Problems at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:1–6:20)

 

Problems at Corinth (1:1–6:20)

After a short introduction (1:1–9) Paul explains how to deal with issues the Corinthians are facing, such as strife and division (1:10–4:21), immorality in the church (5:1–13; 6:13–20), and Christians taking each other to court (6:1–9).

FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH (1:1–4:21)

After a short introduction (1:1–9), Paul helps the Corinthians with the issue of strife and division in the church (1:10–4:21). This second part—from 1:10 to 4:21—is the first main section of the letter’s body. Beginning with an appeal for unity in 1:10, this section presents Paul’s arguments against factions and divisions within the church. Paul explains that the saints must focus on Jesus and be humble servants.

Thanking God for Them (1:1–9)

Paul identifies himself as the author of the letter (1:1) and addresses it to the saints in Corinth, who are spoken of as belonging to the universal church of saints all over the world (1:2). Paul expresses thanksgiving to God for the believers in Corinth (1:4), describes them as enriched in spiritual gifts (1:7), and demonstrates that he has a God-centered confidence that they will persevere to the end (1:8).

Greeting (1:1–3)

Paul’s greeting identifies himself and wishes God’s grace and peace on the Corinthians.

 1:1 Paul claims in the very first verse to be called by God to be an “apostle.” Generally, an “apostle” is an individual sent with a message. The New Testament, however, turns “apostle” into a technical term—a special gift and ministry limited to a select few (possibly to those who had seen Christ personally; 1 Cor 9:1). Paul has this ministry because God willed it for him, and he therefore bears authority that should cause the Corinthians to listen even when it goes against their cherished opinions and practices. (Sosthenes, possibly the former head of the Jewish synagogue in Corinth mentioned in Acts 18:17, is with Paul as he writes.)

 1:2 Paul speaks of the Corinthians as “saints,” a term that designates someone who is sanctified, or set apart for God’s use. “Saints” then, are not a faithful few but include even the troubled and sinning believers at Corinth—and therefore at any other place. (Note the parallel between saints and believers in 2 Thess 1:10).

 1:3 Paul asks for God’s blessing of grace and peace to be on the Corinthians.

Spiritual Gifts at Corinth (1:4–9)

Paul refers to spiritual gifts, which he will explain at length later in the letter (1 Cor 12–14). The Corinthians are not lacking any gifts.

 1:4 Paul thanks God for what he has given to the Corinthians.

 1:5 Paul specifically identifies the gifts the Corinthians have in abundance—speech and knowledge (gifts he will later regulate; see 12:28; 14:1–6).

 1:6 The Corinthians have, through their gifts, confirmed what Paul taught them concerning Christ. That is, God’s gifts to them are evidence of the truth of Paul’s apostolic message about Jesus.

 1:7 The Corinthians lack no spiritual gift and are anticipating the return of Jesus.

 1:8 The Corinthians will be revealed as blameless by Jesus when he returns. The implication is that this is true for all believers.

 1:9 While the saints to whom Paul writes are not consistently faithful, God is always faithful. God has called them through Jesus into fellowship with his Son and therefore with each other.

Sectarianism Is Sin (1:10–17)

The church is developing cliques and divisions that have formed around certain leaders (and likely without the knowledge of those leaders). Paul clearly identifies this party spirit as sin.

No Divisions (1:10–12)

Paul exhorts the Corinthians to be unified. Divisions are a hindrance to Christ’s church.

 1:10 Paul wants them to be unified and have no divisions among themselves. Not every Christian then or now agrees on every interpretation. Paul doesn’t expect them to agree on every gray area, but they are to strive to agree—or “say the same thing”—as much as they possibly can (compare Phil 2:1–3). He says elsewhere that disagreements over doubtful matters should not be used to create divisions (compare Rom 14:1).

 1:11 Chloe’s “people” have told Paul of quarrels in the church.

 1:12 Paul illustrates the divisions by naming leaders—Paul, Apollos, Cephas, and Christ. Often cliques revolve around personalities rather than biblical issues or doctrines. This is not to say individuals don’t fight over doctrines, but in this verse it is all about personalities.

Mangum, Douglas, ed. 2020. Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament. Lexham Context Commentary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.