The Message of the Book of 1 Corinthians
The message of the book of 1 Corinthians in the Bible is multifaceted, as the Apostle Paul addresses a variety of challenges and questions that arose in the church of Corinth. However, the central message can be summarized as follows:
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The Unity of the Church in Christ
Paul emphasizes that divisions and disputes within the church are incompatible with the message of Christ. He calls the Corinthians to recognize their unity in Christ and not to rely on human leaders or wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:10-13). The focus should always remain on Christ and His cross, which is the foundation of salvation (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). -
God’s Wisdom Surpasses the Wisdom of the World
Paul demonstrates that God’s wisdom is revealed through the cross of Jesus Christ, even though it appears foolish to the world (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). The true mysteries of God are revealed by the Holy Spirit, not through human philosophy or intellect (1 Corinthians 2:10-16). -
Sanctification and Spiritual Maturity
Paul calls the Corinthians to live a holy life. He criticizes them for their carnal thinking and immoral behavior, which hinder their spiritual growth (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Believers are reminded that they are the temple of the Holy Spirit and must therefore live in purity and holiness (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). -
The Importance of Love in the Christian Community
In the famous chapter on love (1 Corinthians 13), Paul emphasizes that love is the highest virtue and the foundation of all Christian values. Even the greatest gifts and achievements are meaningless without love. Love is patient, kind, and does not seek its own – it is the standard for all relationships within the church. -
Order and Spirituality in Worship
Paul addresses questions regarding order in worship, particularly concerning the Lord’s Supper, spiritual gifts, and behavior during church gatherings (1 Corinthians 11-14). He emphasizes that everything should be done for the edification of the church and in an orderly manner (1 Corinthians 14:40). -
The Resurrection as the Foundation of Hope
In chapter 15, Paul presents the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the central element of the Christian faith. The resurrection is the foundation of the hope for eternal life and the assurance that believers will one day rise in new, imperishable bodies (1 Corinthians 15:12-22).
Summary Message
The book of 1 Corinthians calls believers to live lives characterized by unity, love, holiness, and hope. Paul shows that the Christian faith is not merely theoretical but transforms every aspect of a believer’s life. At its center is Christ – His wisdom, His cross, and His resurrection – and the practical application of this message in personal and communal life.
December 11, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Corinthians Chapter 1
1 Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes 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 their’s and our’s:
3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
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.
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 Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; 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 Gaius;
15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: 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.
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.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
The First Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians is one of the central documents of the New Testament, addressing a variety of problems and challenges in the early Christian community in Corinth. Chapter 1 serves as the introduction to this letter and sets the tone for the subsequent themes. Paul begins with a warm greeting, expresses gratitude for the gifts of the church, and then addresses the divisions within the community. He contrasts the wisdom of the world with divine wisdom and emphasizes the central role of the crucified Christ as the foundation of the Christian faith.
Commentary
Gratitude for God’s Abundant Gifts in Corinth (1:1-9)
Paul opens his letter with a formal salutation, emphasizing his calling as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. He addresses the “Church of God in Corinth” and the “saints in Christ Jesus.” In verses 3 to 9, Paul expresses his deep gratitude for the grace of God given to the Corinthians in Christ. He praises their spiritual enrichment in teaching and knowledge and acknowledges that the preaching of Christ has become powerful among them. Paul assures them that they are richly provided with every gift and that the revelation of Jesus Christ will sustain them to the end. This gratitude highlights the positive development of the church despite the problems that are later addressed.
Divisions in the Church (1:10-17)
Despite the positive developments, there are serious divisions and disputes in the Corinthian church. In verse 10, Paul appeals to the Corinthians to speak in unity and not allow divisions among them. He criticizes the factionalism centered around different leaders such as Paul, Apollos, Cephas (Peter), and Christ Himself. These factions cause discord and weaken the church. Paul questions whether Christ is divided or if he himself was crucified for them to show the futility of such divisions. He emphasizes that his primary mission is not baptizing but preaching the Gospel so that the cross of Christ is not emptied of its power.
The Wisdom of the World Is Foolishness to God (1:18-31)
Paul contrasts the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God. The “word of the cross” appears foolish to unbelievers but is the power and wisdom of God to believers. He quotes Isaiah 29:14 to underline that God will nullify the wisdom of the wise and the understanding of the intelligent. The world, in its own wisdom, does not recognize God; thus, God chose to save believers through the seemingly foolish preaching of the Gospel. Paul argues that divine wisdom is superior because it is based on the cross, and God intentionally chooses the weak and insignificant to humble the strong and wise. This prevents humans from boasting and highlights Christ as the source of wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
Summary
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 1, Paul lays the foundation for his letter by first expressing his gratitude for the spiritual gifts of the church. Despite these gifts, serious divisions persist, which Paul addresses with an urgent call for unity. He contrasts human wisdom with divine wisdom, showing that God deliberately chooses the insignificant and weak to reveal His power and wisdom. Central to the chapter is the emphasis on the crucified Christ as the foundation of faith, which surpasses all worldly wisdom. Paul encourages the Corinthians to rely not on human leaders but on Christ, who has come to be the wisdom and salvation of all believers.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 79—“It is Finished”
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
The chapter “It Is Finished!” describes the climax of Christ’s work of redemption, completed with His final breath on the cross. This victory over sin and death deeply impacted not only humanity but also heaven and the unfallen worlds. Jesus’ cry, “It is finished!” proclaimed the triumph over Satan and his rebellion. This chapter highlights how Christ perfectly revealed God’s love, justice, and mercy and how the cross established the foundation for the eternal security of the universe.
Commentary
The chapter emphasizes the universal significance of Jesus’ victory on the cross. His declaration, “It is finished!” signals that the work of redemption is complete and that God’s love and justice have triumphed.
Satan, once a highly exalted angel, was finally exposed at the cross. Through his betrayal and the execution of Christ, his true character was revealed to heaven and the unfallen worlds. God allowed Satan to fully develop his principles to make the nature of sin visible. This revelation was necessary to affirm the inviolability of God’s law and the inseparability of grace and justice.
Jesus’ sacrifice demonstrated that grace does not nullify justice but fulfills it completely. His life was the ultimate example of obedience, and through His death, Christ proved that God’s law is righteous and can be upheld. Satan claimed that justice and mercy were incompatible. However, the cross showed that both principles are harmoniously united in God.
The chapter also illustrates how Christ remained steadfast despite Satan’s relentless attacks from His birth to His crucifixion. His faithfulness and obedience to God surpassed all attempts by the enemy to overcome Him. In doing so, He refuted Satan’s claims and secured humanity’s redemption.
Summary
Chapter 79: “It Is Finished!” reveals the depth and completeness of Christ’s victory on the cross. His sacrifice fully displayed God’s love, justice, and mercy, refuting all of Satan’s accusations. The cross demonstrated that sin and rebellion inevitably lead to destruction, while God’s law and principles provide the foundation for eternal security. Through His obedience and triumph over death, Christ brought salvation to humanity and the assurance that sin and Satan will be defeated once and for all. This chapter reminds us that redemption in Christ is the central event in the history of creation and conveys an eternal message of hope and love.
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