded. Paul wrote an
initial letter to the Corinthian church, "the previous letter,"
18 a letter which apparently perished.
19 This letter had been misunderstood
20 and Paul mentioned it to clear up a misconception. The
household of Chloe then brought Paul news of cliques in the church
21 and the church wrote him a letter
22 (presumably brought to Ephesus by Stephanas, Fortunatus
and Achaicus,23 who probably added their own
comments). The situation was serious. Paul responded with the letter
we know as "First Corinthians." The situation worsened. Paul felt it
necessary to leave his work in Ephesus and to pay a hurried visit in an attempt
to set things right. (This visit is implied in passages in 2 Corinthians,
which speak of Paul as being ready to pay a third visit to Corinth.)
24 His references to coming again in sorrow indicate
that this visit had not been a pleasant one ("the painful visit").
25 It failed to clear up the situation and Paul went
away profoundly disturbed. Paul determined to write another letter ("The Severe
Letter"), obviously very severe in tone and it cost him much to write.
26 Had it not been successful it might have
meant a final rupture between Paul and this church he had founded. This
letter seems to have been lost.27 This "Severe Letter"
was apparently taken by Titus, who was to return via Macedonia and Troas.
Paul was impatient to know how it had been received. When he eventually
catches up to Titus, he learns that all went well.28
Out of his great relief and joy, Paul wrote a fourth letter which we call
"Second Corinthians" (which may also include fragments of the other lost
letters). Paul reaffirms his credentials and answers his critics.
This letter has also been described as "an impassioned self-defense of a wounded
spirit to erring and ungrateful children..." Almost certainly he visited the
church soon afterwards (his third visit?).
Relevance to Today
As the "worldly church," Corinth certainly becomes increasingly relevant to us in our own
day of materialism, moral decay, and church controversies. Paul unflinchingly addresses many
of the tensions which entangle all of us, and the careful study of
the Corinthian letters is guaranteed to impact each of us in our own walk
and fellowships. The placement of these letters - immediately following the
definitive Book of Romans - seems conspicuously appropriate, and
richly rewarding, to the diligent student of God's Word! A serious review
of these letters should prove highly appropriate for each of us as we return
from our summer routine to address the challenges of the fall season. . . Good
hunting!
