CORINTH A prominent Greek city, 40 miles west of Athens; Its history goes back to the year 1000 B.C. when some of the ancient tribes settled down in it. The old Corinth was so famous in the Hellenic world to be called ‘The rich Corinth’ by ‘Homer’, and ‘The light of all Greece’ by ‘Ciceron’. In the year 800 B. C., It was known as a huge industrial city, particularly in ship-building; that ‘Thucydides’ said that the first military ship in the world was built in Corinth in the year 664 B.C. Located across a land strait between two seas: the Aegean and the Adriatic Seas; Corinth had two harbors: Cenchreae and Lechaem. What added to its importance was that it was located on the land highway connecting the East with the West; binding Rome – the capital of the Roman world and the East. Corinth was famed is a center for arts, and in particular architecture. The Phoenicians who settled down there since a very early time, left their finger prints on certain industrial arts like dying and textiles; as well as on matters of religion and legends. It was also famed for its ‘Corinthian bronze and pottery. Corinth has been a city open to the world; not only as the most famous Greek commercial city; but also for holding biennial sport game competitions in Isthmes; which was the second important after the Olympic games, if not on the same level. It was destroyed by the Roman forces, led by Mummius in the year 146 B.C., who killed its men and took its women and children captives. Then was rebuilt by Julius Caesar in the year 46 B.C., restored its riches and glory, as a well-established Roman province. In the year 27 B.C., when Greece separated from Macedonia, Corinth became the capital of the province of Achaia, and the seat of the Roman Governor, on behalf of the Roman Congress, and not of the Roman Emperor. It kept its good economic fortune, until it fell under the Turkish rule in the year 1485 A.D. Having been an open city, Corinth embraced several religions. Groups of Jews came to it, after being expelled from Rome by Claudius Caesar, including Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18: 2); as well as Jews from Palestine, for doing business, or as slaves purchased by its inhabitants. Because several Egyptian, Roman, and far-eastern gods were worshipped there, beside Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty and love, whose temple was built high up on its top; Corinth became an example for licentiousness; About 1000 heathen priestesses were dedicated for harlotry to the account of the temple; that new terms were added to the Greek language: ‘Koine Corinthacin’, to mean (live Corinthian), or (live corrupt); ‘A Corinthian girl’ to mean (a Corinthian harlot); ‘To live a Corinthian’, to mean (to be Corinthasized) or to (plunge in corruption). The Aphrodite worship goes back to a Phoenician origin. The city of Corinth, known by the apostle Paul, was partly destroyed in the year 521 A.D. by an earthquake; then was utterly destroyed by another earthquake in the year 1858 A.D.; The modern Corinth was rebuilt four kilometers far from the old city. THE BEGINNING OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN CORINTH: It was founded by St. Paul during his second preaching trip (Acts 18); There, his ministry, that extended for a period of 18 months (51 to 52 A.D.), had great success despite the corruption that prevailed on the city. That was the longest time spent by the apostle anywhere after Ephesus. 3 Starting his ministry in Corinth among the Jewish society and the proselyte Gentiles; the apostle Paul presided with Aquila and Priscilla, with whom he worked as a tentmaker (Acts 18: 3-10); and drew to faith Crispus the ruler of the Synagogue and all his household (Acts 18: 8). But the opposition of the Jews was so fierce that he shook his garment and said to them: “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; From now on I will go to the Gentiles” (Acts 18: 4-6). He departed from there and entered the house of a certain man named ‘Justus’, where a church was established that embraced many. At the beginning of his ministry in Corinth, the apostle was so shocked by the horrible atmosphere of corruption, beside the fierce conflict between the different categories of inhabitants coming from several countries for business, that he had the intention to go back to Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 2: 17-18); But his plans were utterly changed by a divine proclamation (Acts 18: 9-20), by which God commanded him to stay in Corinth, and testify with daring. To the apostle, Corinth had a special importance, being the greatest of Greek cities; He considered the success of ministry in it, as a symbol of its success in the Gentile world; particularly among those with philosophical mind, who used to boast of their cultural prominence, proclaim slogans like knowledge and freedom; and, at the same time practice the corrupt pagan life. The success of ministry there, proclaims the rich work of God’s grace in sanctifying the corrupt who throw themselves in the bosom of God. It so seems that the church there, gained a great number of the lowly-level people, the slaves in particular (7: 21; 1: 26); beside some elites like Titus and Justus (11: 21-22). The city at that time embraced 200,000 free citizens and 400,000 slaves. The apostle Paul managed, as well, to gain to faith a multitude of souls among traders, sailors, professional wrestlers and gamblers, those dedicated to corruption of both sexes, and slaves. Those came from Rome, Greece, Egypt, and Asia Minor; And with such a diversity of races, cultures, financial possibilities, and religious backgrounds, they were required to submit to the Spirit of God, who sanctifies them, and grants them the spirit of unity and harmony, as a church holy to the Lord Jesus. After departing from the city, someone came to it by the name of ‘Apollos’, an Alexandrian Jew with a high Hellenic culture, who received the Christian faith and preached it. Although his ministry in Corinth was fruitful (3: 5-9). yet his name was abused by some to stir-up controversies in the church; Some claimed to be followers of Paul, the first preacher in the city; Others, to be followers of Apollos, impressed by his high wisdom and eloquence; A third group claimed to be followers of the apostle Peter; probably for having been baptized in Palestine on his hands, beside their belief that he was faithful in keeping the literal Jewish law; And a fourth group who counted themselves as followers of Christ, probably wishing to be free of commitment to any human leadership, and to do whatever they like. By that they misunderstood the spirit of Christian freedom. Many scholars believe that the apostle Paul visited Corinth three times at least. FEATURES AND TROUBLES OF THE CHURCH: (1) The majority of its members were of the Gentiles (12: 2); together with a decent number of the Jews, whose fathers, the apostle called“Our fathers” (10: 1-11). (2) Beside suffering from controversies, the church has been under the great pressure of corruption that prevailed in the city – idol worship; sorcery, connection to 4 evil spirits, and licentiousness. Some women rebelled against the good custom of wearing a head cover, used by honorable ladies; Some men intended to grow their hair; Some women used to raise their voice in the church, while talking to their men, in an attempt to show off their social prominence; Some misunderstood the significance of speaking tongues, to create an atmosphere of chaos in the church, that led the apostle to write down this epistle, to proclaim that “God is not the Author of confusion but of peace” (14: 33); and to add: “Let all things be done decently and in order” (14: 40). (3) According to St. John Chrysostom: [The city was packed with speakers and philosophers, among whom was ‘Periander’ who was considered as one of seven most wise men of his time]. Talking about the result of such a situation, the saint says: [Seeing how such a great city has received the truth and eagerly listened to the word of God, the devil planned to divide them apart, with the knowledge that once a kingdom divides on itself, it would not stand. To do that he had the right weapon in the haughtiness and the boasting of wisdom among its inhabitants. Some counted themselves better than others; Some abused their freedom by eating the meat of sacrifices offered to idols; and doing this even in the idol temples; causing a controversy in the church; Some, for the sake of profiting, sued their brethren in civil courts; Some men let their hair grow; Some others ate in the church, disregarding fellowship with the needy. Some boasted of having spiritual gifts, causing dissension in the church; And still others rejected the teaching of the resurrection of Christ. All such things, resulted from the influence of the evil pagan philosophy, that caused dissention even among the philosophers themselves Beside all that, another serious crime was committed, namely, that someone of prominence in the city sinned with his father’s wife, disregarded the rebuke, and even became a leader of the people, giving more chance of offense1]. Theodoret, Bishop of Cyprus, says: [The church was divided into several groups, each with leaders, eloquently defending their doctrines, and entering into debates against the other groups. One of them who dared to have a sinful relationship with his father’s wife, was admired because of his eloquence2]. THE GOAL OF THE EPISTLE: The apostle Paul departed from Corinth after 18 months of a very successful and fruitful ministry. And right away, events moved with a very quick pace, to a serious dissension, resulting from the appearance of four adversary groups inside the church; Beside certain behavioral and doctrine problems, that threatened to deprive the church of her holiness, and to destroy her faith; Something that made the apostle very uncomfortable for the following reasons: a- Having been distressed by a letter he got from Chloe’s household, telling him about serious contentions among the congregation (1: 11), the apostle dispatched his disciple Timothy to Corinth for the sake of reconciliation, providing him with many commandments (4: 17; 16: 10). Yet the epistle within our hands probably arrived there before he did. 1 Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians, proem. 2 PG 82: 226. 5 b- Having received a report concerning the already mentioned act of sexual immorality, the apostle felt a commitment to send them an epistle to warn them against having a fellowship with such a person; which is lost so far. c- A certain message from Corinth to the apostle, lost as well, was probably the main reason for writing the first epistle to the Corinthians; whose contents could be known through our study of the epistle within our hands. The church so turned into numerous controversial groups, whose voices were raised without limit; while some members of the congregation led a life of licentiousness and disorder; Some sued their brethren in heathen courts; Many controversial views appeared concerning matrimonial and family relationships as a whole (7); concerning the banquets and food offered to idols (8-10); concerning the behavior of some women in the meetings, and in the banquets of love of the Lord (11); concerning the abuse of spiritual gifts (12-14); concerning the hope in the resurrection of the dead (15); and concerning the collection for the saints in Jerusalem (16). Beside the problems causing contentions in the church, there were, as well, certain theological (doctrine), ethical, social, worship, and eschatological problems. There were people who cared for the theoretical philosophies and human wisdom, more than for the working living faith; Hence the topic of this epistle came to be “Our Lord Jesus Christ”. THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE EPISTLE: In his four epistles: the first and the second to the Corinthians, the one to the Galatians, and that to the Romans, Paul the great apostle to the Gentiles recorded a great apologetic thesis for the sake of receiving the Christian faith by the Gentiles; all of which go back to his third preaching trip, during which a multitude of new believers from many nations were drawn to Christian belief on the apostle’s hands. Some consider these four epistles as the most important of his writings; and some even call them ‘the great epistles’; or ‘the four main epistles’; bearing the apostle’s wide-ranged thoughts, that set forth with humanity, from the deadly literality to the life-giving Spirit; his heart, wide open before everyone with no partiality; and his depths, yearning for the salvation of all men. The reference of these two epistles (1 and 2 to the Corinthians) to the apostle Paul, is something that goes without doubt; based upon the following inside and outside testimonies: The outside testimonies: 1- These two epistles occupy a prominent position among the oldest lists of the writings of the apostle Paul. In the Muratorian Canon (in about the year 170 A.D.), these two epistles came on the top of the nine epistles directed to the churches; with a statement that they were written to counter the contentions resulting from heresies. 2- In the writings of Marcions Apostolicon (in about the year 140 A.D.) they came directly following the epistle to the Galatians. 3- St. Clement the Roman (in about the year 95 A.D.) – who was a friend of the apostle Paul (Philuppians 4: 3), referred to the contents of these two epistles, in a message 6 to the Corinthians, asking them to commit themselves to the directions of the apostle Paul concerning the contentions in the church1. St. Agnatius of Antioch2; St. Policarb3; and St. Justin the martyr, referred to them as well. The inside testimonies: The two epistles are packed with inside signs that confirm their authenticity as being referred to the apostle Paul. Although they both bear amazing harmony and conformity with what came in the book: ‘The Acts of the Apostles’ written by St. Luke the Evangelist, yet it could not be said that either of them quoted from the other, as the two epistles and the book of Acts, each has a distinctive type differing from the other. There is no way to doubt their reference to the great apostle to the Gentiles, with what he bears of compassion and flaring zeal for the salvation of souls, and with the multitude of preaching travels he practiced. As an example, when he talked about the five hundred brothers who saw the Christ, risen from the dead, most of whom were still alive at the time this epistle was written, he was telling them the episode of the resurrection in the era of the apostles, which seemed as something ridiculously funny in the sight of non-believers. FEATURES OF THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS: 1- The epistle, presenting such clear and readily received mental solutions of faith; firmly and seriously condemning every fault, corruption, or diversion of faith; It takes away doubts, and supports faith. It presents all that with the spirit of exalted compassion and true love, through the divine truth and the work of God’s grace. And while presenting such deep look and thought; It also cares for the practical life of faith. 2- The epistle came written in such an exalted order, that its reader would find no difficulty in following the author, moving from one point to another. 3- The epistle presents to us important doctrine talks, concerning the two Persons of Christ and the Holy Spirit; the Eucharist, and the resurrection. It reveals as well the nature of the church meetings and the ministry in the early church. And presents a portrait of the faults and evils practiced by the believers who recently came from idol worship. Showing certain shortcomings expected in a city of such circumstances as Corinth, he demonstrates that the gospel satisfies all aspects of life, not touching one and disregarding the other; He presents some basics by which the believers were committed in their family life, their relationships with others, their worship, behavior in the markets, and while having leisure or under temptations. By all that, the believers would lead a life of harmony; knowing nothing but Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. One of the main features of this epistle, is demonstrating the power of the cross, being the power of God and His wisdom for salvation; and being the dynamic power to change the basics of the inner man, and to renew his depth; by which to change the life of the old pagan world. That salvation work was not realized by Paul, by Apollos, or by Safa (Peter); but was realized by the preaching of the crucified Christ. The apostle Paul put the cross very high up, to cast its shadow on all the activities of human life and on all its aspect. The cross for him is not anguish or deprivation, but is the foundation of the 1 Chapter 47. 2 Ad Ephes 18. 3 Chapter 2,6,11. 7 spaciousness of the heart and the mind with love, and the enjoyment by the believers of the eternal glory. 4- The Corinthians were used to practicing the Greek democracy; the students listen to the teachers, not to learn, as much as to offer commendation, criticism, or reproach. They carried all that with them to the church, as well as the spirit of struggle and of competition, which they also practiced in the sport tournaments held in Corinth. The apostle Paul in this epistle dealt with everything that came to his knowledge in the reports he received. 5- He presents to us the judgments on several aspects: Judging others before the time (4: 5) Judging ourselves (11: 31) Our judgment by the Lord (11: 32) Judgment of the brethren (6: 5) We shall judge the world (6: 2) We shall judge angels (6: 3) Judgment before worldly courts (6: 6) DIVISIONS OF THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS: (1) The church unity 1 - 4 (2) Dealing with the ethical corruption 5 - 6 (3) Social problems 7 - 10 (4) Dealing with problems of worship 11 - 14 (5) Eschatological issues 15 (6) Collection for the poor of Jerusalem, and receiving Timothy 16 Problems dealt with in the epistle Solutions Contentions in the church (1: 11; 3: 3) Boasting of the cross, and the power of God for salvation (1: 18) Slothfulness concerning sexual immorality (5: 1-7) Separation of the evil person (5: 11) The brethren resorting to law before the unrighteous (6: 1) The saints will judge the world (6: 2) Marriage and virginity (7) Each one has his own gift (7: 24) Matrimonial relationships (7: 3) Depriving one another should be temporary, and with mutual consent (7: 5) When one spouse enters into faith (7) The non-believer is sanctified in the believer (7) Eating things offered to idols (8- 10) Doing everything for God’s glory (7: 39) Covering the head (11) Submission to order without contention 11: 16) Slothfulness concerning Man should examine himself (11: 8 communion (11: 20-22) 28) Abusing the use of spiritual gifts (12-14) Love is grater than all gifts (13) Denying the resurrection (15) Resurrection of Christ – faith’s reality (15) Collection for the saints (16) Binding the giving with worship and love (16: 2)
THE CHURCH UNITY (Chapters 1 to 4) 12 THE CHURCH UNITY 1 to 4 POSITIVE SOLUTIONS FOR THE PATISANSHIP: 1- Acquiring the divine, instead of the human wisdom: The wisdom of God concentrates on the divine exalted love for man, proclaimed through the cross, which is rejected by the human wisdom: The Jews see in the cross a stumbling block, for they seek a worldly kingdom that grants them a temporal glory above all peoples; The Greeks see it as foolishness, for they seek a philosopher teacher who continuously presents to them new philosophies that satisfy their mind; Whereas the believers find in the cross the power of God for salvation (1: 18); They see in the foolishness of the cross a conquest and victory for them; It presents to them the spirit of power and not the spirit of weakness (Chapter 2). 2- Adopting the spiritual behavior instead of the carnal or natural behavior. Here, the apostle divides humanity into three categories: The spirituals: Those who let the Spirit be the leader for the body, by the work of the Holy Spirit, who makes their bodies light, enjoying some features of the Spirit; Man would be sanctified as a whole, and lives as though has become a Spirit: He receives what concern the Spirit of God (2: 12 – 14) He recognizes what concern the Spirit of God (2: 13-14) He cares for what concern the Spirit of God (Romans 8: 5) He compares spiritual things with spiritual (13) He restores the one who is overtaken in any trespass (Galatians 6:1) He judges all things (2: 15) The Carnals: Those who let the body be the leader of the Spirit; Man would seem wholly as a body; in whom the body prevails over all his feelings, emotions, and abilities; and guides all his energies and talents: He feeds on milk and not on solid food ((3: 2) He embraces envy, strife, and divisions (3: 3) He is sold under sin (Romans 7: 14) Sin dwells in him (Romans 7: 17) He lives according to the flesh (Romans 8: 5). The naturals: Those who do not seek what is God’s; Yet they intend to practice some virtues as mere ethical work; assuming that they can have the authority over their thoughts, senses, emotions, words, and behavior. The natural man lives by human wisdom, disregarding the work of God. He does not receive what concern the Spirit of God (2: 12-14) He does not recognize what concern the Spirit of God (12: 13-14) 3- Getting attached to Christ, rather than to ministers (3: 5). We are God’s plantation, not of him who planted, nor of him who watered. It is Christ who gives the increase. We are the building of God; He is the foundation. No minister can build on the foundation of another. We are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in us. Every minister should be aware not to build with wood, hay, or straw, lest it would be consumed by the fire of judgment. He who is ministered should not boast of the minister, as “All are yours (the Lord’s)” (3: 22). 13 4- Refraining from judging the ministers (4: 1-5): If we should not boast of this or that minister, We, as well, do not have the right to judge them; but should leave it to God to judge them on His great day (4: 5). 5- Following the lead of the modest minister (4: 6-13): “We have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men; we are fools for Christ’s sake; but you are wise in Christ” (4: 9-10). 6- Receiving the warning of a minister as from a father (4: 14-21). “What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love, and a spirit of gentleness?”(4: 21).
DEALING WITH THE ETHICAL CORRUPTION (Chapters 5 and 6) 151 THE ETHICAL CORRUPTION Caring for the unity of the church through the cross and the spiritual behavior, specially the humility, the apostle cared for the sanctification of every single member; As the true unity would not be realized without the sanctification, where all unite in the One and Holy God. In great firmness he sought the separation of the corrupt leaven; confirming that it is the duty of the church to judge those inside, and not those outside; saying: “Put away from yourselves the wicked person” (5: 3). The apostle sees the church as though in a feast, perpetually celebrating the true Passover. Christ is her Passover, namely her perpetual feast; And the feast would not be celebrated with a corrupt leaven. Our joy would not be realized with the presence of corruption, destructive to peace with God. With this, the apostle Paul connects between the church unity and the sanctified life and the perpetual joy. These three things present a practical portrait of the heavenly life; and the church would realize her identity as an icon of heaven
SOCIAL PROBLEMS (Chapters 7 to 10) 194 SOCIAL PROBLEMS The church in her holiness, cares for the social unity of the congregation, for the sanctification of every single member, and that of the family. In the previous chapters, the apostle Paul dealt with the problems that were prevailing in Corinth at that time, as declared by those of Chloe’s household (1 Corinthians 1: 12). Now he answers some questions sent to him on the hands of their representatives. 1- Questions concerning marriage, virginity, and physical relationships among married couples (Ch. 7) 2- Questions whether it is allowed to eat food that was dedicated to pagan idols (Ch. 8) 3- The rights of the apostle and the preacher of the gospel by the congregation (Ch. 9) 4- The position of the believer toward attending banquets in an idol temple; toward meet sold in the public market; and toward an invitation to eat in the house of a pagan friend (Ch. 10).
DEALING WITH PROBLEMS OF WORSHIP (Chapters 11 to 14) 313 SPEAKING WITH TONGUES 11-14 SPIRITUAL CHURCH REGULATIONS: In this division the apostle started dealing with some spiritual church regulations, confirming the equality of woman to man (1: 1-16); and the commitment of the believer to examine himself before having communion of the Lord’s body and blood (11: 17-34). THE GIFT OF SPEAKING WITH TONGUES: Out of the many gifts of the Holy Spirit to the church, he presented that of speaking in tongues. Its goal, on one aspect, is to let the Jews in the whole world realize that God is not just the God of the Jews but of all the nations; something very difficult for them to accept. And on another aspect, to preach among the Gentiles whose tongues the apostles did not know. But, because the Corinthians have misunderstood all that, the apostle Paul started by talking about the church gifts in general (12); and confirmed that love surpasses all the other gifts (13). He finally, confirming that God is a God of peace, and not a God of confusion, they should not abuse the gifts, and in particular that of speaking tongues (14).