Paul’s ministry does not end with the book of Romans; the Apostle would take us on to the full revelation of the mystery, which beforetime had been kept secret—the church of God, the body of Christ (Rom. 16:25-2725Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. <<Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.>> (Romans 16:25‑27); Col. 1:23-2923If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: 25Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. (Colossians 1:23‑29)).
Sadly, Paul’s writings are by and large neglected, and, worse still, dismissed as irrelevant for the present day. Rationalism destroys the truth by reasoning, reducing everything to a philosophy without moral force. Ritualism displaces the truth with ceremony.
Corinth was a most licentious city. Sitting between two natural harbors and connecting continental Greece in the north and Peloponnesus to the south, Corinth bustled with commerce—not unlike the world in which we live today.
The assembly there had many problems. Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians looks at the internal order of the church of God. The character of the second is very different. With Titus’ positive report from Corinth (2 Cor. 7), Paul opens his heart and speaks with greater liberty.
First Corinthians
Though addressed to “the church of God which is at Corinth” (1 Cor. 1:22Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2)), the contents of this letter are not specific to the saints of that city, for we find that it is also addressed to “all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:22Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2)).
Divisions had arisen among the believers in Corinth. Evil was tolerated in their midst, and some were even denying the resurrection of the dead (1 Cor. 15:1212Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? (1 Corinthians 15:12)). The Apostle, having received notice through the house of Chloe and a letter from themselves (1 Cor. 1:11; 7:111For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. (1 Corinthians 1:11)
1Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. (1 Corinthians 7:1)), finds it necessary to defer a visit—lest he should come with a rod (1 Cor. 4:2121What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? (1 Corinthians 4:21); 2 Cor. 1:2323Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. (2 Corinthians 1:23))—and directs this divinely inspired communication to them.
A key to the book may be found in verse 9 of the first chapter: “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord”. The Lordship of Christ is impressed upon them—the Lord’s table, the Lord’s supper (1 Cor. 10:21; 11:2021Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. (1 Corinthians 10:21)
20When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. (1 Corinthians 11:20))—and it is into His fellowship that we are called. It is not our own. Likewise, the power of the Spirit is everywhere presented in contrast to the wisdom of man: “We speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, communicating spiritual things by spiritual means” (1 Cor. 2:11And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. (1 Corinthians 2:1)3 JnD).
Outline
After a brief introduction of nine verses, the Apostle immediately addresses the subject of divisions (chapters 1-4). Schools of thought were common amongst the Greek philosophers; with the gospel there was no place for such. What Paul or Apollos taught could not be separated from Christ or each other. Paul determined not to know any thing among them save Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2:22For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2))—he meets, and silences all thought of division with the cross of Christ. The one foundation had been laid; man was responsible for how he built upon it (1 Cor. 3:10-1510According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (1 Corinthians 3:10‑15)).
From chapter 5 through to the end of chapter 11, Paul addresses various moral questions. Before considering the things that they had written him (ch. 7), the Apostle is compelled to deal with a specific instance of immorality amongst them (1 Cor. 5:11It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. (1 Corinthians 5:1)). “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” (1 Cor. 5:66Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? (1 Corinthians 5:6)). They were to judge those that were within, and the wicked person was to be put away from among them (1 Cor 5:1313But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. (1 Corinthians 5:13)). Paul then addresses going to law, marriage, and eating things offered to idols. Some accused him of ministering for gain, questioning his apostleship and undermining that which he taught.
In chapter 10 Paul warns the professing church with examples from Israel’s history. Departure from Christ will ultimately lead to apostasy. It is at this juncture that the subject of the Lord’s Table is introduced: “Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?” (Ps. 78:19). The collective nature of the remembrance feast, particularly the unity of the body as expressed in the loaf, is emphasized here. “For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread” (1 Cor. 10:1717For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. (1 Corinthians 10:17)). Whether it is the remembrance of the Lord, the Jewish sacrifice, or the pagan feast, the eaters are collectively identified with the table or altar as the case may be (1 Cor. 10:18-2118Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? 19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? 20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. 21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils. (1 Corinthians 10:18‑21)).
Chapter 11 begins with something that is perceived to be of little relevance today, but which, nonetheless, has never lost its significance. The woman’s head covering (and the man’s lack) is an outward display of God’s order in creation (1 Cor. 11:1-161Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. 3But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. 4Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoreth his head. 5But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoreth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. 6For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. 7For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. 8For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. 9Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. 10For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. 11Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord. 12For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. 13Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? 14Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? 15But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. 16But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. (1 Corinthians 11:1‑16)). The latter part of the chapter brings before us the Lord’s Supper, a subject of special revelation received by Paul (1 Cor. 11:2323For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: (1 Corinthians 11:23)). In the Lord’s Supper we remember the Lord and show—or announce—“the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Cor. 11:2626For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. (1 Corinthians 11:26)). The bread and cup are not to be partaken of in an unworthy manner—individual self-judgment is essential (1 Cor. 11:27-2927Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. 29For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. (1 Corinthians 11:27‑29)). In chapter 11 it is the individual responsibility that is brought before us.
In chapters 12-14, Paul takes up the subject of spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12:11Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. (1 Corinthians 12:1)). By one Spirit gift is divided to each as He pleases, and, by one Spirit, gift works (1 Cor. 12:1111But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (1 Corinthians 12:11)). Though there are various gifts, there is one Spirit—“by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body” (1 Cor. 12:1313For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13)). Gift cannot be exercised without love (ch. 13), and when gift is appropriately exercised, there is order and the church is edified (ch. 14).
In chapter 15 we find that some were calling into question the resurrection from the dead—“Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?” (1 Cor. 15:1212Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? (1 Corinthians 15:12)). Without the resurrection, there is no Gospel—“we are of all men most miserable” (1 Cor. 15:1919If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. (1 Corinthians 15:19)). The resurrection of the saints from among the dead, of which Christ was the firstfruits, is another of those mysteries revealed to the Apostle (1 Cor. 15:5151Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (1 Corinthians 15:51)). All that separated us from God is entirely put away—death, the wrath of God, the power of Satan, sin, disappear as far as we are concerned, in virtue of the work of Christ; and He is made to us that righteousness which is our title to heavenly glory. “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:5757But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57)).
Paul concludes the letter in chapter 16 with a final word on collections, his travel plans, and a closing salutation.
Second Corinthians
Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians was written during his third and final journey. Having left Ephesus because of the uproar (Acts 19), Paul traveled to Troas hoping to meet Titus with some news from Corinth concerning his first epistle. Though a door was opened unto him for the gospel, he had no rest in spirit and passed on into Macedonia. Here Paul meets Titus and hears the good tidings from Corinth (Acts 20:11And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. (Acts 20:1); 2 Cor. 2:12-13; 7:5-712Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, 13I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. (2 Corinthians 2:12‑13)
5For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. 6Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; 7And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. (2 Corinthians 7:5‑7)). The letter had wrought repentance and the wicked person had been dealt with (1 Cor. 5; 2 Cor. 2:66Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. (2 Corinthians 2:6)). What a comfort to the Apostle.
The subject matter of this beautiful epistle is, to use the words of another, “restorative grace, according to the character and power of life in Christ, and that accompanied by the deepest exercise of the heart under the disciplinary ways of God”.
Outline
The Apostle was not a disinterested bystander, terrifying them by letters from afar. Rather, he was deeply affected, first by the state of things in Corinth, and then by the news of their repentance.
This epistle was written after Paul had met Titus, though in it he unfolds the thoughts and exercises of his heart as he awaited word from Corinth. From verse 13 of chapter 2 until we finally read of the happy reunion with Titus in verse 6 of chapter 7, we have the sweet communion between souls that have experienced the restorative effects of grace in their lives—though under very different circumstances.
Paul describes their little band as captives led about in triumph, a sweet savour unto God—a savour of death to those that rejected the gospel, and of life for those that received it (2 Cor. 2:14-1514Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. 15For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: (2 Corinthians 2:14‑15)). He didn’t make trade of the word of God; rather, before God he spoke, not of, but in Christ (2 Cor. 2:1717For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17)).
He did not need a letter commending him to the assembly in Corinth, for they themselves were a living epistle, “written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart” (2 Cor. 3:33Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. (2 Corinthians 3:3)). The actions of the Corinthian saints had been ample testimony of their faith. The Apostle was a new covenant minister; he had not ‘laid down the law’. This is not a covenant that we are under, for the letter kills; it is by the Spirit. The Gospel reveals righteousness, not demands it; it abounds in glory (2 Cor. 3:99For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory. (2 Corinthians 3:9)).
The destruction of the vessel, while it may present a weak and contemptible picture to the world, reveals the treasure that it contains and the life of Jesus is made manifest in the mortal body (2 Cor. 4:7-117But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. (2 Corinthians 4:7‑11)).
In chapter 5 we have the confidence of one whose life is in Christ. Here we have what motivated the Apostle—and us—in his life and ministry. “The love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again” (2 Cor. 5:14-1514For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (2 Corinthians 5:14‑15)).
The Apostle still had a great concern for the spiritual well-being of the Corinthians, and he does not fail to touch on the difficulties that remained—though, in the main, the tone is exhortative rather than assertive, nevertheless with authority. In chapters 8 through 9 liberality to the poor saints is encouraged, while in chapters 10 through 12, Paul addresses those that would question his apostleship. He feared lest there should be those that would beguile them and their minds be “corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ”, bringing them into bondage (2 Cor. 11:3, 203But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:3)
20For ye suffer, if a man bring you into bondage, if a man devour you, if a man take of you, if a man exalt himself, if a man smite you on the face. (2 Corinthians 11:20)).
The book closes with chapter 13. Since they sought proof of Christ speaking in the Apostle, they should examine themselves. If they were Christians indeed, was that not the proof they sought?