Category: 1 Corinthians 1

1 Corinthians 1:11 – Discuss, Don’t Argue

Posted on by Will

For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you.

Truth to Learn

Discussions are good, but arguments are bad.

Behind the Words

The words “it has been declared” are translated from the Greek verb dēloō. This word means “to signify” or “to make known.” It is expressed here in the aorist tense indicating action that was completed at a point in time in the past.

“By” is from the Greek preposition hupo, which usually means “under or beneath.” However, when used with a noun in the genitive case, as it is here, it indicates agency and is translated as “by, through, or from.”

The word “Chloe” is transliterated from the Greek word chloē, which is a feminine noun meaning “green.” Chloe was apparently a prominent person in the church at Corinth. It is not completely clear whether Chloe was a man or a woman.

“Contentions” is translated from eris, meaning “strife” or “contention.”

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul began this correctional teaching regarding the divisions that had sprung up in the Corinthian church. Here he tells us how he learned about the infighting that had developed. He says that it was signified to him by those who are of Chloe’s household. Since this is the only mention in the Bible of Chloe, we don’t know for sure whether Chloe was a man or a woman. However, since chloē is a feminine noun, it is most likely that Chloe was a woman. We also don’t know whether Chloe was part of the church in Corinth or part of the church in Ephesus, where Paul wrote this letter from. However, it is unlikely that Paul would have mentioned her by name if she was in the church in Corinth, since that might have caused even more harsh feelings within that already contentious church.

The apostle tells us that what he heard is that there were “contentions” within the church about which he will elaborate further in the next verse. It is good, and even important, to have discussions within the body of Christ. But, when discussion turns into fighting, it’s time to check our attitudes and emotions. The word eris (strife or contention) is listed as one of the works of the flesh in Paul’s letter to the churches in Galatia:

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like (Galatians 5:19-21a)

It is clear from this list that heated arguments are just as bad as some of the other evil outpourings of our sin nature. And such sinful arguments can spring from the most innocent of topics, like what color of carpeting to put in the sanctuary or whether it is proper for your pastor to own a nice car.

Application

Let’s have open and informed discussions within the church. Let’s share what God has taught us from the Bible. But let’s not allow these discussions to turn into fighting or personal attacks. Instead, let us be humble and discuss things with love in our hearts.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 1:10 – No More Divisions

Posted on by Will

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Truth to Learn

Christians must work hard at being united in doctrine.

Behind the Words

“I plead” is translated from parakaleō, which is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” or “near” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Thus, parakaleō literally means “to call near.” In common usage it means “to comfort, to encourage, or to challenge.”

The Greek word translated “you … speak” is legō, which means “to relate in words” or “to speak.” It is expressed here in the subjunctive mood indicating possibility or probability. So, it could be translated as “you … should speak.”

“Divisions” is from the Greek noun schisma, meaning “a split or a division.”

The words “you be” are from the verb of being, eimi. It, too, is expressed in the subjunctive mood indicating possibility or probability. So, we could translate it as “you should be.”

Katartidzō is the Greek word translated “perfectly joined together.” It is composed of kata, meaning “with” and artidzō, meaning “to adjust, to fit, or to finish.” Thus, katartidzō has the idea of being fit together, being united.

Meaning Explained

Paul now begins addressing some of the issues that existed in the church in Corinth. Specifically, he will now address the divisions that had developed between people who claimed to follow different leaders. As we will see in verse twelve, there were some who said they were followers of Paul, while others said they were followers of Apollos or of Peter (Cephas), and even others claimed they were followers of Christ.

As Paul progresses through the early part of this letter, he will get very direct and stern with the Christians at Corinth. However, he starts off with more gentle words. He says, “I encourage you … to speak the same things” with regard to their divisions. It is imperative for any church body that they have unity in the doctrines that they teach. If one person teaches some doctrinal belief and someone else teaches something different with regard to that doctrine, the followers will be confused, at the very least. In the extreme, it will cause divisions within the church just as were evident in Corinth.

Paul also encourages them to be united (perfectly joined together) and to have the same mind (the same beliefs) throughout the body. People who are not united in their beliefs will not be able to progress onto learning other doctrinal truths because their differences will cause arguments between them. That’s not to say that we should always blindly accept whatever is taught, for discussion is an important part of the learning process.

Application

Divisions within a church is a sure way to destroy the witness of the church to those outside. We are to be united and marching forward with a clear message to the lost.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 1:9 – Called Into Eternal Fellowship

Posted on by Will

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Truth to Learn

Christians are called into fellowship with God, forever.

Behind the Words

Pistos is the Greek word translated “faithful.” It is based on the verb peithō, meaning “to win over” or “to persuade.” The word pistos means “worthy of belief, trust, or confidence.”

The words “you were called” are from the verb kaleō, which literally means “to call to someone in order that he may come or go somewhere.” It is expressed here in the passive voice, indicating something done to the subject (you) and in the aorist tense, indicating an action that was done at a point in time in the past.

The word “into” is translated from the preposition eis. It literally refers to motion into, or unto, a place or thing. It carries the idea of moving from outside to inside. There is another Greek preposition, en, which indicates a position “in a place or thing,” but it does not contain the idea of movement as eis does, only the final position.

“Fellowship” is translated from koinōnia, which is based on the verb koinōneō, meaning “to share with, to participate with, or to have things in common with.” Thus, koinōnia refers to a condition in which someone shares things in common with others.

Meaning Explained

Paul has just told the Corinthian Christians that God will preserve them as blameless until Jesus Christ comes to give them their eternal bodies and take them home to His Father. He now tells us another marvelous truth about God: He is faithful. In other words, whatever God promises, He fulfills. Faithfulness is part of who God is and He never changes. Therefore, He is always going to do what He says He will do. This adds more firmness to the statement in the previous verse that God will preserve us blameless until the end.

Now Paul couples God’s faithfulness with our calling. Although the word kaleō sounds to us like simply an invitation, when used of God it always represents an effectual call. Paul gives us a little more information about this calling in his letter written to the Romans:

Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Romans 8:30)

This verse tells us that God determined ahead of time that we would be saved. It also tells us that those whom He predestined, he also called. And, it tells us that those whom He called, he also justified. In other words, everyone who is called by God is given the righteousness of Christ; we are justified, that is, declared to be guiltless of any and all sin. This is sometimes referred to as God’s effectual call.

Today’s verse tells us a little more about our calling. We have been called into fellowship with Jesus Christ. This is important, especially given that Paul is about to scold the Corinthians for all the factions and divisions within their church.

Application

Every Christian has been called by God for a purpose. That purpose is to serve Him in spreading the Gospel and building up the body of Christ. God will never give up on you, so don’t give up on him. Get to work and give Him your all!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 1:8 – Preserved Blameless

Posted on by Will

who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

Christians are now, and will always be, blameless according to Jesus Christ’s judicial action on our behalf.

Behind the Words

The verb “confirm” is from the word bebaioō, which we looked at a couple of verses back. It means “to be made certain or secure.” In verse six it was expressed in the aorist tense, indicating action completed at a point in time in the past. In today’s verse, however, it is expressed in the future tense, indicating action that will take place in the future.

Heōs is the Greek word translated “until.” As it is used here it means “all the way until.”

“The end” is translated from telos, which refers to “the end point or the completion.” Here it refers to “the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

The word “blameless” is from the Greek anegklētos, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and egkaleō, which means “to accuse in court.” Anegklētos literally means “unaccused” or “free from any legal charge.”

Meaning Explained

This is an excellent verse for those who believe that if we sin intentionally, commit a particularly heinous sin, or insult God too many times, we will lose our salvation. Remember that salvation is an act of God, in which by His grace He records us as sinless because Jesus Christ has paid for all our sins (past, present, and future). Paul tells the Corinthians (and us) that just as our salvation was confirmed in us by the gifts we received (see verse six), He will also confirm us (make us certain and secure) to the end. If you are a genuine born-again Christian, there is nothing you can do to “undo” your salvation because God has confirmed it and will confirm it until the end. Therefore, unless you are stronger than God, once you are saved, you are saved forever!

Now, look carefully at what specifically is confirmed about us when we get saved. Paul says, “who will also confirm you to the end blameless …” Once we have been saved and cleansed from sin by the blood of Christ, we cannot be blamed for anything in God’s courtroom. “But,” you might ask, “what about Revelation 12:10, where it says that Satan accuses us day and night?” We needn’t be worried about Satan’s accusations for two reasons. The first is that we have a defense attorney in heaven according to the Apostle John:

… And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (1 John 2:1)

The second reason is in today’s verse: God will preserve us blameless to the end. Satan may accuse us, but our defense attorney will testify on our behalf and, through His shed blood, have the case thrown out of court because we are blameless.

Application

Every person who ever lived (except Jesus Christ) and who will ever live is a sinner because we have a sin nature that causes us to sin. Christians, however, have had the penalty for those sins paid for by the blood of Christ. Does that mean that we no longer sin? No, but it means that the debt has already been paid, and we are innocent of any charge brought before our God and Judge!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 1:7 – Gifts Used for Him

Posted on by Will

so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Truth to Learn

All Christians are gifted so we might bring glory to God.

Behind the Words

The words “come short” are from the Greek verb husteroō, which is based on the noun husteros, meaning “latter” or “last.” Husteroō literally means “to be in last place, to be behind, or to be lacking something.” It is expressed here in the passive voice, indicating action done to the subject. So, we see that Paul is saying “that you may not be made to be lacking …”

Mēdeis is the Greek word translated “no.” It is a compound word made up of mēde, meaning “and not” and heis, meaning “one.” Hence, mēdeis means “not even one.”

“Gift” is translated from charisma, which is based on the verb charidzomai, meaning “to show favor.” Thus, charisma refers to “an undeserved gift.”

The words “eagerly waiting for” are from the Greek verb apekdechomai. This word is made up of apo, used as an intensifier and ekdechomai, meaning “to watch for” or “to fully expect.” Thus apekdechomai means “to intently watch for something, fully expecting it to come to pass.”

Meaning Explained

As we have discussed before, there are two aspects of salvation that apply to our lives. The first is the day of our belief, the point in time when we believed in our heart that Jesus died for our sins and rose from the dead. At that point, we say that we are “saved.” The second aspect of our salvation is the day that God will fully accomplish our salvation. That is a future time when Jesus Christ will return (the rapture) and claim His children, giving us our heavenly body and presenting us as blameless before the Father.

On the day we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we believed God’s promise that He will claim us as His own. And, on that day we were imbued with spiritual gifts to be used in building up the body (the church) in preparation for His return. In God’s record book, those of us who “believe” are already recorded as sinless and blameless because Christ has paid the penalty for our sins. In reality, however, we are still sinners because we still have a sin nature.

Here’s one of the wonders of God. Even though we are still sinners, we have already been reconciled to God, and every sin, past, present, and future, has been paid for and is covered by the blood of the Lamb. And, even though we are still present in this sinful form, God has gifted us and expects us to use those gifts to bring glory to Him.

In today’s verse Paul tells the Corinthians that they are not lacking in any of the spiritual gifts and that they (and we) are eagerly waiting for, and fully expecting, the return of Christ. Because of this expectation of our full salvation, we need to do our part which is to use those spiritual gifts to build up the body and to bring glory to God.

Application

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are gifted in a special way by God. In return, God expects you to use your gifts for Him until He returns. These gifts are to be used to bring Him glory and praise. Are you using your gift(s)? Do your gifts bring glory to God or just to you?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 1:6 – Testimonial Gifts

Posted on by Will

even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you,

Truth to Learn

Spiritual gifts are an indication of true salvation, but only when they are used in the proper manner.

Behind the Words

The words “even as” are translated from the Greek word kathōs, This word is made up of kata, meaning “down” but used metaphorically to express a relationship between two things (“according as”) and hōs, meaning “how.” Thus kathōs expresses a similarity in manner between two things. It is often translated as “even as, like as, or like how.”

Marturion is the word translated “testimony.” It is from the noun martureō, meaning “to give a witness” or “to give a testimony.” Therefore, marturion refers to “a testimony, evidence, or a proof.”

“Confirmed” is from the word bebaioō, which is indirectly based on the verb bainō, meaning “to go.” Bebaioō literally means “to have gone to a fixed location.” In other words, it means “to be made certain or secure.”

Meaning Explained

As we mentioned a couple of verses back, Paul is about to give the Christians in Corinth some very stern teaching regarding several issues that existed in the church. One of the issues was that there were divisions forming in the church and they were behaving like children rather than mature Christians. In fact, in chapter three Paul says this of the Corinthian Christians:

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)

Before delivering his “tough love” message, however, Paul is pointing out to them the incredible gifts that God has given them. He reminded them of the gracious gift of salvation that they received in spite of the fact that they (and we) didn’t deserve it. Then, in yesterday’s verse, Paul reminded them of the wealth they have in the ability to understand the deep truths about God in Jesus Christ and the ability to proclaim these truths, even in miraculous ways.

These miraculous ways of proclaiming the gospel through the gifts of the spirit were evidence that they truly were saved and that God’s grace had been bestowed on them. This is the manner in which “the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you.” In other words, it is the presence of, and proper use of, the spiritual gifts that serves as a testimony (a witness) of genuine salvation. Now, can these signs be faked? Yes, of course. We read in Exodus 7:11 that the magicians of Pharaoh produced the same signs that Moses and Aaron demonstrated. Even so, in the New Testament church there are counterfeits. The difference is that the true sign gifts are used for the glory of God and the counterfeits are used for the glory of man, producing confusion rather than order as Paul will point out in 1 Corinthians 14:40.

Application

We were all given spiritual gifts when we were saved. We are to use these gifts for the building up of the body of Christ to bring attention to God, not to ourselves.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

1 Corinthians 1:4 – Give Him Your Best

Posted on by Will

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus,

Truth to Learn

We should give our best to any ministry we are involved in.

Behind the Words

“I thank” is translated from the Greek verb eucharisteō, which means “to be thankful,” “to show oneself grateful,” or “to give thanks.” It is made up of eu, meaning “good” or “well” and charidzomai, meaning “to grant as a favor.” This word is also used as giving thanks before eating a meal as in Acts 27:35.

The word translated “always” is pantote, which is made up of a form of pas, which carries the idea of “oneness and a totality of the whole” and tote, meaning “at which time.” Put together, this word expresses the idea of “all the time” or “always.”

“Given” is from a form of the verb didōmi, which means “to give.” It is expressed here as an aorist passive participle. Thus, it indicates something given to the subject (you) in the past.

The Greek word translated “by” is en. Although by implication this word can show instrumentality (by), its basic meaning is positional (in). Therefore, this indicates that the grace that we were given is “in Christ Jesus.”

Meaning Explained

Paul knew that he was about to give the Christians in Corinth some very heavy criticism, so he starts out with a very positive message. He starts with a description of some of the things that happened at the time of salvation. The thing foremost in his mind is the grace of God. This is a constant theme in all of Paul’s letters because it is something incredibly wonderful. The salvation we have from God is freely given, not because we deserve it, but because He chose to give it to us. This is without a doubt the greatest gift we could ever hope to receive. It is by God’s grace that we are part of His family and it is for that gift of grace that Paul is continually thankful.

Once again, notice that Paul regularly prays about his ministry and for the people to whom he ministers. All of us who are actively serving God in the church should follow Paul’s example. Not only should we be praying that God will use us for His glory in the work we do for Him, we should be thanking Him for whatever fruit we see. This should also serve as a reminder to us that whatever fruit we might see is not a result of our own brilliance, talent, or hard work. The bringing forth of fruit is God’s doing. Later in this letter to the Corinthians Paul says,

So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:7)

Some of you may respond with, “Well, if God produces the fruit, why should I work so hard? He’ll bring forth fruit whether I work hard or not.” First of all, that’s a very selfish viewpoint with regard to our service for God. Secondly, we work hard for Him because He deserves our best. As a result of the grace He has shown to us, we should give our best and serve Him in a manner befitting a King.

Application

Are you currently working in a ministry in your local church? Are you working hard, giving it your best, or are you just “getting by.” Remember that you’re not just working for your pastor or for your church, you’re working for your Lord and Master Jesus Christ. Give Him your best!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

 

1 Corinthians 1:3 – Grace and Peace

Posted on by Will

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Truth to Learn

Paul prays for God to show His grace to us and grant us peace.

Behind the Words

The word translated “Grace” is charis, which is derived from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” Charis refers to “favor, good will, or kindness, especially that which causes joy and gratification.”

“Peace” is translated from eirēnē, which means “peace or tranquility.” It is a state in which there is no perceived threat or cause for worry present.

“Lord” is from the Greek word kurios, which is derived from the noun kuros, meaning “might” or “power.” Thus, kurios refers to the one possessing might or power; that is, it refers to “one who is supreme in authority” or “one’s owner.”

Meaning Explained

This verse, which expresses the Apostle Paul’s natural tenderness toward those whom he loves, is sort of like the calm before the storm. Whereas the first few verses in this letter seem like drinking from a peaceful babbling brook, what comes, beginning in verse ten, may seem like trying to drink from a fire hose.

Although it is part of the salutation of the letter, this verse actually expresses a prayer from the apostle. Since Paul spent more than a year and a half with the Christians in Corinth, he developed a close relationship with, and fondness for, them. His first expression of fondness is that he prays for grace for them. Christians often think of grace as “unmerited favor,” which it surely is when used in reference to the grace that God has shown to us in granting us the righteousness of Christ and eternal life through Him. But, since Paul is addressing this letter to Christians who already know the grace of God with regard to salvation, this is a different flavor of grace. This is living grace, the favor and good will from God that brings gratification and joy to the everyday lives of Christians.

In addition to grace, Paul prays for peace to be bestowed on all who read this letter. Throughout the years, from the first century until now, faithful Christians have enjoyed periods of peace as well as periods of persecution. Paul is well aware of the trials and troubles that we will encounter throughout our journey on this earth and expresses this prayer for peace even when we are in the midst of such troubles.

He recognizes and tells us not only the source of grace and peace, but the mediator through whom these are passed on to us. Though there are three persons in the Godhead who are each one completely God, there is a hierarchy that the three persons have agreed on. The Father is the first person of the three. The Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) is the second person of the three and is voluntarily submitted to the authority of the Father. And the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead who is voluntarily submitted to the authority of both the Father and the Son. Paul tells us here that grace and peace are from our Father and from (or through) our Lord Jesus Christ.

Application

Do you know the peace of God that surpasses all our understanding (Philippians 4:7)? Are you experiencing His grace in your life? Are you fully submitted to His will?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 1:2 – A Letter to You

Posted on by Will

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Truth to Learn

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to all Christians of all ages.

Behind the Words

Ekklēsia is the Greek word translated “church.” This word is made up of ek, meaning “out” and a form of the verb kaleō, meaning “to call.” It literally refers to “the called out ones.” Originally, this word referred to an assembly of citizens who were called out by civil authorities. It is used throughout the New Testament, however, to refer to the church, either a local assembly or the world-wide church.

“Sanctified” is translated from the Greek verb hagiadzō, which is based on hagos, meaning “that which inspires awe.” The basic meaning of hagiodzō is “to set apart from common use as something without blemish to be used in the service of God.”

The word “saints” is from the same root as hagiadzō. It refers to someone whom God has declared to be without sin.

“All” is translated from the Greek word pas, which carries the idea of “oneness and a totality of the whole.”

Meaning Explained

Paul wrote this letter to the ekklēsia in Corinth. Ekklēsia is roughly equivalent to the word sunagōgē (synagogue), which specifically refers to “those who have been gathered together.” However, sunagōgē is used in the New Testament to refer to a gathering of people of the Jewish faith. Early in the life of the New Testament church, the gathering of Christian believers was referred to as an episunagōgē to distinguish it from a gathering of Jews only. The term ekklēsia was first used by Christ as recorded in Matthew’s gospel (Matthew 16:18, 18:17) and is used by all of the other New Testament writers with the exception of Mark.

Paul says that we are “called saints.” This does not simply mean that we are referred to as saints, but that we are saints who have been “called” or “appointed” as saints by God. In the New Testament, Christians are often referred to as saints. It means that God has set us apart from the rest of humanity because He has declared us to be righteous, or without sin. In the third chapter of Romans, Paul goes to great lengths to explain that although we are all sinners, the price of that sin has been paid by the blood of Christ and, as a result, we who believe have the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. As part of granting us that righteousness, God set us apart for His use; therefore, all believers are saints. It is not an act of the church or a pronouncement from the Pope that makes us saints; it is a pronouncement of God.

Paul specifically wrote this letter to the saints in Corinth, but he makes it very clear in today’s verse that the teaching in this letter is to all Christians. In his address he says, “with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” This means that if you believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then this letter was also written to you.

Application

As we take our daily walk through this letter from the Apostle Paul, keep in mind that he wrote it to you!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

1 Corinthians 1:1 – Commissioned Preacher

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Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

Truth to Learn

We have a commission from our Lord to make disciples.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “called” is the noun klētos. It means “one who is called, invited, welcomed, or appointed.” It is not a verb, that is, Paul is not saying that he is “referred to as an apostle,” but that he is an “appointed apostle.”

“Apostle” is transliterated (a word of one language spelled with the letters of another language) from the Greek word apostolos. It is made up of apo, meaning “away from” and a form of the verb stellō, meaning “to send.” Thus, literally apostolos means “one who is sent away.” It refers to those disciples of Christ who saw Him personally and were sent away to preach the gospel message.

Thelēma is the Greek word translated “will.” When used of God it expresses “what God Himself does of His own good pleasure.”

“Sosthenes” is a proper name which means “of sound strength.” He was a ruler of the synagogue in Corinth.

Meaning Explained

This letter is identified in our Bible as the first one sent to the Corinthians. It appears, however, that there was a previous letter sent to them from Paul (1 Corinthians 5:9), though it has never been found. The writer immediately identifies himself as the Apostle Paul. As pointed out in the introduction, there is little doubt that this letter was sent by him, and a number of the early church fathers have attributed this letter to him in their own writings.

Paul refers to himself as “a called apostle.” Throughout the ages there have been many who have identified themselves as apostles, but in Scripture only those who have been sent in person by our Lord are identified as apostles. In fact, Paul makes it very clear that he did not simply give himself the title of an apostle, nor was he given that title by other members in the church. He was appointed as an apostle by the determined will of God Himself. His commission from God was to preach the gospel, and he tells us later in this letter:

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16)

A careful reading of the eighteenth chapter of Acts will reveal that Sosthenes was the second ruler of the Jewish synagogue who was converted by Paul’s preaching. Crispus was converted first (Acts 18:8). Later, after Paul’s trial before the proconsul Gallio, Sosthenes (also called the ruler of the synagogue) was taken and beaten by the Jews. This man is now identified by Paul as his companion in writing this letter to the believers in Corinth, and he is identified as a brother in the Lord (a Christian).

Application

We are not all apostles, but we have all been given a commission from our Lord to make disciples, to baptize those who believe, and to teach all things concerning our Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:19, 20). This commission binds us to our duty just as much as Paul was bound to his. Woe to us if we do not make disciples and teach God’s truth!

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved