Tag: 1 Corinthians

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Why Paul Repudiated His Rights (1 Corinthians 9:12b–18)

georgepwood

In 1 Corinthians 9:1–12a, Paul argues that he has a right to the financial support of the Corinthian church. This right derives from his status as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Having made the case for this right, however, he turns around and repudiates it in verses 12b–18: But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the … Continue reading Why Paul Repudiated His Rights (1 Corinthians 9:12b–18)

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Apostolic Rights (1 Corinthians 9:3–12)

georgepwood

In 1 Corinthians 9:1–27, Paul defends his apostleship against Corinthian Christians who question it. This defense seems like a digression from his main argument about food sacrificed to idols in 8:1–11:1, but really it isn’t. The Corinthians disregard Paul’s instructions regarding idol food because they doubt his authority. And they doubt his authority because they question his apostleship. So, Paul lays out his argument in several stages. Yesterday, we looked at the root and fruit of Paul’s apostleship (9:1–2). Today, we look at Paul’s apostolic rights as he outlines them in 9:3–12: This is my defense to those who sit … Continue reading Apostolic Rights (1 Corinthians 9:3–12)

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Apostolic Root and Fruit (1 Corinthians 9:1–3)

georgepwood

In the ancient world, people sacrificed animals to their gods. They consumed some of the meat at religious feasts in pagan temples. Priests sold whatever they didn’t use in the public market for consumption at dinner parties in private homes. In 1 Corinthians 8:1–11:1, Paul examines whether Christians can eat food sacrificed to idols in either pagan temples or private homes. In chapter 8, he outlines theological and ethical guidelines. In chapter 10 he applies those guidelines to specific cases. In chapter 9… To be perfectly honest, the logic of Paul’s argument in this chapter is difficult to follow. Imagine … Continue reading Apostolic Root and Fruit (1 Corinthians 9:1–3)

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Good Theology Rightly Applied (1 Corinthians 8:9–13)

georgepwood

In 1 Corinthians 8:1–13, Paul answers the question of whether Christians can eat food sacrificed to idols. For modern American Christians, this question is not relevant, since our culture does not sacrifice to idols. The way Paul answers this question is relevant today, however, for it addresses how we educate people out of their ignorance. Paul identifies two crucial issues: what we know and how we use that knowledge. For Paul, knowledge liberates. Idols are objectively unreal, so eating food sacrificed to idols is objectively insignificant. Knowledgeable Corinthian Christians therefore eat such food freely. On the other hand, ignorance oppresses. … Continue reading Good Theology Rightly Applied (1 Corinthians 8:9–13)

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Ignorance Is Not Bliss (1 Corinthians 8:7–8)

georgepwood

People say “Ignorance is bliss” and speak about “the burden of knowledge.” I know what they mean. My two-year-old son doesn’t know that I work to provide him food and clothing. He is happy, well-fed, and stylishly clothed nonetheless—thanks to my wife, his mother. On the other hand, I know that my livelihood provides for his needs, so I take care to remain gainfully employed. He is blissfully ignorant. I am burdened by knowledge. But in another sense, ignorance makes us unhappy and oppresses us. Consider 1 Corinthians 8:7–8, where Paul writes: But not everyone knows this. Some people are … Continue reading Ignorance Is Not Bliss (1 Corinthians 8:7–8)

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What We Believe about God and Idols (1 Corinthians 8:4–6)

georgepwood

What we know influences how we live. For example, I know that my father’s side of the family has a history of heart disease. I also know that my weight, diet, and exercise regime will either exacerbate whatever genetic predisposition I have toward heart disease or alleviate it. So, I choose to lose weight, eat healthy, and exercise regularly. What I know influences how I live. The interplay between knowledge and behavior takes center stage in 1 Corinthians 8:1–11:1, where Paul argues with the Corinthians about food sacrificed to idols. To a significant degree, Paul agrees with the Corinthians’ theology—what … Continue reading What We Believe about God and Idols (1 Corinthians 8:4–6)

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Knowledge for Love’s Sake (1 Corinthians 8:1–3)

georgepwood

Knowledge is power. The crucial question is, Power for what? First Corinthians 8:1–3 offers an answer: Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God. In these verses, Paul contrasts knowledge as power for self with knowledge as power for others. The former is the viewpoint of the Corinthians. The latter is Paul’s own. Which is ours? At various stages in my life, … Continue reading Knowledge for Love’s Sake (1 Corinthians 8:1–3)

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What’s Food Got to Do with Anything? (1 Corinthians 8:1a)

georgepwood

Sometimes, I read the Bible, scratch my head, and wonder what it’s talking about. I scratched my head when I read 1 Corinthians 8:1a: “Now about food sacrificed to idols…” These words introduce a three-chapter argument Paul makes against the Corinthians in 8:1–11:1. I haven’t seen any idols lately, let alone sacrificed food to them. So, I feel tempted to skip this portion of Scripture and move on to another that relates to my world. Perhaps you feel tempted to do the same. Resist that temptation! The particular example Paul uses may not be relevant to people like us—because we … Continue reading What’s Food Got to Do with Anything? (1 Corinthians 8:1a)

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Honor God With Your Body (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

georgepwood

  In a recent post on Reason.com, John Stossel makes “the case for legalizing drugs, prostitution, organ sales, and other consensual acts.” He titles his piece, “Keep Your Laws Off My Body.” He concedes that these behaviors may be immoral, but even so, he denies that legal prohibition of them is the right response. Instead, he argues that shaming drug users, prostitutes, and organ sellers is a more appropriate response than prohibition. Stossel’s argument is libertarian. There is some truth to this position. Not every sin requires the government to pass a law in response. On the other hand, from … Continue reading Honor God With Your Body (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

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Who You Are Shapes How You Act, and Vice Versa (1 Corinthians 6:15-17)

georgepwood

  Who you are shapes how you act. How you act shapes who you are. Identity and behavior are mutually reinforcing. For example, a generous person gives liberally to those in need. But how did she become generous in the first place? By giving liberally. An alcoholic drinks too much alcohol. How did he become an alcoholic? By drinking too much in the first place. A loving married couple takes delight in serving one another. How did they become so loving? By serving one another. To become the people God created us to be, Christ saved us to be, and … Continue reading Who You Are Shapes How You Act, and Vice Versa (1 Corinthians 6:15-17)