God’s glory first
Paul's teaching for Corinthians and us.
1 corinthian 10
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
After Paul's conversion, he lives a mission life.
He boldly teaches and preaches the good news to Israel. Paul the apostles, Peter the disciples, and deacons cooperate each other to say holy bible.
When they proclaim Jesus' savior, the holy sprite with them, so let the people repent accept Jesus their lord. Performing miracle healing makes believers more increasing.
Act 2
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.
44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.
But the traditional Jews don't like the early Christian community's growth.
The priest, captain of the temple guard, and Sadducees deny the dead man's resurrecting. Apostles' preaching about the Jesus Christ's Glorious Resurrection from the dead is ridicule and profane to the Holy God. So they plot to capture the apostles to put them in jail or to death as they did in Jesus.
Act 23
13 More than forty men were involved in this plot.
14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul.
Ironically, these persecutions brought about many blessings to the believers.
Disciples and apostles were scattered and went everywhere preaching The gospel. Paul and his companions sometimes traveled by ship, but they often walked, probably beside a donkey carrying tools, clothes, and some scrolls. Maybe their journey takes work. They have to fight too hot and so cold weather, starving and threatened by lobber.
Corinthians11
24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods,once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.
For his mission of preaching the Gospel, Paul has to do work as well as the tent maker.
Of course, some believers help Paul, but the single, unmarried person might be lonely.
He can bear his difficulties, but it is hard to endure believers' conflicts.
Sometimes he feels discouraged when he hears bad news between Christians and the church. As you know, he moves around the Mediterranean area to preach Bibles. This time he got the news from Corinth.
Corinth was one of the most important ancient Greek city-states in the whole region of Greece. This city is the central place for trade. There lived dynamic nationality from Greece, Romans, Turkey, Asia and various religion.
1 Corinthian 1
11 My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”
The Corinthians were fighting each other, with one faction claiming Paul as their leader. In contrast, others claimed the eloquent Apollos was best, and others insisted original apostle Peter (Cephas) was first, or the Lord Jesus Christ Himself the most. They are divided and hurt others because of their choice. They are in such an immature situation.
If I adjust our situation, I like Linda's leadership her sermon style, so I disrespect Gilbert, Emmy, and headmaster.
That's why Paul seriously rebukes their attitude.
1 Corinthian 1
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?
He insists that the church is a community of people who are centered around Jesus.
Disciples, Apostles, Leaders, teachers, and deacons are all servants of Jesus Christ.
You might prefer following one more than another, but you do not divide and disparage others.
1 Corinthian 3
6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.
Paul tries his best to solve their problems and give them a new perspective.
Paul proposes a new paradigm, putting God's glory first.
He thinks it's the best key to overcoming their struggles.
1 corinthian 5
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. 2 And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourningand have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? 3 For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this.
As you can see, there was sexual immorality in Corinthian churches.
One guy has a sexual relationship with his stepmother, and the other sleeps with the Greek god temple's Prostitute. But church members do not rebuke the person for their misbehaviors.
Instead, they presume it's all right. We are free in Christ.
God's grace is abundant so that he can forgive our mistakes.
Paul sternly reprimands the church members.
1 corinthian 5
11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. 12 What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13 God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”
Paul emphasizes that If you are Christian, sexual integrity is the main way that you respond to Jesus's sacrifice and love. Jesus physically raises from the dead, also our body revives from death.
1 corinthian 6
18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
Wow! Paul teaches us that our body is a precious holy temple.
The Corinthians needed a certain standard.
They have to decide whether it is right to follow secular or spiritual principles. Christians also have the freedom to marry, divorce, eat and drink, but there must be principles before that. Paul loves his gentile Christian, so he endeavors to provide detailed responses on that issue.
He sums up the Christian philosophy: "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." We have to remember Apostle Paul's encouragement.
1 corinthian 10
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Amen.
Reference :
1. Corinthians: a new perspective for a troubled church by Jeffrey Kranz
2. Book of 1 Corinthians Summary: A Complete Animated Overview by bible project
PERSECUTION OF THE APOSTLES BY JEWS
