Read these Chapters
1 Corinthians 1:
In the first chapter, Paul, after extending greetings and thanksgiving,
addresses the issue of divisions within the Corinthian church. The members have
aligned themselves with different leaders, causing strife and discord. Paul
appeals for unity, emphasizing that Christ is not divided and that believers
should unite in the mind and judgment, focusing on the message of the cross. He
contrasts the world’s wisdom with the wisdom of God, illustrating that God’s
foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than
human strength.
1 Corinthians 2:
Paul continues discussing the wisdom of God in the second chapter. He
mentions that during his time in Corinth, he resolved to know nothing except
Jesus Christ and Him crucified. He contrasts the persuasive words of human
wisdom with the demonstration of the Spirit’s power so that faith might not
rest on human wisdom but on God’s power. Paul explains that the wisdom he
speaks of is not of this age but is a divine mystery revealed by the Spirit,
which understands the deep things of God. He concludes by saying that the
natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, but the
spiritual person judges all things with the mind of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:
Chapter 3 sees Paul addressing the believers as “infants in Christ,” feeding
them with milk, not solid food, due to their jealousy and strife, indicating
their carnality. He uses an agricultural metaphor to explain the roles he and
Apollos played in the believers’ spiritual growth, emphasizing that it is God
who gives the growth. Paul then moves to a construction metaphor, referring to
Jesus Christ as the foundation and believers as God’s building. He warns
against destroying God’s temple (the community of believers), stating that God
will destroy the person who defiles His temple. Paul concludes by urging the
Corinthians to avoid boasting in men, for all things belong to them as they
belong to Christ and Christ to God.
1 Corinthians 4:
In this chapter, Paul continues his thoughts on divisions within the church,
stating that he and Apollos should be regarded as servants of Christ and
stewards of the mysteries of God. He emphasizes the importance of being found
faithful and talks about the judgments of the Lord, highlighting that it is the
Lord who judges, bringing to light the things hidden in darkness. Paul explains
that he is not writing to make them ashamed but to admonish them as his beloved
children. He mentions the hardships he and the apostles face for Christ’s sake
and contrasts it with the Corinthians’ arrogance. He urges them to imitate him
and sends Timothy to remind them of his ways in Christ. He concludes by
addressing the arrogant, stating he will come to them soon to know not the talk
of these arrogant people but their power, emphasizing that the kingdom of God
does not consist in talk but in power.
