Sunday morning we'll begin our sixteen week study through 1 Corinthians at Christ's Church. Are you ready with chapter one? Here are some introductory observations and a brief outline heading into this weekend.
First, some background. Corinth was located on the main land route between east and west and as such was a crossroads community--everything came and went through Corinth. It was famous for its intellectual and material prosperity, as well as for its moral looseness.
Acts 18:1-18 gives a summary of Paul's time in Corinth and provides a glimpse of some of the people and the church's setting. This is really all we have in scripture regarding the planting of the church at Corinth. You might give that passage a quick read.
A quick scan of the first chapter yields a pretty natural outline.
v. 1-3 Paul's greeting and address: Paul, an apostle... To the church of God at Corinth... Grace and peace to you...
v. 4-9 The letter begins with an acknowledgment of the good work that God has begun in Corinth and an encouragement: I thank God always for you... you have been enriched in every way... God who has called you is faithful...
v. 10-17 Paul identifies one reason for his writing. He has heard a report of division within the church: Some from Chloe's house have informed me... one of you says... while another says... Is Christ divided?
Note that Paul will speak more specifically of this matter in chapter 3.
v. 18-31 (and really into and through most of chapter 2 as well) Paul lays the foundation for our unity--the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
What do you observe in the chapter? Anything catch your attention? Comment here, or we'll chat about it in person on Sunday morning.
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