T.O.D. taught from Corinthians at Paran Baptist Church on Highway 341 / Johnsonville Hwy in Lake City, South Carolina. This commentary is based on the notes he wrote in preparation for the lessons.
The author was licensed to preach the Gospel by Paran on May 26, 1979. He has been a student of Scripture since 1972. He was an art teacher for over 30 years in Florence School District 3.
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Johnston, T.O.D.
A Layman's Commentary on The Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians/Religious Non-fiction
1st Edition 2012
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Dedication:
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After reading many scholarly commentaries on different books of Scripture, it became my mental habit to sift through the minute discussions of individual words and/or phrases, and the quoting of various scholars of the past of many differing opinions, and center on the most logical and inspirational truths that remained. Thus I relied on the studied scholarship of those who had learned the original languages and had read all the previous scholars that had written to get the best possible understanding of Scripture that I, as a non-scholar, could. It seemed that most church members would not attempt to read scholarly works - but would benefit from their knowledge if presented in a plain and straightforward manner, the truths they had perceived. The following commentary is my attempt to do this. May God bless my efforts to the extent that they increase the understanding and faith of the reader.
T.O.D. Johnston
2005
Introduction.
The city of Corinth was one of the most famous and prosperous cities of Greece. It was the capital of the Peloponnesus, connected to the mainland by a neck of land, or isthmus. It had a port on the western side called Lecheum, and on the east, Cenchrea. These opened upon the Aegean sea on the west, the Ionian Sea on the east. From these two ports, great commerce was carried on throughout the Mediterranean Sea, from the straits of Gibraltar to the west, the coasts of Egypt, Palestine, Syria, and Asia Minor on the east. This as well as throughout the Greek Islands and ports, and with Italy. This extensive commerce brought great prosperity. It was destroyed by the Roman army in 146 B.C., but rebuilt by Julius Caesar.
It had magnificent public buildings: temples, palaces, theaters, porticoes, baths, and so forth. The columns, capitals, and bases were unique in design, and it was named as the Corinthian order of architecture. It was also famous for its many statues of the Greek gods and goddesses. The most popular was the temple of Venus. It was very wealthy, all producing luxury, over-indulgence in many diversions.
There was great activity in the arts, sciences, literature, as well as the Isthmian games every five years, which included contests of leaping, running, throwing the spear, boxing, and wrestling. There were also competitions for poetry and music. The winners received a crown of woven leaves. Paul refers to these contests at different times in his letters.
In its heathen condition, the city was extremely corrupt, profligate, and lascivious. Public prostitution was a large part of their religious practices. That practice increased the wealth of the pagan temples. This is mentioned because Paul mentions several things in his letters to this city that wouldn't be understood without knowing these pagan customs and practices. He also notes that no other Gentile country was as corrupt.
Even in spite of these conditions, the Gospel of Jesus Christ took root, and a Church was founded and grew there. Paul founded it in about 51 A.D., soon after his visit to Athens (Acts 18:1). He ministered there for 18 months. During that time, he wrote two letters to Thessalonica. This first letter was written to the Corinthians in about 55 or 56 A.D., while he was in Ephesus during his third missionary journey (Acts 16:8,19).
Outline of the Epistle.
I. The introduction – 1:1-9.
II. Dealing with dissensions – 1:10 through chapter 3.
III. The case of incest – chapters 5-7.
IV. The question of eating things offered to idols – chapters 8-10.
V. Regulation within the church – chapters 11-14.
VI. The resurrection of the dead – chapter 14.
VII. Miscellaneous exhortations, salutations, commendations, etc.
I Corinthians 1:1-17. Greeting and Dealing with Dissension.
Salutation
1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sos'thenes our brother,
2 ¶ Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
3 ¶ Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving for Spiritual Gifts
4 ¶ I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
5 that in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
7 so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
8 who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
Divisions in the Church
10 ¶ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chlo'e, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apol'los; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gai'us;
15 lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
16 And I baptized also the household of Steph'anas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Verse 1.
Paul identifies himself as having been called to his place of authority as the apostle to the Gentiles of Jesus Christ, by appointment from God (through the will of God). His was a Divine commission, there was no part from any man. This authority was his basis to straighten out this church's divisions and contentions.
A companion, Sosthenes, is mentioned (as noted previously in Acts 18:17).
Verse 2.
Addressed to the Church of God at Corinth. As before mentioned, it was planted by Paul several years previously (Acts 18:1).
The members are set apart, separated from the common corruption of the pagans of that time and place. They are called to be saints. To save men from their sins was the mission of Jesus Christ. Once forgiven, they are a new creation unto good works, to do all unto the glory of God. They are not unique in this, but with all believers at every place, the high calling by the same Lord and Savior of all.
Verse 3.
This verse is the same as seen in Romans 1:7. It is a Christian greeting that expresses the greatness of God's gift to all believers of His grace and peace. Our heavenly Father planned, promised, and brought to pass our redemption through Christ, Who paid the price on the cross and also provides for continual blessing in our daily lives.
Verse 4.
Paul expresses how thankful he continually is to God for what God has given them through His bountiful grace by Jesus Christ.
Verse 5.
He is also thankful for various spiritual gifts they had received. They had clearly understood and so expressed the great truths of God concerning their salvation through Jesus Christ. They could speak with knowledge of all doctrine which they comprehended.
Verse 6.
The testimony of Christ is the Gospel which the apostle had preached. That truth had been confirmed by gifts of the Holy Spirit and miracles done through the apostle before them.
Verse 7.
The gifts of the Spirit were possessed by members of that church. This coming of Christ, it has been suggested, is the judgment against the unbelieving Jews and the destruction of that nation, Jerusalem and the Temple, and the dispersion of the population. This would take place under 20 years after the date this letter was written.
Verse 8.
As they had shown their complete understanding and acceptance of the Gospel, they were considered confirmed by the apostle, and so also by God. Once confirmed, then so continued unto the end – to be accounted blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus. Some consider this still the destruction of the Jewish nation. Others consider the reference to the end of the age, the time of the Second Coming. In our day we would recognize it as the Rapture of the Church.
Verse 9.
The faithfulness of God is far above and beyond what is common among men. What faithfulness can be found on earth is a reflection of that of God. His fidelity is certain to keep you in the participation in the blessings of His Spirit and the glories to come hereafter.
Verse 10.
Paul now introduces his second point. They also have serious responsibilities. He calls them to stay away from all dissension, arguing and disagreements. They must hold to the same central truths, having the same heart and mind, working together in the faith and hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They must submit to Christ's authority. To disagree on minor points among various groups is always going to happen. But they must not be allowed to hinder the unity of the Church or the spread of the Gospel. All Christians agree on the essential doctrines, therefore have patience and bear with others, and don't claim that only your group has all the truths of God.
Verse 11.
Paul had received information about the 'contentions' there. Some members of the household of Chloe, had come to him for that purpose. Chloe must have been a devout matron of that city, whose family had converted to the Lord. Her concern led her to send for Paul's help. Three names are mentioned later in chapter 16:17, most likely her son's – Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. These disagreements led to division, each group then arguing in favor of their group, against all others.
Verse 12.
It would seem from this listing that the entire congregation had divided into groups, claiming a different leader. One group followed Paul. Another, Apollos. A third, Cephas. Then, followers of Christ. This congregation was made up of Jews and Greeks. They variously claimed preference for one teacher, or preacher, over another. Possibly the Jewish converts would prefer someone other than Paul, who was the apostle to the Gentiles. It seems natural that some would also choose not to be followers of any human leader, but claim only Christ. They would stay in the center.
Verse 13.
'Is Christ divided?' Did He do separate things for different groups of people? Did someone else die for you on the cross? Did Paul die for you? Were you baptized in Paul's name? All such things are absurd on their face. To be called by any name but Christ, or to follow another, is wrong. Christ alone is your Savior. He alone calls upon you to be His disciples.
Paul makes it clear that he never did or said anything as if setting up his own religion based on his own authority. No one was baptized in his name. He preached only Christ to all people.
Verses 14,15.
Paul recollects that he did baptize two, Crispus and Gaius, that now reside in Corinth. He is thankful of that, not wishing to be any source of these divisions, as some might suggest. No one can say he baptized in his own name.
Verse 16.
Also, the household of Stephanas. They are identified in chapter 16:15 as the first converts in the whole region of Achaia and baptized by Paul. There were no others in that whole region of Corinth that Paul baptized.
Verse 17.
To put baptism in its proper perspective – the mission of Paul was to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the salvation of souls. The simple truth of sin and redemption, not philosophical arguments and convincing profound worldly wisdom. He preached the cross of Christ, the power of God unto salvation. Baptism was a rite that comes after conversion, as a public witness of that conversion and entrance into the Church as a born again believer in newness of life unto God. Case closed.
Next, the truth about God's purpose in the preaching of the cross.
I Corinthians 1:18-31. God's Purpose in the Preaching of the Cross.
Christ the Power and Wisdom of God
18 ¶ For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God.
19 For it is written,
I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
23 but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
24 but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
26 ¶ For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;
28 and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:
29 that no flesh should glory in his presence.
30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
31 that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Verse 18.
The Gospel of Christ has one message of divine truth – the salvation of sinners through the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross. This message divides all people into two distinct groups. One group is of those that do not believe, who consider the message as foolishness. They are perishing. The other group is of those that believe, through the power of God, who receive salvation, and the strength and guidance as children of God on their journey unto eternity with God and Christ Jesus.
Verse 19.
Turning to the Old Testament, Paul refers to Isaiah 29:14. 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise.' This refers to those that through their highest efforts of observation, reasoning, and philosophy, try to explain the grand truths of creation, the true wisdom about the invisible world, the purpose of man and so on. What has been beneficial from all this so-called 'wisdom', this 'understanding of the prudent'? What has all this actually produced?
Verse 20.
The people here – the wise, the scribe, the disputer, refer to those that claim wisdom (as a prophet). The scribe claims great education and knowledge, the disputer seeks higher interpretation of scriptures, allegorical, mystical, even cabalistic secrets about the future. Their methods added multitudes of traditions that obscured and made the plain truth of God's words of none effect for them.
The great contrast is now seen. The Gospel of Christ has made all of these claims of worldly wisdom as foolish and of none effect for them.
Verse 21.
No one had by their greatest efforts of thinking, education, philosophy, ever arrived at a true understanding of God. This was part of God's plan. It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
The Greeks considered the products of their great philosophers as wisdom. They called the message of the Gospel as foolishness compared to their own wisdom. But in fact, the wisdom of God is the Gospel of Christ, and the power of God that through the preaching of the Word brought salvation to those that believed.
Verses 22,23.
Now turning to the Jews, Paul describes them as that wicked and perverse generation. They required signs, miracles, to prove anything that was claimed to be from God. They had great fear of being deceived. They were never satisfied. The greatest sign they looked for was the Messiah who would restore the throne of David as king of a powerful nation. Because Jesus did not fulfill this 'sign', they rejected Him, a stumbling block to them.
The Greeks sought wisdom or philosophy as in the writings of Plato, Cicero, Seneca, and so on. These were the greatest, most beautifully expressed and high sounding reasonings of their greatest thinkers. This was wisdom to them. The Gospel they considered to be foolishness.
The apostles are completely different from both of those groups. They preach the simple truth of Christ. He was crucified to purchase their salvation. He shed His blood in their place, to redeem them.
Verse 24.
The obvious fact was that both Jews and Greeks were called by God through the preaching of the Gospel, had responded, and believed. This was the proof that the Gospel came from God, and enlightened their souls unto conversion. This was God's infinite wisdom, glorifying His justice and mercy, providing the way of salvation, that no man could ever earn.
Verse 25.
What seems foolish to men, is actually wiser than anything man could come up with on his own. What seems weak to men, God has shown to be more powerful than anything men have done or could do.
Verse 26.
You recognize the state of grace and blessing that you have been invited to. Think about who you are. Are you accounted by the worldly as wise, wealthy, or powerful? The Jews accounted the wise, powerful, and wealthy as those especially blessed by God.
The Gospel has an equa