Corinth was a huge, influential city, one of the most important in Greece. It was also an important seaport as well as a wealthy commercial centre, and was evangelised by Paul during his third missionary journey – see Acts 17 and 18. Scholars suggest Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth from Ephesus in Asia Minor, in AD 55. It is thought that there were 200,000 free citizens in Corinth, and possibly half a million slaves too! It boasted a lifestyle of “loose living”, and was widely famous for its sexually immoral ways. In fact to call someone at that time a “Corinthian”, was about the worst name you could call a person!
Paul began by greeting his Christian brothers and sisters in Corinth (1:1-3), affirming his confidence in them and their faith, as he reminds them that God, who first called them into a relationship with him through Jesus Christ, is always faithful. From verses 10-17 we read that sadly divisions had arisen in the Church, and Paul was obviously most concerned about the situation. Paul didn’t remonstrate or discipline them, but appealed to them as a brother. How did these divisions happen in this new Church? It seems that the members of the Church had allowed the sins of the city to permeate their local community. The Greeks were well known for forming “factions” and in this Church context the spotlight shone on Paul, Apollos and Cephas! Paul wasn’t pleased to hear that these “personality issues” had apparently divided the Church, with the Jews looking for signs, and the Greeks looking for wisdom! Paul reminded them that Christianity is all about “Christ crucified” – which interestingly can mean, “The crucified person of Jesus Christ” or “A Crucified Messiah”! Paul told them they were not to worry about being “weak or foolish”, for those are worldly judgements. God sees us differently. He views us through the reality of the cross and the forgiveness we experience because of the sacrifice of Jesus.
in Chapter 2 Paul emphasised that the gospel does not rely on human wisdom, but on the power of God. It is God’s power through the Holy Spirit that empowers, guides and reveals God’s wisdom. Paul quotes from Isaiah 40:13, “For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” Lack of unity, as they experienced at Corinth, meant they were focussing on the wrong things! Our unity is discovered when we come to worship Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour! May we never focus on anything but Him!
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Pray for unity in the church and the community