Opening 1 & 2 Corinthians

The church in Corinth was established during the Apostle Paul’s 2nd Missionary Journey (AD 50-53) as recorded in Acts 18. The epistles to the Corinthians were written three years after the writing of 1 & 2 Thessalonians in AD 57.

From Athens Paul departed to Corinth (Acts 18:1) and came to know Aquila and Priscilla, who were also tent makers exiled from Rome. There he worked to support himself as a tentmaker and at the same time preached the gospel every Sabbath persuading the Jews and the Greeks (Acts 18:4).

Crispus the chief ruler of the synagogue believed and all his house and many of the Corinthians and were baptised (Acts 18:8). The Lord Jesus appeared to Paul in a vision in Acts 18:9-10 “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.” Paul stayed for 1 ½ years there teaching the word of God.

The Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to exhort the church in practical matters of church life after the church was established.

It is the preaching of the cross of Christ that saves souls. It is actualized by the power of the Holy Spirit that illuminates the heart to understand the truth of the gospel. Christ is the foundation by which our spiritual life must be built upon (1 Cor. 1-2) Any other foundation will not stand in the day of judgment (1 Cor. 3). Believers are to live in holiness for they are the temple of God (1 Cor. 4). The sin of fornication was particularly highlighted and that church discipline must duly be meted out that the church be kept pure (1 Cor. 5). Disputes within the church should be resolved within the church rather than seek worldly mediators (1 Cor. 6). Outworking of the marital covenant addressed (1 Cor. 7). The Christian’s liberty with a weaker brother (1 Cor. 8). The minister’s support and caution (1 Cor. 9). Overcoming temptation (1 Cor. 10). The woman’s adorning in the church and the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11). Spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12). Christian charity (1 Cor. 13). Order in the church through the preaching of God’s Word to build up the believers’ faith (1 Cor. 14). The rapture and the glorified body (1 Cor. 15). Concerning giving (1 Cor. 16).

In 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul defended his apostleship, sharing of the believer’s hope and reward after a life of faithful service as ambassadors of Christ (1 Cor. 1-5). The entanglement with sin and idolatry threatens the well-being of God’s people, hence the Apostle Paul exhorts the church to separate themselves from uncleanness (2 Cor. 6-7). The doctrine of giving (2 Cor. 8-9). Victorious spiritual warfare and persecution (2 Cor. 10-11). God’s grace amidst weakness in service (2 Cor. 12). Defend the truth of the gospel (2 Cor. 13). Amen.

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee