Paul and the CorinthiansPaul and the Corinthians

Treasure in Earthen Vessels

What we shall learn

How Paul responded to problems in Corinth How we need to create the right climate in

our ecclesias How teamwork and persistence is important How we must focus on the glory of God in

our ecclesial life How God’s strength is made perfect in

weakness

Location of Corinth

Corinth

Commercial and administrative centre of Roman province of Achaia

Paul with Aquila and Priscilla for 18 months - Acts 18

Crispus, chief ruler of synagogue was converted and “many of the Corinthians”

The Lord had “much people in this city”

Achaia, Macedonia, Asia

Paul in Ephesus

Left Corinth for Ephesus - Acts 18:19 Left Ephesus for Jerusalem and then

returned - Acts 19 By the time he returned, Apollos had done

good work in Corinth - Acts 18:27,28 Stayed in Ephesus for 2 years, 3 months Established ecclesias in area, including

Colosse

Situation in Corinthian ecclesia

Overall lack of leadershipPaul, Aquila and Priscilla, Apollos had leftSpirit gifts but no spiritual authorityConverts with background of JudaismConverts with Gentile backgroundPressure of worldly environmentPressure from Judaizers

Paul’s response to Corinth

He hears about moral problems and writes to them - Letter A (1 Corinthians 5:9,11)

He receives further reports of problems - 1 Corinthians 1:11; 16:17

They ask him various questions in a letter - 1 Corinthians 7:1

He writes Letter B - 1 Corinthians

Problems, problems

Some denying resurrection Case of gross immorality Spirit gifts being abused No respect at breaking of bread Sisters undermining authority of brethren Arguments about meat offered to idols Challenge to Paul’s authority, and divisions Going to law to settle disputes Lack of clarity about marriage requirements

Order of addressing problems Issue of discord among brethren 1-4 A brother’s immoral behaviour 5 Going to law 6 Questions about marriage 7 Meat offered to idols 8-10 Challenge to his authority 9 Role of sisters & head-coverings 11:1-16 Behaviour at breaking of bread 11:17-34 Abuse of spirit gifts 12-14 Questions about the resurrection 15

1 Corinthians 1-3

The wisdom of God1:23,24 - Christ crucified1:26-31 - “no flesh should glory in his presence”Jeremiah 9:23,24 - “Let him glory in the Lord”

- Lovingkindness, judgement and righteousness

2:12,13,16 - the teaching of the Holy Spirit- The mind of Christ

Paul’s approach

Establish right climateFocus on wisdom of God seen in “foolishness”

of cross and the mind of Christ“Ye are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s” –

- 1 Corinthians 3:23

Present a reasoned argument

Follow-up

Sends Timothy to Corinth - 1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10,11

Declares intention to visit them again - 1 Corinthians 16:5,6

Makes a “painful visit” – 2 Corinthians 2:1 Abandons plan for another visit - 2

Corinthians 1:15,16,23, 2:2 Writes a severe letter - Letter C , sent via

Titus (2 Corinthians 2:3,4; 7:8)

Communication with Corinth

More letters and visits

Leaves Ephesus for Troas, hoping to catch Titus as he returns - Acts 20:1; 2 Corinthians 2:1

Continues to Macedonia and meets Titus - 2 Corinthians 2:12; 7:5

Writes Letter D - 2 Corinthians Sends Titus with other brethren to arrange

collection for poor in Jerusalem - 2 Cor 8:17-24

Arrival on the scene

Plans 3rd visit - 2 Corinthians 13:1 Reaches Corinth, stays there for 3 months -

Acts 20:2,3 Writes Letter to Romans Departs for Jerusalem (via Macedonia and

Asia) with ecclesial representatives and Jerusalem fund - Acts 20:3ff

Paul’s deep concern

“As my beloved sons I warn you”- 1 Cor.4:14,15

“Are not ye my work in the Lord...The seal of my apostleship… in the Lord”- 1 Cor.9:1,2

“I wrote..that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you”- 2 Cor.2:4

“We were troubled on every side”- 2 Cor.7:5

Paul’s leadership

AuthoritativeAuthority based on knowledge of God’s wordKnowledge resulted in visionGod’s love seen in Christ at the centreHe held them to account for their beliefs and

actionsHe did not give up on them

Paul’s humility

He recognised his own insufficiency He had a major concern to unite the Jewish

and Gentile brethren and sisters

Workers together

He knew that whatever weakness was in himself and in his converts, God could work His purpose out in His good time 2 Corinthians 6:4-10

“As having nothing, yet possessing all things”

2 Corinthians 4

Paul’s focus on the glory of God3:18 “changed from glory to glory”4:3-6 “we preach not ourselves”4:7-15 “treasure in earthen vessels”4:16-18 “a far more exceeding and

eternal weight of glory”

Made perfect in weakness

2 Corinthians 12:9,10“Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my

weaknesses”

2 Corinthians 13:4,5“We shall live with him by the power of God

toward you”>