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The Corinthian Letters

from the January 22, 2008 eNews issue
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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, the distinction between salvation and rewards, problems of church discipline, resorting to lawsuits, marriage and divorce, Christian liberty, the Lord's Supper, 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; there are a diversity of members, but one body; there is a diversity of service, but one church. 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; it most convinces outsiders; and yet, its use should be orderly. 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, the moral excellency of love, and the abiding supremacy of love.

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! 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. This profound chapter then reveals the seven transitions which are destined for the believer!

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!