This lecture introduces Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, placing it within a quartet of epistles that provide foundational Christian teaching on salvation and church conduct. It describes Paul's arrival in Corinth as a self-supporting tentmaker and details his initial ministry, where he preached the gospel to Jews and Gentiles in the synagogue on the Sabbath. The text clarifies that Paul preached on the Sabbath to reach Jews, while early Christians typically met on the first day of the week.
86 min read
This chapter discusses Paul's approach to preaching the gospel in Corinth, emphasizing his decision to focus solely on "Jesus Christ, and him crucified," rather than relying on eloquent speech or human wisdom. It contrasts this with his earlier experience in Athens and highlights the importance of believing in the person of Christ for salvation, rather than merely assenting to biblical texts. The author stresses that true faith in Christ should manifest in a transformed life and a love for God's Word.
46 min read
The text defines a "carnal" Christian as a regenerated believer who, despite having a new nature, remains largely under the power of their old fleshly nature. Such individuals are characterized by envying, strife, and divisions, often stemming from selfishness and a lack of rejoicing in others' successes. These behaviors are presented as signs of spiritual immaturity, likening carnal Christians to "babes in Christ.
34 min read
This chapter defines Christian leaders as "ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God," emphasizing their role as God-given servants rather than figures for factionalism. It explains that these stewards are entrusted with sacred truths, previously hidden but now revealed in the New Testament, such as the gospel. Their primary responsibility is to be found faithful in proclaiming these divine revelations.
51 min read
This chapter discusses the importance of discipline within the Church of God, emphasizing that the church, as God's house of living stones, must maintain holiness. It addresses the need to judge unrighteous behavior among members, citing a specific case of fornication in the Corinthian church and instructing its removal. The text distinguishes between judging motives (which is forbidden) and judging outward conduct within the church, asserting the church's responsibility for the character of its fellowship.
21 min read
This lecture examines 1 Corinthians 6:1-11, where Paul condemns Christians for taking fellow believers to secular courts over disputes. Paul argues that believers, who are destined to judge the world and angels, should be capable of resolving "smallest matters" among themselves, rather than shaming the church before unbelievers. The text clarifies that this prohibition differs from a Christian defending themselves in court, and warns that unrighteous actions prevent inheritance of God's kingdom.
31 min read
This chapter commentary by Ironside addresses 1 Corinthians 7:1-17, focusing on New Testament teachings regarding marriage and divorce. It clarifies Paul's advice on celibacy, marriage, and sexual relations within marriage, emphasizing mutual conjugal rights and the importance of avoiding fornication. The commentary also discusses Paul's instructions for believers married to unbelievers, advocating for maintaining such marriages unless the unbelieving spouse chooses to depart.
42 min read
This chapter commentary on 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 addresses the issue of Christian liberty regarding eating meat offered to idols. It explains that while those with knowledge understand idols are nothing, this knowledge can lead to pride and potentially cause weaker believers to stumble. Therefore, the passage emphasizes that love and care for a brother's conscience should take precedence over one's personal liberty.
21 min read
Paul defends his apostleship by citing his encounter with Christ and the Corinthians' conversion as evidence. He asserts his right to financial support and other privileges, but explains he voluntarily foregoes these to avoid hindering the gospel. Paul then describes his strategy of becoming "all things to all men" to effectively reach and save diverse groups for Christ.
40 min read
This chapter interprets 1 Corinthians 10:1-14, asserting that the historical accounts of ancient Israel in the Old Testament serve as reliable "types" or examples for New Testament believers. These narratives, including Israel's Exodus and wilderness failures, are presented as admonitions against sins like idolatry, lust, and murmuring. The text emphasizes that outward participation in spiritual acts does not guarantee faithfulness, and that God is faithful to provide a way of escape from temptation.
59 min read
This chapter discusses the apostle Paul's instructions to the Corinthian church regarding the veiling of women during prayer or prophecy. Paul establishes a hierarchy where Christ is the head of man, and man is the head of woman, arguing that a woman's head covering signifies her submission and glory, while a man should not cover his head as he is the image and glory of God. He also references natural custom and the need for Christian women to maintain a reputation for purity in a morally lax society.
60 min read
This chapter introduces spiritual gifts, explaining that while there are diverse manifestations, administrations, and operations, they all originate from the same Spirit, Lord, and God. It distinguishes true spiritual manifestation from idolatry by asserting that no one speaking by the Spirit calls Jesus accursed, and only through the Holy Spirit can one confess Jesus as Lord. The text then enumerates various gifts, such as wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation, all distributed by the Spirit for the benefit of the church.
60 min read
This chapter emphasizes the supreme importance of love, or "agape," over all spiritual gifts and good deeds. It describes the characteristics of this divine love, highlighting its enduring, selfless, and truthful nature. The text concludes by stating that while prophecies, tongues, and knowledge will cease, faith, hope, and love remain, with love being the greatest.
24 min read
This chapter prioritizes prophecy over speaking in tongues for the edification of the church. It emphasizes that intelligible speech is crucial for communal understanding and spiritual growth, contrasting the self-edification of tongues with the church-wide benefit of prophecy. The text concludes that prophecy serves to convince unbelievers, while uninterpreted tongues can lead them to perceive the church as chaotic.
34 min read
This chapter defines the Gospel by first clarifying what it is not, distinguishing it from the Bible, the Commandments, repentance, or giving up worldly things. The author emphasizes that the Gospel is "the good news" of what God has done for humanity, rather than a set of duties or a comparative religion. It is presented as a singular, exclusive message, referred to as "the Gospel of the Kingdom," which enables entry into God's Kingdom through belief.
118 min read
Paul instructs the Corinthians to collect offerings for the saints in Jerusalem on the first day of each week, to be delivered by approved messengers, possibly accompanied by Paul. He details his travel plans, intending to visit Corinth after Macedonia and stay through winter, while currently remaining in Ephesus until Pentecost. Additionally, he provides instructions for receiving Timothy and mentions Apollos's decision not to visit at this time.
39 min read
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