Articles

Introduction

Last time we looked at the topic of Baptism and noted that Paul did indeed baptize in the Acts period but this was not what he was called to major on. The fact that he baptized so few gave Paul occassion to thank God because it would reduce the chance that any could say that he baptized in his own name. Paul did not separate his essential message from that of the others. Unity is what he was after, in this state there could be much productive ministry. We finished woith a comment about vs 18 where the structure of the vesre brings out the comparison between foolishness and the power of God.

This lesson is about the wisdom of the world and the times of the Acts.

Introduction:

Last week we discussed the problem of divisions that developed in the Corinthian assembly under the context of a ministry began by the Lord and continued into the Acts period. How could "the Mystery" of Eph 3 or Col 1 have been revealed and expounded in Acts when the apostles were not to be interpreted as teaching different things? Surely the summary evidence of 1:10-13 is that the Corinthians were to be of one mind and Judgment because Christ's doctrine was also Peter's and  Paul's and that this originated in the gospels and continued into the time of the Acts. Christ could not be divided, Peter and Paul were cardinally in agreement. While Paul called them alongside himself -- it was done by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. When Paul said be ye followers of me he also added "even as I also am of Christ"  1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (1Co 11:1 KJV)
It is within the context of begetting them through the gospel and his work "in Christ Jesus" Paul exhorts them: KJV  1 Corinthians 4:16 Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. (1Co 4:16 KJV)

Introduction

Why study the book of First Corinthians? This book gives a good look into the Acts economy and to the personality of Paul. When we study this epistle we will appreciate many issues of the first ministry of Paul during a time when Israel was first and God was respecting and honouring his covenanted people, the nation of Israel. Many issues of today relate directly to the topics addressed in this epistle such as speaking in tongues 1Cor 12-14; factions within the church 1:11,12; abuses of the Lord's supper; taking of blievers to law before the unbeliever  6:1-8;  food and idols 8:1-3;  marriage and how it should work in the "time is short" age of the Acts 7:1-40 and the issue of people denying the resurrection 15:12.

We all need to ask questions as we ponder God's word. These are not to be construed as negative to your faith as are foolish and unlearned questions 2Tim. 2:23,  but on the contrary should simply be a part of the method of acquiring knowledge and understanding and therefore be faith building. The right questions should lead onto edification and strength and finally to perfection. It is with this spirit that I ask these questions and hope that the Father of lights will give a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him (see Eph.1:17) to each and every one of us so that with enlightened eyes we may know!