1 CORINTHIANS
Order & Unity (Eph 4:1-7)
Ch.1:1,2
- "called...apostle" = "a called apostle" - Not in the sense of Gal 1:1 as a response to those
who challenged Paul's status, but a denial of human merit and an expression of unity with the "called saints" of v.2. Paul's
apostleship and their church membership are both due to God's merciful call (See Ro 9:16).
- "Sosthenes" (see Ac 18:12-17) - Well-known
to the church, but not mentioned hereafter.
- "with all", "every place", "theirs and ours"
- The theme of unity is firmly established in this epistle.
3 - "Grace and peace" - Not
a reference to division. Used by Paul in every epistle but those to Timothy, Titus, and Hebrews.
4,5 - "is given" = "was given" "are
enriched" = "were enriched" - A reference to their baptism into the church
and the privileges of the Gospel.
- "by Jesus" = "in Jesus" "by Him"
= "in Him" - Those who are in Christ are enriched by gifts.
- "utterance" (Gr. "logos")
"knowledge" (Gr. "gnosis") - The church was rich in the knowledge of the Gospel and extraordinarily gifted in the enunciation
of truth, specifically, speaking in tongues (languages). The utterance refers to the gift. The knowledge refers to the use/abuse.
As a leader, Paul recognizes that correction is
aimed at edification. He expresses appreciation for the giftedness and its use. He will later condemn the abuse. Despite the
issues and shortcomings of the church, they still provided light in the depraved darkness of Corinth. See Heb
12:11.
6 - "Even" = "Seeing that"
- "testimony of Christ" = The Word sent forth
by apostles and preachers.
7 - Double negative in Greek for emphasis. - "So that
you are not lacking in any gift (Gr."charisma") eagerly expecting the revelation (Gr."apokalupsis", NOT "parousia" or "epiphaneia")
...
See Rev 1:1-3, 19:9,10 - The "testimony of Christ" is from,
about, sent, delivered by and pointed to - Christ
8 - "confirm" = "stabilize" See Col 2:6,7
- "blameless" - See 1Th 3:13
9 - God can be relied upon to carry out His promise,
to accomplish His purpose. The thought expressed in Phil 1:6.
10 - Begins the body of the letter and shifts
tone.
- "Now" = "But"
- "brethren" = Those who claim to be bonded in
brotherhood. Repeated in v.11 for emphasis.
- "name" - The one name to be held in common.
- "speak the same thing" - A figure of speech
used of states or communities enjoying peaceful relations without factions. Similar to the English phrase "Be on the same
page."
- "divisions"=Gr."schisma" -
A word of incomplete separation as a torn cloth - Not separate pieces but not whole. See Mt 9:16 ("rent") and Jn 7:43, 9:16,
10:19 ("division/s"). Best expressed by the English term "denominations" - tears in the unified fabric of
those who worship Christ.
- "mind" = "principles" "judgment"
= "application of principles"
Connect
to Phil 2:5
11 - "house of Chloe" - Evidence of the position
of importance held by many women in the early Christian church.
- "contentions" = "strifes"
See Ro 1:29 ("debate")
12 - "Now this I say..." = "What I'm referring to..."
- "every one..." = "All of you have attached
yourselves to some party. The whole body is infected."
- "Paul...Apollos...Cephas...Christ" - Note that
Paul places himself at the bottom of an ascending scaele. In the spirit of unity Paul is careful to place Peter (Cephas) closest
to Christ to neutralize those who tried to place them as antagonists (See Gal 2:9-16). See Jn 4:1-3 to view a similar situation.
The enemy is well-versed in the truth of Mt 12:25.
- Apollos - Ac 18:24-19:1
13 - The affirmative answer to the 1st question is what concerns Paul (See 12:12-14,24-27)
- The negative response to questions 2&3 settles the point.
- "in" = "into" (subjection to and communion with) Mt 28:19
14,15 - From these verses it is apparent that Paul had made no predetermination
to avoid baptizing, but is now thankful that he abstained so often.
- Crispus - Ruler of the synagogue (Ac 18:8)
- Gaius - A common Roman name, but probably the same as Ro 16:23.
16 - Almost mid-sentence, Paul recalls others.
- Stephanas - See 16:15-17
17 - "...baptize...preach" - The performance of baptism requires no special giftedness. Baptism
depends upon the spirit of the recipient and God's grace. Baptism was/is often performed by subordinates (Jn 4:1,2) (Ac 10:45-48)
- "preach the gospel"=Gr."euangelizo"="evangelize"
- "wisdom of words" = eloquence in rhetoric and diction
A warning, particularly to the followers of Apollos, not to value presentation
over substance lest the cross "vanish under the weight of" ("be made of none effect") rhetoric, itching ears, emotionalism,
etc.
18 - From here to 3:2 Paul stays with preaching and a discussion of human eloquence and wisdom
before smoothly returning to the theme of dissension.
- "preaching"=Gr."logos"="word", "message"
- "perish" = "are perishing"
- "foolishness"=Gr."moria" Only found in this epistle="absurdity"
The power of the doctrine of the cross as the ordained instrument of God unto
salvation is not subject to intellectual excellence or human preference.
19 - "is" = "has been" See Isa 29:14
- "bring to nothing"=Gr."atheteo"="count as nothing" See Jn 12:48 ("rejecteth")
- "the prudent" = Those who have and apply wisdom. Wisdom can be
ignored, overridden, or corrupted (Eze 28:17)
20 - Paul paraphrases Isa 33:18 (the defeat of Sennacherib's army) to draw a spiritual image.
- "wise"=Gr."sophos"="teacher", Greek or Jewish, but used by the Greeks only of Greek
philosophers.
- "scribe"=Gr."grammateus" - A reference to the Jewish scribe.
- "disputer"=Gr."suzetetes"(Only occ.)="one who controverts"
IMPORTANT: "world" = "age", i.e., the age of the Messiah. See Heb 9:26 where again,
"aion" is translated "world"
- "made foolish" = "rendered vain" Read Ro 1:21,22
- "this" = "the"
- "world"=Gr."kosmos"="the existing order of things"
21 - Paul explains v.20.
- "after that" = "since"
- "in...God,..." = "when due to the wise dispensation of God the world was unable,
or failed to recognize Him,..." - Here "world" ("kosmos") lumps together Jew and Gentile, Pharisee and philosopher. Review
God's plan in Ro 11:7-25. read Ac 10:28-48
IMPORTANT: "preaching" = "the thing preached" - the proclamation, not the act of
preaching.
- "believe"=Gr."pisteuo"="have faith" The power of Jn 3:16.
22-25 - Verse 21 is confirmed and amplified. The preaching of the Gospel is opposed to the
world's wisdom and God's "foolishness" trumps the world's "wisdom". Both Jew and Gentile have gone astray.
(22) - "require a sign" = "ask for miraculous signs" Mt 12:38-40; 16:1-4
SUMMARY: The Jews maintained an outward, material outlook.
The Greeks sought to satisfy themselves intellectually. The cross satisfied neither in its moral and spiritual power. There
remain those who look for God in their tangible assets and personal well-being. There remain those looking to fit God within
the limits of their intellectual capacity.
(23,24) - "preach"=Gr."kerusso"="to proclaim" (as an activity
with no reference to what is proclaimed and no reference to teaching. this is contrasted to the passivity of v.22)
- "Christ crucified" = " a crucified Messiah"
- "stumblingblock" = The Jewish perception of the Messiah
and the signs of the kingdom promised by the prophets could not reconcile crucifixion with their ideas of the Messiah. The
concept - Heb 2:9-18, Ac 26:22,23
To the Jews, a contradiction. To the Greeks, meaningless.
- "them...called" = "the called themselves"
- Paul includes others besides the preachers he has referred to thus far.
- "both" - See Gal 3:26-29, critical Scripture to rightly
divide this epistle.
- "power...wisdom" in response to "sign...wisdom" of
v.22. see Ac 8:9,10 for the concept in reference to a false prophet.
Christ is the reality - The Jews pursued a shadow. the Greeks provided counterfeits.
(25) - Paul paraphrases a common Greek idiom.
- "foolishness"=Gr."moros"="foolish thing"
- "weakness"=Gr."asthenes"="weak thing"
- "men"=plural of "anthropos"=All humankind
26 - Paul asks them to draw on their own experience.
- "calling"=Gr."klesis"="the way you were called" or "the kinds of people sent to
call you"
- "not many" are wise...mighty...noble
27,28 - "hath chosen" = "chose"
- "confound"=Gr."kataischuno"="put to shame"
- "base"=Gr."agenes"= exact opposite of "eugenes" (noble) in v.26.
- "despised"=Gr."exoutheneo"="counted as nothing"
- "not"=Gr."me"= Refers to something conditionally negated due to some concept, feeling,
etc. ("haves","have nots") ("nobodys", somebodys")
29 - Actually a common Hebraism. Best translated as "That all flesh may be prevented
from boasting"
Deu 8:10-20 Ps 62:11 Isa 10:12-15
Ac 12:21-24 Ro 3:23 1Co 4:7 Eph 2:8,9
Jas 4:13-16
30 - "is made" should be "became"
- Separate "wisdom" from the three "and"s - Read "By becoming wisdom He became
both righteousness and sanctification and also redemption"
- Our existence comes from God, we are born of Him in Christ Jesus. It is only
through wisdom that our ultimate deliverance from sin can occur. Wisdom, the application of knowledge, requires knowledge.
Hence, Hos 4:6.
Read Wisdom's word Pr 8
31 - See Jer 9:23,24
Ch.2:1 - Paul now uses himself as an
example of the principles put foth in 1:26-31. He alludes to humility in preaching and humility in person.
- "excellency"=Gr."huperoche" Only here and 1Ti 2:2="pre-eminence"
"I didn't come to you as a paragon of eloquence or wisdom."
- "testimony" - Paul came to them with the plain, simple language of a witness.
2 - "I had no intention to know about anything other than the Person and Office of our Lord,
and Him too, not in His glory, but in His humiliation". (1:23,24)
3 - Weakness leading to fear leading to trembling. Not a fear of man, but nervousness and
apprehension about falling short in his calling. (Eph 4:1-3)
See Gal 4:13 Eph 6:5
4 - "speech...preaching" = "the facts of the Gospel...the method of instruction and
exhortation"
- "enticing"=Gr."peithos" Only occ.="persuasive' - A colloquial Greek word, illustrating
Paul's point.
- "demonstration which comes of Spirit and power" - Moral demonstration, not verbal.
See 4:9-13.
5 - "stand" = "be"
- "wisdom of men" - Sermons, books, commentaries, etc. must be reconciled against
God's Word.
2Pe 1:19-21
6,7 - The rest of this chapter concerns "true" vs. "false" wisdom
- "wisdom among the perfect" See 1:24
- "princes" - mighty in intelligence or rank.
Paul makes the transition from "I" to "we" to make the epistle global.
- "ordained...unto our glory" - the subject of 1&2 Thessalonians.
See Rev 13:18 Pr 4:7
8 - "none...knew" - It was hidden by God. See 2Co 4:3-6
- "the Lord of glory" - See Eph 1:17 Jas 2:1
9,10 - See Isa 64:4 and Ps 31:19
- "eye...ear...heart" - There is understanding that exceeds the ability of
the senses to perceive, and the capacity of the intellect to prove. This is the essence of Jn 8:32, Heb 11:1 and
Ro 8:16-28. Compare Heb 11:13.
- "revealed" - Prophecy is not computed or reasoned. See Rev 19:10.
- "searcheth"=Gr."ereunao"="to seek out" (as treasure or secrets)
See Ps 139:1 Jn
5:39 Rev 2:23
- "us" - All believers, not just the Apostles.
11-16 - (11,12) - Man's self-consciousness
reveals man's nature to him. It is only the Spirit of God dwelling in man that reveals the nature of God. The knowledge
of God (truth) is received, not derived. There is a process of attainment. It is much more than a knowledge of facts,
theories or specific Scripture. Read Phil 2:1-12 and note v.5 "Let this mind be in you..." meaning "Mind this in yourselves."
It is a matter of choice and surrender to the will of God. No man, as man, knows the things of
God.
NOTE: This is carefully worded in the Greek to limit the analogy. It does
not imply that the spirit of man's relationship to man is the same as the Holy Spirit's relationship to God.
- "we" - Here refers to the Apostles as teachers.
- "freely given" - As an act of grace. Read Jas 1:5-8 and note the process: request
(ask), trust (faith), receive.
Those who claim to be unable to understand and those who claim intellectual
mastery of the nature of God are, and will remain, carnal. They cannot receive the "things" of v.9.
(13) - "comparing"=Gr."sunkrino"="fitting the meaning
to the words". Used of interpreting dreams (Dan 5:16,17 Gen 40:8,16,22)
- "with spiritual" = "to spiritual persons"
14 - "natural"=Gr."psuchikos" from "psuche" (Heb. "nephesh")="soul" - The personality and
physicality of man, sometimes translated "sensual". See 1Th 5:23 ("spirit and soul and body")
- "receiveth not" - Includes both an inability to receive AND a disinclination to
receive.
- "know"=Gr."ginosko"="get to know", "learn", "perceive", "to become acquainted with"
- "discerned"=Gr."anakrino"="examined", "investigated"
Truth is received from and through the Holy Spirit. Both speaker and hearer must be spiritual.
Ro 8:7 Jn 12:37-41
15 - "judgeth", "judged" same as "discerned
READ: "The spiritual man has standards by which to measure others, but they have
no standards to apply to him. The spiritual man is a puzzle to the natural man.
16 - See Isa 40:12-14 - How could the natural man possibly understand us? If the mind of
Christ is in us, and our spirits are one with His Spirit, what man can penetrate or comprehend the mind of God?
Ch.3:1 - Paul makes the transition
back to dissensions in the church. Dissensions which would cease if they were spiritual people.
- "could not" -There was wisdom that Paul was unable to impart because of their nature.
- "carnal" - A reference to their original nature, hence the reference to "babes"
(not having grown up).
2 - "You weren't strong enough then, or now". (About 5 years). Heb 5:12-6:3
3 - The conditions are indicative opf living according to human standards ("as men") - envying,strife,
divisions. Compare truth/wisdom Jas 3:13-18.
Verses 4-23 - Apostles, bishops, pastors, etc. - Merely human instruments
4 - "while" = "whenever"
- "carnal" should be "men" (Gr."anthropos")
5 - "ministers" = "servants" "gave" - See
Eph 4:11-13
Instruments of faith, not the objects
of faith
6 - "planted", "watered" - past tense
- "gave" = "ever gave" - Imperfect tense, therefore continuous, gradual and ongoing.
7,8 - "Paul and Apollos are nothing, therefore they are the same thing. They cannot be Lords over you
because they are nothing. They cannot be the subject of dissension because they are the same thing. Besides, planting and
watering are pointless without the growth process. But, even though they are "one", everyone is rewarded individually."
9 - "God's fellow-workers" - We can only work together, without dissension, when God is "with"
us, when we operate under His power. It does not mean that God is a "labourer". ("God" is the genitive case of possession)
- "husbandry", "building" - Joins the 2 metaphors of 6-8 and 10-17.
"husbandry"=Gr."georgion" Only occ.="tilled field"
"building"=Gr."oikodome"="edifice" - the product of "edifying"
10 - Paul switches to the new metaphor. The unity of the effort involves
a variety of assignments and tasks.
- "According to..." - Placed first to exclude boasting
Read: "If I laid the foundation, the credit belongs to God. It
is His honor, not mine."
- "wise" = "skillful"
- "masterbuilder"=Gr."architekton" Only occ.="chief constructor"
note
Mk 6:3 Heb 2:10, 12:2
- "another"=Gr."allos"="another of the same kind in succession" Not a specific reference
to Apollos nor limited to one person.
- "take heed" - The superstructure may vary, but only one foundation is possible.
Care must be taken that the building is appropriate. Compare Gal 1:6-9
11 - The foundation stone was prepared by God and "laid" by God. Not a contradiction
to being "laid" by Paul. Study Phil4:13 Jn 15:4-7
God's work cannot be done apart from God: Mt 7:21-27 1Co 13:1-3 Jn 14:6
12 - A beautifully constructed list of six (#of man) things in descending order of value
and resistance to fire. Note that all, as representative of man's works, are perishable (1 Pe 1:7). the building is collective
(Eph 2:19-22); each individual is responsible for his own job (Eph 4:1) and (Gal 6:4,5). Read Mal 3:1-3.
The first 3 indicate a palace. The second three, a hut (not suitable
for the foundation). Paul yses the building as the concrete exhibition of the gospel of truth. The Corinthians were lax in
the practice of doctrine.
13 - "fire" - Will purify the first 3 items, destroy the
last 3.
See Dan 3:22,25
14 - Salvation is apart from works. Heavenly rewards are based on works.
15 - One who is saved (Jn 3:16) may narrowly escape the lake of fire as one who survives
the loss of his goods in a fire. He will "suffer loss" by virtue of losing his reward, but he will survive.
16,17 - Often taken out of context and misunderstood.
- "ye","you" - plural. - The Spirit dwells in the building formed by the collective
body. This has absolutely no reference to an individual's physical state. (See Mt 15:16-20 and Mk
7:15-23)
- "defile", "destroy"=Gr."phtheiro"="to mar"
- As in Eph 2:20-22, the "building" must become a "Temple". The human builder
cannot construct a Temple. (Read 2 Chr 5; 7:13). The building "grows" into a Temple. God provides the increase.
The words "Temple of God" should read "God's Temple". There is only one. Thus the seriousness of dissension. The use of the
Gr. "naos" for "Temple" refers to the inner shrine, or sanctuary. Those who offend in spirit will be requited in kind. Verse
19 addresses moral impurity, the other major issue in the church at Corinth.
Illustration: Lev 10:1-3; 21:21-23 (note "blemish")
Ac 5:1-14 - The phrase "one accord" appears 12 (#of government) times in Acts (11) and Philippians (1). Of the 11 occurrences
in Acts, ten (#of order) are in reference to the saints, one of the heathens. (See Ac 1:14; 2:1,46; 4:24; 5:12; 7:57; 8:6;
12:20; 15:25; 18:12; 19:29 and Phil 2:2)
18 - "seemeth" = "seemeth to himself" - Worldly wisdom must be renounced in favor of moral
wisdom. Read Lk 16:1-13 and note that v.9 is a question ("Do I say unto you?") with 10-12 explaining why He does not
say that.
19 - The only N.T. quote from Job. Translated into Greek differently by Paul than in the
Septuagint. Paul uses stronger words to reflect the "wise" being "seized".
20 - Taken from Ps 94:11
- "thoughts" = "reasonings" - God, and those with the mind of Christ, understand
natural things and worldly things. Along with the parable of Lk 16:1-13, read and understand Mt 10:16.
20-23 - "men" = "teachers" See 1:31. - "Your teachers are your servants. They, and
everything else, belong to you as disciples of Christ; as fellowheirs." Ro 8:31-39.
Ch.4:1- "so account of us..." - according to 3:21, 23
- "ministers" = "servants"
- "stewards..." - True teachers are entrusted with the
revealed truth of God.
See 1 Co 15:51 Ro 11:25
2 Th 2:7 1 Ti 3:16
2 - "For the rest, it is required that a man be found trustworthy."
3,4 - "Man's day (judgment) isn't important to me. Even if I were to find no guilt in myself,
I still wouldn't be justified. It is God that judges.
5 - Human opinion is futile, insufficient and unnecessary. God will reveal all and each of
us will receive due praise from God, whether much or none.
Ro 2:28,29 1 Co 3:13
Eph 5:13
6 - "I used myself and Apollos to illustrate a general truth. Do not exceed what is
written in Scripture for your assessment of truth. Try the truth by the truth. Note 2 Ti 4:1-4
7 - Switches to singular, posed to each individual.
- "glory" = "boast" Jn 15:4,5 1 Co 12:4-11
Deu 8:10-18 Jas 1:16-18
8 - Paul uses irony to chastise the Corinthians. - "You seem to be exalted by some special
dispensation which gives you all the advantages while we poor apostles must labor and suffer. It must be nice."
9 - "We, on the other hand, instead of being royalty, are exhibited last (after the prophets)
as condemned criminals for the grand finale."
- "spectacle"=Gr."theatron"= A place of showing. The means through which
God showed His Word and Works, not the show itself.
What we are and what we do is not about us. Eph 4:11,12
10-13 - Despite v.14, Paul continues his ironic contrast to the puffed up church members
by describing the apostles' life.
- fools/wise weak/strong honourable/despised
- hungry, thirsty, poorly clothed wanderers.
- "filth"=Gr."perikatharma" Only occ.="sweepings"
- "offscouring"=Gr."peripsema" Only occ. = What is scraped off.
14 - "shame" - the method
- "warn" - the purpose
15 - "though" = "if" "have" = "should have" - Paul takes the stance
of a father addressing his children. See 1Th 2:1-12
16 - "followers" = "imitators" As children copying parents.
17 - Paul informs them that he has dispatched Timothy, a mature "sibling", to bring (to return)
them into sync with the rest of the body. Timothy had not yet arrived (16:10).
18 - "Some of you have been in the house acting as if your parents were never going to return
and find out what you've been doing."
19 - "shortly" = "quickly" "know" = "discover and expose"
- "not the speech...power" - Not the effects, but the source.
20 - Why? No problem is eliminated until its cause is removed.
- How? Not through detective work, but spiritually. (2:13-16)
21 - "It's your choice. Do I come to you as your schoolmaster or as your father?"
Ch.5:1 -"reported commonly" =
"most assuredly known",i.e., not a rumor, but a reality. Paul does not name the informants. The woman is ignored, indicating
that she did not belong to the church (v.13). The father is still alive (2 Co 7:12), divorced or separated since the issue
refers to an ongoing relationship, not a single incident. See Lev 20:11, Deu 22:30.
2 - Such scandal should have humbled the church, led to mourning and triggered some action.
See 2 Chron 7:14.
- "from among" = "out of the midst of"
3,4 - Paul contrasts himself to the Corinthians. He, from afar, condemned. They, though present,
condoned. Next, Paul refers to an imaginary council over which he presides in spirit. The reference is based on Mt 18:20 and
apparently led to an actual tribunal (2 Co 2:6).
NOTE: A gathering that is truly held in the
name of the Lord will produce Godly results accompanied by God's power..
5 - Connects to "judged" in v. 3. "to deliver" = "That ye should deliver"
- Satan - The instrument of physical suffering used for a Divine purpose.
See 2 Co 12:7 1 Ti 1:20 Lk 13:16 Job 2:7
NOTE: The power to afflict necessarily includes the power to stop afflicting.
Satan has the power to counterfeit the gift of healing.
- This "delivery" is through power granted by God to His chosen apostles.
See Ac 5:1-10; 13:8-11 Note Ro 1:24,26,28
- "destruction...flesh" "spirit...saved" - Principle espoused
several times by Christ. Mk 9:43-48 Ac 9:15,16 Jn 12:24,25
6 - "glorying" = "boasting"
- "leaven" - The sin, not the sinner. The church had a spot of plague.
Their pride is condemned, but their behavior is the leaven.
7,8 - Since the Passover is past, we are in the days of unleavened bread. Ex 12:12-20
1 Co 5:9 – “an epistle” should be “the
epistle” – The reference must be to a previous communication which would be well known to the Corinthians since
it is identified only as “the epistle”. This two-word phrase occurs only 4 times in the Bible. Two of these
instances are immediately dismissed:
-
Ac 23:33 – A letter from the chief captain to the governor at Caesarea.
-
2 Co 3:3 – A reference to human beings.
It is the 4th
occurrence which unlocks the “mystery”. It is found in Ac 15:30 and, just as in 1 Co 5:9, it is identified only
as “the epistle”. Are we missing an epistle of such monumental importance in the formation of the Christian
church? Does nothing remain of such a widely circulated letter? Is there a missing letter to the Corinthians? The answer to
these questions is an emphatic “NO!”.
The epistle is HEBREWS – Why?
Most Bibles will give the date
for the writing of Hebrews as 64-68 A.D. based primarily on Heb 13:23 and reasoning that:
1.
Timothy’s release must have been in connection with his ministry in Rome with Paul in the 60s.
2.
It was written before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D. because there is no reference
to it in the epistle.
#2 is obviously
true. #1 is baseless assumption. The imprisonment of the apostles was as common as parking tickets are today. In fact, the
Gr. “apoluo” in Heb 13:23 could easily refer to Timothy having been “sent on a mission” in addition
to the fact that the verse provides no time reference.
The issues of timing
and authorship are settled by the Bible itself.
-
The subject of the Book of Hebrews, in part and in whole, precisely fits the subject of Ac 15:1-35 (about
51 A.D.). Hebrews sets forth Jesus as both Man and Messiah; the New Covenant as superior to the Old Covenant; Jesus being
superior to both Moses and the angels, etc. To think that Hebrews would not be written until some 22 years into Paul’s
ministry is illogical. Why write Romans at such an early date (58 A.D.) and not Hebrews? It is akin to building the foundation
of the house as the final step.
-
The distribution of the epistle produced in Acts 15 was of paramount importance
and enhanced by the split in Ac 15:36-41 (compare to Ac 8:1-4 after the stoning of Stephen). This consistency of God is also
mirrored by Ro 1:16 (“to the Jew first”). Such a document would be common to all established and new “churches”
and could easily be referred to as “the epistle” without further description. (Note:
"the letters" of Ac 15:23-29 were prepared for immediate distribution, akin to a corporate
resolution. The entire discourse, naturally, took much longer to prepare, copy and distribute. It took 2-3 years).
-
Paul was obviously present for the Council meeting in Jerusalem and, due to his level of scholarship (Ac
22:3) compared to the other apostles, would have been the obvious choice to author such a document subject to consensus approval.
The level of knowledge of the Septuagint (Greek Bible) exhibited in Hebrews is substantial. There are two clear reasons not
to publish Paul as the author:
1.
To attach Paul’s name to a document aimed at “thousands” of Jews who believed after
Pentecost but remained “zealous of the law” (Ac 2:41, 4:4, 6:7, 21:20) may have defeated its purpose.
2.
Documents produced by Councils (Constitutions, Treaties, etc.) do not have individual authorship assigned.
-
The style would necessarily be different from Paul’s other epistles written to churches composed
primarily of Gentiles. He writes Hebrews to the Jews as an instructed scribe. The reasoning, thought and logical flow are
clearly Paul’s. One does not write a letter to a friend or relative in the same style as a memo or business letter.
A difference in style does not demonstrate a difference in authorship.
-
If Paul did not write Hebrews, we are left with Paul being the author of 13 epistles instead of 14 ( a violation of God’s usage of numbers in Scripture) and the structure
of the epistles is destroyed.
Hebrews was almost certainly
written immediately after 1&2 Thessalonians during Paul’s 18 months in Corinth . The Corinthians were among the
first to receive a copy of Hebrews and knew that Paul was the author. To identify himself as the author to the church at Corinth
would add immensely to its credibility since he had “begotten” them.
The completion of Hebrews can
be accurately placed no later than 54 A.D.
(This is a summary of a body of evidence)
-
"company"=Gr."sunanamignumi"="intermingle" - The specific reference is to Heb 12:14-17 where the same word is used for
fornicator" (Gr."pornos" = male prostitute or whoremonger) as in this verse.
10 - Not to the exclusion
of witnessing (Mt 28:19-20)
- "extortioners"=
Gr."harpax" = Those who take by force or threat.
11 - See 6:10 - Refers to
habitual behavior. Remember Ro 3:23.
- "no...eat" = "not
even to eat" - a Hebraism referring to fellowship and the implication of condoning such behavior.
12,13 - It is God's responsibility
to judge the world. The church can, and should, only deal with matters within the body.
See Deu 17:8-13 as the basis for Paul's statement.
Ch.6 -
Paul moves from matters of transgression against the purity of the church body to civil litigation in heathen courts.
1 - "Does it make sense for
the just to submit themselves to being judged by the unjust?"
2,3 - The saints will reign
with Christ as kings and accordingly sit with Him as judges. 2 Ti 2:12 Rev 22:5
Note Rev 20:4 Mt 19:28 Lk 22:30
- The logical question
follows.
- "...life" = Gr."biotikos"
- The clause refers to the circumstances and occurrences of natural life vs. spiritual life.
4 - "set...to judge" = "cause...to
sit"
Compare Ac 6:2 to
understand. Resolution of earthly matters will contribute to harmony in the body but can never be allowed
to detract from spiritual ministry and leadership. The Corinthians were bickering over every real and imagined difference
with each other. Spiritual giftedness was being squandered dealing with trivia.
5,6 - "Why can't you handle
this? You've got brother going against brother and, even worse, you're taking it before the heathens."
7 - "...utterly a fault..." -
"The fitness of the Gentile courts is not the primary issue. You diminish yourselves by being quick to litigate."
- "one with another"
= "with yourselves"
- "Why..."
See Mt 18:21-35 (Note "my brother" in v.21)
8 - (Emphatic)
"Instead of treating each like family, you seek to exploit each other."
9 - "unrighteous" - Same
word translated "unjust" in v.1
- "Be not deceived"=Gr."planao"="Do
not be caused to roam" - A strong phrase used 3 times by Paul (also 15:33 and Gal 6:7)
NOTE: The things
listed in vv. 9,10 reference habitual behaviors and an unsurrendered heart. Salvation is not dependent upon works (Jn 3:16),
but our works are often reflective of our hearts. (Read 1 Jn 3:15 and note that ir is present tense and does not preclude
the salvation of a murderer at a later time).
The list in v.9 is tied directly to the activities
at the temple of Aphrodite (see INTRODUCTION).
- "effeminate"=Gr."malakos"="soft"
- The colloquial term for a catamite.
- "abusers..."=Gr."arsenokoites"="sodomites"
Paul addresses common practices and
beliefs that lingered in the church.
1. It was common for a
man to have 3 sexual partners - Wife, servant and shrine prostitute.
2.It was common for men
to regard homosexual activities according to which role was taken. Hence, Paul addresses both partners.
10 - Characteristics indicative
of living "according to flesh" (Ro 8:13). manifested through sensuality and strife.
11 - "...washed" = "You
washed yourselves" (Baptism)
- "...sanctified"
= "You were consecrated" (see 7:14 for the same sense)
- "...justified"
= "You were justified" (incorporated into Christ)
The verse moves from external to internal,
ending with the fullness of the Trinity.
12 - THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIBERTY
and LICENSE
- Sensuality was
not only rampant in the church, but was not viewed as a problem by many of the members. Paul concedes the principle, denies
the application to the sins of the flesh by applying a qualifying principle.
- "All things..."
= "Nothing is unlawful..." See Ro 7:6; 8:1-4 Gal 2:19,3:21-25, etc. (Compare the concept of diplomatic immunity)
- "BUT..."
- We are not loosed from responsibilities to ourselves and to others.
- "expedient"=Gr."sumphero"="advantageous","profitable"
- With regard to others as well as ourselves.
- "brought under..."
= "put under the tyranny" - Our own moral decay sets in with a lack of self-discipline.
IMPORTANT:
The fact that we are not subject to a rule book does not give us a license to do anything we choose. In fact, it calls
us to a higher standard. Read and understand Mt 5:17-48. We are responsible for our own service (Eph 4:1)
and our impact on others (Mt 18:1-10). The Christian walk consists of much more than obeying the
commandments (Mk 10:17-27) or avoiding some list of sins (Jas 3:2a). God has always desired more from us (Ps 24:3-5) but we
needed training to reach maturity. The Resurrection advanced us to the next level. Ac 17:28-31 Col 2:12-23
Ro 14:12-23
13,14 - "destroy"=Gr."katargeo"="bring
to nought" - All that is physical, natural and sensual is temporary. 2 Co 4;18 Lk 21:5,6
- BUT... Paul makes
an important distinction between what is consumed by the body and its activities which impact its resurrection.
The difficulty for most people lies in separating the idea of the body from the concept of flesh and blood.
Paul uses Chapter 15 for that purpose. The body as an instrument of service and worship for God
is the unchanging purpose of both the natural (corruptible) and spiritual (incorruptible) body.
- "Fornication" (Gr."porneia"=Harlotry, adultery, incest) is idolatrous, as Paul explains in vv 15-20. Idolatry
is fornication based on God's relationship to His people. Carefully read and understand:
Jer 3:1-10 Eze 16:1-43 2 Co 6:14-18
15 - We are the instruments
of service (labourers). Note the responsibility to distribute God's blessings - Mt 14:15-19
IMPORTANT: "take"
= "take away" (See Lk 16:13) Loyalty to God cannot be divided - only removed.
16 - "What?" = "Or"
"joined"=Gr."kollao"="cleaved"
See
Gen 2:24 - Crucial to God's perspective
Cleaving = Marriage = Monogamy
- "one flesh" -
Impossible naturally, therefore supernatural, i.e., spiritual, not physical. Understand Mt 19:6
17 - Paul connects the physical
and the spiritual. The union with God is inner and spiritual (Eph 4:4) and mutual in all respects (Eph 5:30). this
gives wider comprehension to Scripture like Rev 2:4 and :20-23.
18 - "Flee" - See Gen 39:6-12.
Note that the individual is to "run away", not to withstand, resist or overcome. The idea is expressed in
Jas 1:13-16 and detailed in 2Sa 11:1-4. Lust in the mind and spirit is the leaven which ferments
before any actions take place.
- "Every" = "Every other" - Even things like gluttony and drunkenness
are apart from the body as an instrument of service.
- "sinneth against"
- See Eph 5:29. Again, the difference between what we consume and what we cleave to.
To understand:
Read 1Jn 4:20 "...for he that loveth not, is not committed and faithful to his spouse which he hath married
and vowed to cleave to, how can he commit and be faithful to God Whom he hath not seen?"
19 - See 3:16 where
the collective body is addressed regarding strife and vainglory.
Here
it is the individual regarding sensuality.
REMEMBER: The physical
structure of the body is not key, its usage is important. See the "den of thieves" Mt 21:12,13
20 - "bought"=Gr."agorazo"
- The aorist tense, meaning paid once for all. This is NOT the concept of redemption by the blood of Jesus
Christ nor is it propitiation. It is NOT ransom from slavery, captivity and bondage. It refers to the
purchase price of transfer to a new master, a change of ownership as we remain slaves/servants (See Ro 6:18,22).
1Co 7:21-24
- "therefore" =
"Be sure to"
- "and in your spirit"
- OMIT. Not present in any text.
Ch. 7:1-11
- To marry or not marry
- Duties of those already married.
- The unmarried - Single,divorced,separated,widowed
1 -Paul refers directly to
a letter he received from the Corinthians containing general and specific questions. Many (too many) Christians still
have the same questions.
- "good" - Unqualified
here. Given context in vv. 2,9 and more importantly in Eph 5:22-33. See Pr18:22 Heb 13:4
A Christian
has no responsibility to be either married or unmarried. Our duty is to live according to our status.
2 - "Nevertheless to avoid..."
= "But because of..."
- "every" = "each"
- A prohibition of polygamy given to both parties to prevent misuse of Scriptures like Tit 2:5 and 1Ti 3:1,5.
Paul continues to stress
the mutual responsibilities of both marital partners in the following verses.
3 - "benevolence"=Gr."eunoia"="kindness",
BUT the text reads Gr."opheile"="the debt", hence the term "render" (See Mt 22:21). There are non-negotiable
obligations between spouses. Things owed contractually, legally and morally. For example, monogamy is not negotiable.
4 - As "one flesh", neither
husband nor wife is the controlloing party. Neither husband nor wife is unaffected by the actions or status of the other.
5 - Summarizes the points
made in vv. 2-4. Spouses are not to withhold sex as a weapon or as a reward. It is "owed" unless both
parties agree to a "grace period."
- "Defraud"=Gr."apostereo"="deprive"
- "give yourselves
to"=Gr."scholazo"="have leisure for" (as a break from school or vacation from work - temporary, short-term)
- "fasting and"
- OMIT, not in any text. (Fasting is not to be equated with prayer in terms of spiritual growth).
- "incontinency"=Gr."akrasia"
Only here and Mt 23:25 "excess"="lack of self-restraint" - The idea is that sexual deprivation can make one more susceptible
to illicit conduct.
6 - Read: "I do not state
this as binding rules. I state what is allowable. I speak permissively, not imperatively." See Mt 19:8
7 - "If it were up to me,
I'd prefer that all live in celibacy and continence. But not all have the same dispensation of grace."
READ and UNDERSTAND Mt 19:10-12
8 - "widows" - applies to
both sexes - "Do not feel a need to remarry if once married, nor to marry if never married."
9 - "cannot contain" = "don't
have self-control"
- "burn" = "be consumed"
(as by fire), "inflamed", "obsessed"</
