Introduction to 1 Corinthians by Stephen Ricker

INTRODUCTION TO 1 CORINTHIANS

QUESTIONS FOR STUDY ONE
OUTLINE

Before analyzing the test of any book of the Bible, it is well to learn the historical background.

Also, it is best to make a "skyscraper" view of its general contents.

PAUL'S TIMELINE FROM CONVERSION TO ARREST
1. Paul meet Christ on the road to Antioch and thus became a Christian (35 A.D.), five years after Pentecost.
2. Paul and Barnabas first missionary journey (from 46 to 48 A.D., Acts 13-14)
3. The Jerusalem counsel held. (either 49 or 50 A.D., Acts 15)
4. Some believe that Paul wrote Galatians while at Antioch between the first and second mission trips. (48 A.D.)
5. Paul and Silas left Antioch on Paul's second missionary trip. He went through Tarsus on the way to the churches in Galatia where young Timothy joins them. (Early 50 A.D., Acts 15:36-16:10)
6. The same year crossing the Aegean Sea arriving at Philippi. (Acts 16:11-40)
7. They flee Philippi after considerable time there and went to Thessalonica were they spend considerable time. (Acts 17:1-9)
8. Paul and Silas flee from Thessalonica to Berea. Since Timothy is not mentioned, it is possible that he stayed in Thessalonica or Philippi and then rejoined Paul in Silas in Berea.
9. Paul fled to Athens from Berean persecution, leaving Silas and Timothy in Berea. (14) Paul asked Silas and Timothy to join him in Athens. (Acts 15, and 1 Thess. 3:1-2)
10. Timothy rejoined Paul at Athens and was sent back to Thessalonica. (1 Thess. 3:1-5) Since Silas is not mentioned, it has been conjectured that he went back to Philippi when Timothy went to Thessalonica.
11. Paul moved on the Corinth. (Acts 18:1) Silas and Timothy came to Paul in Corinth. (Acts 18:5, and 1 Thess. 3:6)
12. Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians and sent it to the church. About six months later in late 51 or early 52 A.D. Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians.
13. Most believe that Paul wrote Galatians while in Corinth or perhaps when he arrived back at Antioch at the end of his second mission trip (late 52 A.D.)
14. Paul returned to Ephesus during the early part of his third missionary journey. (53 A.D.) He stayed there for two years. (Acts 19:1-20)
15. Paul left Ephesus to visit the congregations he had went to on his second missionary trip. (Acts 19:21-20:1)
16. Paul stopped at Corinth on the looped journey where he penned the letter to the believers in Rome. He made a short stop in Ephesus and then went to Jerusalem. (56 A.D., Acts 20:2-38)
17. Paul ended the third missionary trip in Jerusalem. He presented a gift that was collected for the poor and needy in Jerusalem. (57 A.D., Acts 20:39-21:16)
18. Paul was arrested in Jerusalem when the Jews tried to kill him. (57 A.D., Acts 21:17-40)
BACKGROUND
1. Author. Apostle Paul according to all scholars for it is heavily quoted by many earlier church followers.
2. Date Written. in 55 or 56 A.D.
3. Period Covered. Beginning of the spread of the gospel, during Paul's third missionary journey.
4. Geographical Centers. Paul was in Ephesus when he wrote this second letter to the congregation in Corinth.
5. Main Theme. First Corinthians is a practical letter. Paul dealt with problems concerning the church as a whole and also with personal problems. The letter is relevant for the needs of today. Individuals and churches continue to face many of the same problems encountered at Corinth.
6. Audience. A maturing congregation with problems.
SURVEY
1. Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to give instruction and admonition that would lead to the solving of the many problems in the congregation. Some of these problems may have arisen out of a "super spiritualist" group that had been influenced by incipient gnostic teachings. All of the problems in chapters 1-14 were grounded in egocentric or self-centered attitudes in contrast to self-denying, Christ-centered attitudes. Chapter 15 concerning the resurrection may reflect sincere misconceptions on the part of the Corinthians. (Holman Bible Dictionary)