The congregation located in Corinth suffered from numerous problems: congregational division (1:10); incest (5); law suits among Christians in pagan courts (6:1-11); frequenting prostitutes (6:12-20); questionable marriage practices (7); disagreements about eating sacrificial meat offered to idols (8); abusive communion practices (11:17-34); abuse of spiritual gifts (12, 14); and an erroneous theology of resurrection (15). While Paul addressed all these problems, he addressed congregational division first. This may indicate the seriousness of the concern that Christians must attach to the problem of congregational division. [Instead of justifying divisiveness, Christians should view divisive attitudes with alarm and concern.] Paul devoted more space in his letter [4 chapters] to the devastation of divisiveness in a congregation than to any of the other problems. [Most of the other problems had their roots in and were nourished by their congregational division.] His concerns about congregational division were presented in detail before he addressed their case of incest, questionable marriages, prostitution among Christians, abuse of communion, abuse of spiritual gifts, and an incorrect theology concerning resurrection! His priority in his concerns do not parallel common congregational concerns today! With that collection of problems, most congregations would rearrange Paul's order to reflect today's church priorities!
Let us begin by noting Paul's concern regarding open divisiveness in the congregation at Corinth. The problem was reported to him by Christians in Chloe's household [likely Christian slaves who belonged to Chloe]. We know nothing about Chloe or those in her household other than this reference. Paul regarded the report credible.
What was the problem? Different groups within the congregation were loyal to different leaders/teachers in the universal church--Paul, Apollos, and Cephas. There was even a Christ group among these factions.
What was Paul's reaction? He regarded their divisiveness to be ridiculous and indefensible (1:13-17). He reminded them that he did nothing while there to produce a group loyal to himself. His objective was to promote loyalty to Christ, not to Paul.
Paul then broadened his discussion to include another common divisive issue plaguing this congregation [and likely many other gentile congregations!]. Today we have too little sense of the disgrace and shame attached to death by crucifixion. Today a cross may be jewelry, an honored religious symbol, an attractive decoration, or a respectful declaration of faith. First century societies [especially Jewish society and Roman society] viewed a cross with contempt. A cross symbolized the most degrading form of execution! The person killed through this degrading execution was regarded in death as a vile human. This death meant the person deserved rejection and contempt. It deliberately tried to destroy every vestige of human dignity in the executed person.
What problem did that create? The basic meaning of the word "gospel" is good news. (1) How could an execution designed to declare contempt publicly be "good news"? (2) Too many responding to a crucified Jesus are "the wrong kind of people." (3) The Greek concept of wisdom formed the basis of a wide, accepted examination of human conduct/behavior/morality. Obscure the fact that Jesus was crucified and focus on the acceptable discussion of wisdom! Then "the right kind of people" will take the gospel seriously.
Paul's reaction: (1) the gospel founded on Jesus' crucifixion is not foolishness to those who place their faith in God's power. (2) God revealed a truth and reality in Jesus' cross that humans could find in no other way. (3) Jews may look at the cross as a stumbling block and all others may view it as foolishness, but it is actually God's wisdom displaying itself. (4) "The right kind of people" will not be attracted to God because God rejects the arrogance of human achievement and discovery. (5) The crucified Jesus is God's means of providing us every benefit He offers. (6) "Though I am a well trained, well educated person, all I did when I was there was emphasize God's power revealed in Jesus Christ's crucifixion."
Paul also said: (1) our presentation of the gospel does emphasize wisdom--God's wisdom, not Greek wisdom. (2) In God's wisdom, the teachers/leaders who bring people the gospel are just men--no more, no less. God uses them to achieve His purposes. The power to produce growth is God's, not men's. (3) God's objective is to make you His field, His building. (4) The endurance of the persons converted to Christ benefit their leader/teacher, but his salvation does not depend on human loyalty to him. (5) You need to realize you are God's temple, not some group loyal to a human. You need to make it obvious in the congregation that you belong to the Holy God, that you exist as His temple. (6) If you think the congregation is about human enterprise or human followings, you are deceived. (7) Regard us human leaders/teachers as servants of God and nothing more. (8) Do not arrogantly conclude that you are better than us. (9) I do not say these things to shame you, but to refocus your comprehension.
Your attention is specifically directed to 3:16,17--one of the most sobering statements to Christians in the New Testament. The "you" in the statement is plural [the King James translation notes the plural "you" by using "ye"]. Paul addressed them collectively as a congregation. "You as a congregation must realize you as a congregation exist as God's temple [God's holy building dedicated exclusively to Him]. Know this as a simple, plain fact: any person who destroys the congregation will be destroyed by God Himself. Regardless of your opinion of the congregation, it is God's temple--not your private possession! Do not treat with contempt or disrespect what is holy to God!"
What a statement! Of what is a congregation made? It is made of people. Are there any "perfect people"? No! Can humans [Christians] find fault with a congregation at any time? Since a congregation is composed of imperfect people, yes! From human perspectives, when is a congregation holy? Rarely! Always there are those who know unholy happenings among Christians! Yet, God views congregations just as He views individuals in Christ--as holy! Why? Because they exist in His forgiveness! Dare not destroy [through division or any other means] what God Himself makes stand through the acceptance of His forgiveness! Christians are God's servants! God's temple does not belong to us! We are caretakers, not owners!
Thought Questions:
Link to Teacher's Guide
Lesson 11