Week 44: The Two Letters to Corinth
Week 44: The Two Letters to Corinth
It is difficult to reconstruct Paul’s visits and letters to Corinth, which helped to cement his relationship to the members of the Corinthian church. It is clear, however, that strong bonds of Christian affection united him to them. It was natural for him to address them as “my dear children” (1 Cor. 4:14). For though they may have had “ten thousand guardians” (v. 15) to discipline them, they did not have many fathers to love them, whereas Paul had become their father through the gospel (see vv. 14–21).
It is interesting to compare the Roman and Corinthian letters. Romans is an orderly, carefully constructed unfolding of the gospel, while the two Corinthian letters were ad hoc documents, responding to the perceived needs of the Corinthians and answering some of their questions. Perhaps as many as twenty topics are handled in 1 and 2 Corinthians—theological, ethical, pastoral, and personal. Although they address real problems in first-century Corinth, Paul’s instruction is remarkably relevant to the needs of the church in many cultures today.
Sunday: Power through Weakness
Monday: The Debate about Idol Meats
Tuesday: The Spirit of Unity
Wednesday: Paul’s Travel Plans
Thursday: Supernatural Dimensions of Evangelism
Friday: Good News of Reconciliation
Saturday: Grace and Giving