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No.2.
The setting of our key texts (I Cor. 1: 30; 3: 21 - 23).
pp. 191 - 193
In our approach to the N.T. and to the apprehension of all for which we have been
apprehended of Christ Jesus, our attention was directed to the words of Paul in his letter
to the Corinthians (I Cor. 1: 30 and 3: 21-23). There is so much in these two passages,
that we shall be compelled to halt and weigh them over in the balances of the Sanctuary
before passing on to other and similar passages. Indeed we may well discover, that by
the time we have considered these two passages, together with their parallels in other
epistles, that there will be very little left to say. In order to appreciate the Apostle's
conclusions as set forth in these two extracts from I Corinthians, we must acquaint
ourselves with the context, then examine the A.V. translations and make any adjustments
that fuller light and accurate scholarship indicates, and finally to consider each term or
phrase as so many steps leading to the Divine goal. In the present study, let us endeavour
to place Paul's conclusions in their true relation with the context.
The first Epistle to the Corinthians owes its origin, humanly speaking, to five allied
causes:
(1)
The report of the household of Chloe.
(2)
A common report concerning their morals.
(3)
A letter from the Corinthians.
(4)
A special error in doctrine--the resurrection.
(5)
The collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem.
The epistle follows the order of these five features, chapters:
1: - 4:
deal with
divisions in the church.
5:, 6:
deal with
immorality in the church.
7: - 14:
deal with
the letter from the church.
15:
deal with
the subject of resurrection.
16:
deal with
the collection for the saints.
The structure of the epistle follows this fivefold subdivision of theme, but puts the
emphasis on certain features that might otherwise be overlooked.
I Corinthians as a whole
A | 1: 1-9. Waiting for the coming of the Lord.
B | 1: 10 - 4: 21. "IT HATH BEEN DECLARED UNTO ME."
C | 5: 1 - 14: 30. The body, physically, spiritually, ecclesiastically.
B | 15: "I DECLARE UNTO YOU."
A | 16: Maranatha. The Lord cometh.