A New Episode of the Blessed Hope Podcast Is Up! "Be United" -- 1 Corinthians 1:10-17
Episode Synopsis:
Paul has gotten some rather bad news. Members of Chloe’s family (presumably people Paul had known from his time in Corinth) had come to Ephesus (where Paul was currently laboring). They informed him of serious troubles back in Corinth. People were quarreling to the point that factions had developed in the church, with various groups identifying as followers of Paul, while others claimed to be loyal to Apollos, or to Peter. Some even claimed to be merely followers of Jesus.
No doubt when Paul had been in Corinth a year or more previously, he taught them that Christians became members of the body of Christ (the church) through faith in Jesus and baptism. Now he gets word that the Corinthians were divided with some claiming to be followers of those who taught them, or who had baptized them. Since Paul cannot hop on a plane or get in his car and travel to Corinth quickly, he must address the situation in writing–so he sends the letter we know as First Corinthians.
In verse 10 of the first chapter of this letter, we find the thesis statement which sets the tone for all that follows. Paul appeals to these struggling Christians in Corinth to stop acting like the pagans they once were, and act like the Christians they now are. They have been called to be saints (as believers in Jesus Christ) so they must end their schismatic behavior and get on the same page–united in mind and judgment. No more of the party spirit– “I follow Paul . . .” “I follow Apollos . . .” “I follow Peter . . .” or even “I follow Christ . . .” Christ is not divided, and Paul was not crucified for them!
Paul implores the Corinthians to remember that he came to preach the cross of Jesus Christ to them, not tickle their ears with clever words of pagan wisdom which rob the cross of its power to save. Their quarreling and divisions betray the gospel which brought them together calling them out of pagan darkness and into the light of Christ’s kingdom. The factions which were forming were also contrary to their baptism through which they together became members of Christ’s church and part of his body. The Corinthians must return to what Paul had taught them. The divisive behavior must cease and the Corinthians must unite around the gospel of a crucified Savior.
Show Notes:
I am keeping the episodes under one hour running time when I can. That will slow down our pace a bit, but I want to cover each section thoroughly, but not overwhelm you.
Episode Links:
Charles Spurgeon on Preaching Christ crucified
Nicolas Batzig on Denominations and Divisions
Elbert on The Wisdom of God
Bruce Winter Divine Honours for the Caesars — Images of statuary and temples from the Greco-Roman world (fascinating stuff!)
Series Bibliography:
Kim Riddlebarger, First Corinthians --Lectio Continua (RHB, 2024).
F. F. Bruce, Paul: The Apostle of the Heart Set Free. A bit dated but still remains the best biographical study of Paul
Douglas J. Moo, A Theology of Paul and His Letters (2021). A helpful big picture survey of Paul’s theology and epistles.
Thomas R. Schreiner, 1 Corinthians : An Introduction and Commentary, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (2018). A good and modern commentary on 1 Corinthians. If you buy one commentary, this ought to be it.
Charles Hodge, I & II Corinthians, reprint ed (Banner, or the volume on 1 Corinthians published by Crossway. This has long been the Reformed standard commentary on 1 Corinthians. Theologically solid, but badly dated.
Gordon Fee, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, NICNT (1987). Good material, especially on background and context, but charismatic in its orientation.
Roy E. Ciampa and Brian S. Rosner, The First Letter to the Corinthians, The Pillar New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, (2010). A good academic commentary, although there are several solid ones from which to choose.
Music:
(Shutterstock): Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op 92m, second movement, Allegretto (A minor)