The
1
Corinthians (NIV)
By
Syd Cleveland
(©
1990, 1995, 2000, 2005 and Revised
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SOSTHENES = Possibly the ruler of the Jewish synagogue who was
beaten before becoming a Christian (Acts
1 Cor 1:2
TO THE CHURCH = This letter from Paul was probably carried to
TO THOSE SANCTIFIED ... AND CALLED TO BE HOLY = Theologians use the
term "progressive sanctification" when speaking about the process of
making something or someone "holy" (1 Peter
"The most
common understanding of sanctification is the growth in holiness that should
follow conversion. ... In justification, God, at the beginning of Christian
life, declares us acquitted. In
sanctification, God accomplishes His will in us as Christian life
proceeds. Sanctification never replaces
justification. Sanctification is of the
Spirit, and is the outflow of an overflowing life within the soul, the 'fruit'
of the Spirit. How far does
sanctification go? The Greek root
'telei' does not mean 'sinless,' 'incapable of sinning, but 'fulfilling its
appointed end, complete, mature.' Such
maturity is clearly part of the Christian's goal. Paul's denial that he is already 'perfect,'
and his exhortations to ongoing sanctification, show that he does not think a
final, complete sanctification can be claimed in this life." -- The
Concise Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Walter A. Elwell, editor, page 446.
IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe
the Gospel (Ephesians
1 Cor 1:4
IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe
the Gospel (Ephesians
1 Cor 1:7
DO NOT LACK ... WAIT ... REVEALED = Paul is clear here that
spiritual gifts will continue on through the second coming of Christ (1
Corinthians 1:8).
1 Cor 1:8
BE BLAMELESS = The Greek "anegkletos" (Strongs G410)
means "without accusation." It
is a legal term specifically meaning "free from any legal
charge." Through the indwelling
power of Jesus Christ every Christian can face God without fear of any
blame. Also see 1 Corinthians 1:8;
Colossians 1:22; 1 Timothy 3:10; Titus 1:6-7.
1 Cor
AGREE ... NO DIVISIONS ... PERFECTLY UNITED = Jehovah’s
Witnesses impose a lockstep conformity upon it's membership that is
incredible. Rather than chafe under this
conformity, JWs actually boast of their total obedience to the Watchtower as
evidence that they are the only true Christians because they alone are
"perfectly united in mind and thought." JWs are instructed not to accept or read
"the religious literature of people they meet" (The Watchtower, 5/1/84,
p. 31); not to listen to "criticism of Jehovah's organization" (The
Watchtower, 5/15/84, p. 17); and not to speak words "expressing criticism
of the way the appointed elders are handling matters" (The Watchtower,
1/15/84, p. 16). JWs are even told to "Avoid
independent thinking ... questioning the counsel that is provided by God's
visible organization," and to "Fight against independent
thinking" (The Watchtower, 1/15/83, pp. 22, 27). Point out to the JW that Paul did not mean
the Corinthians should end their schismatic divisions by submitting themselves
to some human leader in total, unquestioning obedience like mindless
robots. Instead, Paul's writings reveal
plenty of room for individual thinking (Romans 14:1-5). As Christians we should be united in
following Christ as Lord and looking to Him as our Savior, but there is also
room for diversity of thought and work.
Point out to the JW that it is not lockstep conformity, but love that is
the perfect bond of union (Colossians
1 Cor
ARE BEING SAVED = The Greek is "sodzomenois" (a present
passive participle in the dative plural masculine case) meaning this salvation
is continuously active in our daily life.
"It is not a one-time decision long-ignored that brings salvation,
but a commitment to Christ lived out through obedience to the end of life. Salvation is fully certain, but only for
those who are now living life in obedience to Christ" -- Peter H. Davis,
"More Hard Sayings of the New Testament," page 155.
Thus, while our
salvation is based on Christ's death on the cross in the past, it is a present
reality as long as we remain in Him.
"Salvation is
both an event and a process. We are
saved at the time of conversion but are still being saved in the sense of being
made more conformed to Christ's image (1 Corinthians
1 Cor
CHRIST THE POWER OF GOD = Jehovah's Witnesses teach that the Holy
Spirit is the "power of God" -- just an active "force" like
electricity, which does God's bidding.
But here Jesus Christ is also called "the power of God." Like the Father, Jesus is a Divine Person,
therefore the Holy Spirit is also a Divine Person.
1 Cor
IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe
the Gospel (Ephesians
WHO HAS BECOME ... OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS, HOLINESS AND REDEMPTION = It
is only through Christ and His grace that we have salvation: Ephesians 2:8-9.
1 Cor 2:9
AS IT IS WRITTEN = This phrase is often used when introducing an
Old Testament scripture. However, what
Paul states is not a direct quotation, but rather the general thoughts derived
from blending Isaiah 64:4 and Isaiah 65:17 under the inspiration of the Holy
Spirit.
NO ... NO ... NO = The knowledge of what God has prepared for us is
not a "natural" knowledge, for it only comes through the Holy
Spirit's revelation (1 Corinthians
HAS PREPARED = This is past tense.
We do not know how long God has worked on this project, but in 30 A.D.
just before Jesus ascended to heaven, He said: "In my Father's house are
many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to
prepare a place for you. And if I go and
prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you
also may be where I am." -- John 14:2-3
Thus it would seem that sometime in the 25 years between 30 A.D. and 55
A.D., when the book of 1 Corinthians was written, the preparations were
completed. Jesus makes it clear that His
preparations involve a real place, and not just the figment of our imagination.
WHO LOVE HIM = The Greek word "agapao" (Strongs #25) is
present active, meaning the love is continuously being expressed. This leads to the truth that the reward of
heaven is given to those who are continuously faithful and who do not fall away
(see Luke 8:13, 15; Philippians 3:13-14).
1 Cor
KNOWS ... MAN'S SPIRIT WITHIN HIM = This is not an indication, as
some claim, that a man's "spirit" is conscious after death. Notice here "the man's spirit (is)
within him," not departed to some distant location after death. Thus the man is living, has
"thoughts" and those thoughts are "know(n)" by the
"man's spirit within him."
There is nothing here about what happens after death. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit as a
member of the Godhead, is able to read our thoughts and know the motives behind
them (1 Chronicles 28:9).
1 Cor
NOT IN WORDS ... BUT IN WORDS = Here Paul makes a direct claim to
verbal inspiration as he also explains the necessity of the Holy Spirit for
understanding Scripture. Also see 2
Timothy 3:16.
1 Cor
THE MIND OF CHRIST = Here Paul is quoting Isaiah 40:13.
IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe
the Gospel (Ephesians
1 Cor 3:2
YOU ARE STILL NOT READY = See note on John
1 Cor
BURNED UP = Indicates that our works (verse 14) are not what saves
us. Our works may be sub-standard and
"burned up" but our salvation in Jesus Christ remains secure. Since our reward in heaven depends upon our
work (Revelation
HE HIMSELF WILL BE SAVED = Even though our works are imperfect and
"burned up" our salvation is unaffected because it is derived from
Christ's work on the cross.
1 Cor
GOD'S
IF ANYONE DESTROYS ... GOD WILL DESTROY HIM = The church is God's
alternative to the fragmentation and ills of society. The church in
SECRET THINGS OF GOD = Not specified here, but could refer to the
statement in Romans
1 Cor 4:2
FAITHFUL = Whether or not one is "faithful" is determined
by the Lord (verse 4).
1 Cor 4:3
I DO NOT EVEN JUDGE MYSELF = See 2 Corinthians
1 Cor 4:4
CLEAR ... INNOCENT = Innocence is the absence of guilt, not the
absence of the pricks of conscience.
Conscience can be clear in the midst of great guilt if the conscience
has not been trained properly or has been seared (1 Timothy 4:1, 2).
1 Cor 4:5
HE WILL BRING TO LIGHT WHAT IS HIDDEN = God has not commissioned
Christians to expose one another's sins for all to see. God Himself will "bring to light"
what needs to be exposed at "the appointed time." God has given Christians a process for
reclaiming fellow believers from sin: Matthew 18:15-17; and He has given a
clear warning about how He will exposing
our sins if we expose their sins to public ridicule: John 8:3-11.
1 Cor 4:8
ALL YOU WANT ... RICH ... KINGS = Paul's sarcastic thrust at the Corinthian
church's pride.
1 Cor
WISE ... STRONG ... HONORED = Paul's sarcastically contrasts the
humility of a true Christian with the pride of the Corinthian church.
1 Cor
WORK HARD WITH OUR OWN HANDS = Paul was a tentmaker (Acts 18:3).
1 Cor
IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe
the Gospel (Ephesians
1 Cor
IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe
the Gospel (Ephesians
1 Cor
ARROGANT = Paul denounces the pride of arrogance evidenced in the
Corinthian church.
1 Cor
NOT A MATTER OF TALK BUT OF POWER = This is a companion text to Romans
SEXUAL IMMORALITY = The Greek "porneia" (from which we
get our English word "pornography) (Strongs #G4202) literally means
"prostitution, harlotry, fornication, lewdness, or any sexual
sin." It is used by Paul throughout
the New Testament to include sexual sins of every kind.
DOES NOT OCCUR EVEN AMONG PAGANS = Leviticus 18:8, 29 prohibits the
sexual immorality mentioned here and requires the offender(s) to be
stoned. Paul is not saying this kind of
immorality never occurs among the pagans, but that even Roman law forbids this
practice: "Even in the pagan world this is unheard of as acceptable behavior!" For a Biblical definition of pagan practices
see note on 1 Corinthians 10:7.
A MAN HAS HIS FATHER'S WIFE = The verb "has" is a present
infinitive indicating the situation is linear -- a continuing, on-going immoral
affair. Since it is not defined as
incest the woman is probably the man's stepmother. Neither does Paul use the term
"adultery," thus it is possible the woman's husband may have divorced
her. But since she is not called a
"widow" it is evident her husband (this "man's" father) is
still alive.
1 Cor 5:2
YOU ARE PROUD = The proper response should have been mourning, not
pride, and the removal of the offender from fellowship. Pride was only one of the areas of the
Corinthian congregation that caused Paul concern. Others include: "you have become 'rich,'
you have become kings" (1 Corinthians 4:8); "you are so wise in
Christ, you are strong" (1 Corinthians
PUT OUT OF YOUR FELLOWSHIP = Paul is here calling for this man to
be ex-communicated, or disfellowshipped ("expelled" 1 Corinthians
5:13). In 1 Corinthians 5:5 Paul used a
different term for the same thing: "hand this man over to
Satan." The purpose of
disfellowshipping was not to punish the man, but to reclaim him: "so that
... his spirit (may) be saved on the day of the Lord" (1 Corinthians
5:5). A month later, when Paul wrote 2
Corinthians 2:5-11 he wrote the man had repented and was to be restored. Also see Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:5, 7,
11, 13; Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 3:10.
1 Cor 5:3
"WITH YOU IN SPIRIT" = A figure of speech (see Colossians
2:5). Since this was written 9 years
before Paul died he could not have literally been present with the Corinthians
"in spirit" (i.e. his "immortal soul"). First Thessalonians
1 Cor 5:5
HAND THIS MAN OVER TO SATAN = Defined as being "put out of
your fellowship" (1 Corinthians 5:2) and "expel[ing] the wicked man
from among you" (1 Corinthians 5:13).
In 1 Timothy
"He was a man
so deluded by Satan and controlled by immorality that he apparently flaunted
his illicit relationship before the whole church. ... Some wonder if a person
at this level of immorality is really a Christian. But if this man were a non-Christian Paul
would not have disciplined him, because the church is only required to
discipline those within its membership (1 Corinthians
SINFUL NATURE MAY BE DESTROYED = The Greek "olethros"
(Strongs 3639) means "destroy, kill, ruin, destruction."
"OLETHROS;
gen. 'olethrou,' masc. noun, from 'ollumi' (n.f.), to destroy, kill. Ruin, destruction. Used of divine punishment (1 Corinthians 5:5;
1 Thessalonians 5:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:9; 1 Timothy 6:9; Septuagint: Proverbs
21:7). The verb 'ollumi' (n.f.) does not
occur, but its derivative, 'apollumi' (Strongs #G622), to destroy, does. The fundamental thought is not annihilation
by any means, but unavoidable distress and torment." -- The Complete
Wordstudy Dictionary, New Testament, Zodhiates, AMG Publishers, p. 1036.
In Deuteronomy
17:7 the wickedness of idolatry was "purged" by stoning the idolater
to death. Here in the New Testament,
expulsion from the congregation is equivalent to Old Testament stoning (see 1
Corinthians
SPIRIT SAVED = Here Paul applies the term "spirit" to the
entire person regenerated by the Holy Spirit.
The person is now living "in the Spirit," or "according
to the Spirit" (Romans 8:5-11). As
such, this man has been once again transferred from the kingdom of darkness and
will be "saved on the day of the Lord."
1 Cor 5:6
BOASTING = A summary of Paul's condemnation of the pride evidenced
in the Corinthians church (see note on 1 Corinthians 5:2).
1 Cor 5:7
GET RID OF THE OLD YEAST = In referring to the OT illustration of
searching carefully to remove all yeast from the house (Exodus
BE A NEW BATCH WITHOUT YEAST = Here Paul is using symbolism --
these Christians are not really "bread." But they are to live their lives, not by
keeping the Old Testament's Annual
Festivals (such as Passover), but by utilizing Christ's power to rid
themselves of the "yeast of malice and wickedness" (1 Corinthians
5:8).
CHRIST, OUR PASSOVER LAMB = Christ, as the Antitype, fulfilled the
meaning and symbolism of the Passover.
In its place He instituted the Lord's Supper.
HAS BEEN SACRIFICED = Paul is writing twenty years after Christ's
death and resurrection. For him, the
Passover's significance and meaning has been long fulfilled in Christ. The Lord's Supper has replaced the Passover,
just as Christ replaced the sacrificial lamb.
Because Christ has been sacrificed our sins have been washed away and we
are empowered to live a life of "sincerity and truth" (1 Corinthians
5:8).
1 Cor 5:8
LET US KEEP THE FESTIVAL = The Greek word Paul used here is
"hayortazo" (Strongs #G1858) meaning "festival." This is the only place it is used in
Scripture, and it means any feast or public festival celebrated by Christians,
Jews, or pagans. In harmony with this
meaning, a related word,
"hayortay," is used in several texts which at times refer to
the Passover. The fact Paul used
"hayortazo" instead of the specific Greek word for Passover
("pascha" [Strongs #G3957]) or even "hayortay" is further
evidence that he was speaking about the festival of the Lord's Supper here and
in verse 7. Paul was careful not to say
"let us keep the old Passover Festival, or Feast of Unleavened Bread with the old ways of unleavened bread and
sacrificial lambs." Instead Paul's
grammar indicates he realized the annual Passover Festival was fulfilled in
Christ (verse 7). Therefore Paul
admonishes the Corinthians to accept Christ as their "Passover Lamb"
and to eat the bread of the Lord's Supper in sincerity and truth, rather than
the unleavened bread of the Passover.
Paul did not expect Christians to actually observe the annual Passover
or Feast of Unleavened Bread because the Lord's Supper (which may be eaten
whenever desired [1 Corinthians
NOT WITH OLD YEAST = Paul is speaking figuratively here and defines
"yeast" as being "malice and wickedness."
BREAD WITHOUT YEAST = Paul continues to speak figuratively here and
defines "bread without yeast" not as literal unleavened bread, but as
"the bread of sincerity and truth."
These symbols would be especially meaningful to Christians who had left
Judaism and the unleavened bread of the Jewish Passover.
1 Cor 5:9
NOT TO ASSOCIATE WITH SEXUALLY IMMORAL PEOPLE = Paul defines these
as people within the church (1 Corinthians
1 Cor
ANYONE WHO CALLS HIMSELF A BROTHER = A term meaning a "brother
in Christ," a "Christian."
DO NOT EVEN EAT = "Church discipline today is too often lax,
weak, or nonexistent. The apostle Paul
advocated discipline. If anyone calls
himself a brother, Paul wrote, and maintains a life-style or habitual pattern
of sin, don't keep company with him -- don't even have lunch with him. No fellowship." -- Victory Over
Temptation, Bruce Wilkinson, (Robert Louis Cole), page 177. Also see Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:2, 5,
7, 13; Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 3:10.
1 Cor
EXPEL = This is a quotation from Deuteronomy 17:7. In Deuteronomy the wickedness of idolatry was
"purged" by stoning the idolater to death. Here in the New Testament, expulsion from the
congregation is equivalent to Old Testament stoning.
The command to
expel the sinner mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 address two problems: the
pride of the Corinthian church (see note on 1 Corinthians 5:2) and the
wickedness of the individual and his on-going sin. Also see Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:2, 5,
7, 11; Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 3:10.
1 Cor 6:2
SAINTS ... WORLD = The "saints" are not part of "the
world." See note on Acts 17:31.
1 Cor 6:9
DO YOU NOT KNOW = The implication is that what follows should be
common knowledge.
THE WICKED = The list of sins Paul enumerates here is only
representative and not exhaustive. In a
companion texts Paul adds: impurity, debauchery, witchcraft, hatred, discord,
jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, and
orgies (Galatians 5:19-21); obscenity, foolish talk, coarse joking, evil
desire, anger, malice, and lying (Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians 3:5-9). In this Paul denounces all evidence of
unrighteousness as being incompatible with the kingdom of God, because by
definition, God's kingdom is one of absolute righteousness since the forces of
unrighteousness have been overcome (1 Corinthians 15:24-28). In such a kingdom, the unrighteous will have
no part. In view of this, Jesus'
disciples asked "Who then can be saved" (Luke
DO NOT BE DECEIVED = The Corinthians were deceiving themselves into
believing that God's moral imperatives did not need to be taken seriously. But here Paul tells us that rejecting God's
righteous standards is to reject membership in God's kingdom (1 Corinthians
6:9-10).
"When you
know God's judgment on uncontrolled sexual behavior -- namely, that those who
do such things cannot inherit the
SEXUALLY IMMORAL = A clear, Biblically-sanctioned definition of
sexual immorality is as follows:
"Immorality
is sex before marriage with anyone;
"Immorality
is sex with anyone but your wife or husband after you are married;
"Immorality
is any sexual activity with a man, woman, or child except your wife or husband;
"Immorality
is sexual activity with anyone or anything except your wife or husband;
"Immorality
is having lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:28);
"Immorality
is seeking anything for sexual arousal;
"Immorality
is looking on nakedness for pleasure. ... There is only one person in the whole
world I can have sex with and not sin, and that's my wife." -- Personal
Holiness in Times of Temptation, Bruce Wilkinson, p.38
Also see 1
Corinthians 6:18.
HOMOSEXUAL OFFENDERS = The Greek word "arsenokoites"
(Strongs #G733) literally means "a male who lies in bed with another
male," thus it is variously translated "homosexual, sodomite, abuser
of mankind, defiler of mankind."
According to Scripture, homosexuality is not the worst sin nor is it the
unpardonable sin. Here in verses 9-10,
homosexuality is listed among ten grievous sins which the Lord says prohibits
the sinner from "inherit(ing) the kingdom of God." Notice, homosexuals are referred to here as
"offenders" in that homosexuality offends both God and human
decency. Also see 1 Timothy 1:10 and
compare with Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:27.
There is nothing
in the language, nor in the text which excuses, or overlooks the sin of
homosexuality. Those who choose to think
of homosexuality as "an alternate lifestyle," or as something which
is less than a perversion, are contradicting Scripture. In Isaiah 5:20 God states: "Woe to those
who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for
darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." No Christian can gloss over the fact that God
states homosexuality is a sin which will eliminate the offender from the
kingdom of God. Agapay love requires
Christians to minister to homosexuals in the clear knowledge that without
repentance, the homosexual, like all unrepentant sinners, is eternally lost.
First Corinthians
6:11 clearly states that former homosexuals were members of the Christian
church in Corinth. They had repented of
their sin of homosexuality, and through the power of Jesus Christ and the Holy
Spirit, had overcome their sin to the glory of God. In this we see that while God will punish unrepentant
homosexuals, He offers them the means to "go and leave your life of
sin" (John 8:11). This Biblical
teaching is contrary to modern psychological theories which mistakenly teach
homosexuality is in the "genes" and thus cannot be helped. The Bible presents a clear distinction
between the power of Jesus Christ to free homosexuals from the slavery of their
sin, and the impotent theories of psychology which relegate homosexuals to a
life-long captivity in sin culminating in their final loss to the kingdom of
God.
1 Cor 6:10
INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD = Who inherits the
1 Cor 6:11
WHAT SOME OF YOU WERE = Paul reminds the Corinthians that God's
transforming power had once changed their lives of unrighteousness. That change is possible again if they will
again yield to God in faith and be once again changed by His grace (Ephesians
5:8-11).
YOU WERE SANCTIFIED = Sanctification is the process of making
something or someone holy. It involves
being set apart from what is common or secular.
"The most
common understanding of sanctification is the growth in holiness that should
follow conversion. ... In justification, God, at the beginning of Christian life,
declares us acquitted. In
sanctification, God accomplishes His will in us as Christian life
proceeds. Sanctification never replaces
justification. Sanctification is of the
Spirit, and is the outflow of an overflowing life within the soul, the 'fruit'
of the Spirit. How far does
sanctification go? The Greek root
'telei' does not mean 'sinless,' 'incapable of sinning, but 'fulfilling its
appointed end, complete, mature.' Such
maturity is clearly part of the Christian's goal. Paul's denial that he is already 'perfect,'
and his exhortations to ongoing sanctification, show that he does not think a
final, complete sanctification can be claimed in this life." -- The
Concise Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Walter A. Elwell, editor, page 446.
WASHED = Reminder of baptism symbolizing the inward cleansing
brought about by God's forgiving love.
SANCTIFIED = Through the regeneration symbolized by baptism they
had become part of the people of God called "saints" (Colossians
JUSTIFIED = Being called back into right relationship with God on
the basis of His relation-restoring love demonstrated in Christ.
"Justification
is an action of God by which He declares persons as righteous (i.e., in true
and right relationship to Himself). The
basic fact of Biblical religion is that God pardons and accepts believing
sinners. The doctrine of justification
determines the whole character of Christianity as a religion of grace and
faith. It defines the saving
significance of Christ's life and death by relating both to God's law. It displays God's justice in condemning and
punishing sin, His mercy in pardoning and accepting sinners, and His wisdom in
exercising both attributes harmoniously together through Christ. It makes clear what faith is -- belief in
Christ's atoning death and justifying resurrection, and trust in Him alone for
righteousness. It makes clear what
Christian morality is -- keeping the law out of gratitude to the Savior whose
gift of righteousness made keeping the law needless for acceptance." --
The Concise Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Walter A. Elwell, editor, page
260.
LORD JESUS CHRIST ... SPIRIT ... GOD = These are the three members
of the Trinity. The three members of the
Trinity are mentioned in Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 3:16; Matthew 28:19; Luke 1:35;
Luke 10:21; John 3:5; Acts 7:55; Acts 10:38; Romans 1:4; Romans 15:16, 30; 1
Corinthians 6:11; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:6;
Ephesians 1:17; Philippians 3:3; Hebrews 10:29; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 4:2.
1 Cor 6:12
"EVERYTHING IS PERMISSIBLE FOR ME" = This was probably a
popular motto among Christians to express their
freedom from the Jewish ceremonial laws.
PERMISSIBLE ... BUT NOT BENEFICIAL = For those who are truly
walking in the Spirit, everything is permissible because we are not following
the desires of the flesh. But if we
irresponsibly indulge ourselves in any of these permissible areas of life (i.e.
it "masters" us), then we will have crossed over from what God says
is "permissible" and into what God's says is sin.
1 Cor 6:14
BY HIS POWER = This is specifically speaking about God's power to
resurrect the dead. But, in the context of the previous verses, it also teaches
us that when God's power is combined with our faith we will do the works God
desires (Ephesians 2:20).
GOD RAISED THE LORD FROM THE DEAD = This specifically states that a
resurrection of the body occurred.
Christ rose from the dead with a physical body -- He was not a ghost or
spirit. Christ was raised through the
activity of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 3:18).
1 Cor 6:17
ONE WITH HIM IN SPIRIT = See note on Colossians 1:27.
1 Cor 6:18
FLEE FROM SEXUAL IMMORALITY = A clear, Biblically-sanctioned
definition of sexual immorality is as follows:
"Immorality
is sex before marriage with anyone;
"Immorality
is sex with anyone but your wife or husband after you are married;
"Immorality
is any sexual activity with a man, woman, or child except your wife or husband;
"Immorality is
sexual activity with anyone or anything except your wife or husband;
"Immorality
is having lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:28);
"Immorality
is seeking anything for sexual arousal;
"Immorality
is looking on nakedness for pleasure. ... There is only one person in the whole
world I can have sex with and not sin, and that's my wife." -- Personal
Holiness in Times of Temptation, Bruce Wilkinson, p.38
"The two
major problems with men in their sexual lives have to do with sexual immorality
and self-control. ... The Bible teaches that both issues of sexual immorality
and self-control are to be solved with the same God-given solution: 'Each man
should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband' (1 Corinthians
7:2). The marriage relationship is God's
primary provision for your sexual drives and their full expression and
satisfaction. It is very interesting
that both times the word 'have' is used in this verse it is in the
imperative. This isn't an option, or a
suggestion, but a command." -- Victory Over Temptation, Bruce Wilkinson,
page 208.
"Lust is
persistent. If it has knocked on your
door once, it will knock again. And
again. You are safe just so long as you
draw upon your Savior's strength. Try to
handle it yourself and you'll lose -- every time. This is why we are warned again and again in
the New Testament to flee sexual temptations (1 Corinthians 6:18). Remember, lust is committed to wage war
against your soul -- in a life-and-death struggle, in hand-to-hand combat. Don't stand before this mortal enemy and
argue or fight in your own strength. Run
for cover. Cry out for
reinforcement. Call in an air strike. If you get yourself into a situation that
leaves you defenseless and weak, if your door is left even slightly ajar, you
may be sure that this ancient enemy will kick it open with six-guns
blazing. So don't leave it open. Don't give lust a foothold .. or even a
toehold." -- Victory Over Temptation, Bruce Wilkinson, (Charles Swindoll),
page 218.
SINS SEXUALLY = Includes adultery, homosexuality, bestiality,
masturbation, pedophilia, et cetera (see Philippians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 10:5;
Matthew 5:28; 2 Timothy 2:22).
AGAINST HIS OWN BODY = In a marital sense, husband and wife are one
flesh or one body. Thus when a husband
commits adultery it is a sin against "his own body" (his wife).
1 Cor 6:19
A TEMPLE = God's dwelling place.
This "temple" consists of our physical body. Thus the Holy Spirit lives "in
you." Also see 1 Peter 2:9.
HOLY SPIRIT, WHO IS IN YOU = The presence of the Holy Spirit living
within us empowers us to overcome the sinful desire of the body (which are
described in 1 Corinthians
When presenting
the deity of the Holy Spirit to Jehovah's Witnesses read this text then mention
that besides the Temple of the True God in Jerusalem the Bible mentions many
other temples: the temple of Dagon (1 Samuel 5:2); the temple of Zeus (Acts
14:13); the temple of Artemis (Acts 19:35) and so on. Each was someone's temple, either the True
God's or a false god's. But the Bible
also tells us a Christian's physical body becomes a temple. Whose temple?
"A temple of the Holy Spirit."
Point out their Kingdom Interlinear Translation's literal word-for-word
rendering of this texts states the Holy Spirit is Divine and inhabits Christians. There is no inconsistency of the Holy Spirit
dwelling within us for the following texts make it clear each member of the
Godhead lives in us:
CHRIST IN US:
Romans 8:10; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 4:19; Colossians 1:27.
WE ARE IN CHRIST:
2 Thessalonians 1:12.
HOLY SPIRIT IN US:
John 14:16-17; Romans 8:9, 11; 1 Corinthians 6:19.
GOD IN US: 1 John
4:4, 6.
GIFT OF GOD IN US:
2 Timothy 1:6.
WORD OF GOD IN US:
1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 John 2:14. Also
see John 16:13 and Acts 5:3-4.
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
NOT TO MARRY = Not a general principle for all time (Genesis 2:18;
1 Corinthians 7:9; Hebrews 13:4); but a general principle for a specific time
of "immorality" (1 Corinthians 7:2) caused by persecution ("the
present crisis" of 1 Corinthians 7:26).
1 Cor 7:2
SINCE THERE IS SO MUCH IMMORALITY = This immorality arises from several
causes: (1) lack of self-control among both married and unmarried (1
Corinthians 7:5, 8-9); (2) a wrong view of marriage (1 Corinthians
EACH ... SHOULD HAVE = The Greek "echo" (Strongs #G2192)
means "to have, possess continually."
The marriage relationship is the only legitimate place for sexual
expression.
"The marriage
relationship is God's primary provision for your sexual drives and their full
expression and satisfaction. It's very
interesting that both times the word 'have' is used in this verse, it is in the
imperative. This isn't an option or a
suggestion, but a command. Because of
sexual immorality, God wants you to have your own wife. (Unless, of course, you have been given the
gift of 'singleness,' which I would surmise to be an unusual gift.)." --
Victory Over Temptation, Bruce Wilkinson, page 172.
WIFE ... HUSBAND = "Any fulfillment of your sexual needs
outside of your wife (husband) is not the will of the Lord. She is the only solution. She is the God-given solution." --
Victory Over Temptation, Bruce Wilkinson, page 209.
1 Cor 7:3
HUSBAND ... FULFILL HIS MARITAL DUTY = See note on 1 Corinthians
7:5.
LIKEWISE THE WIFE TO HER HUSBAND = See note on 1 Corinthians 7:5.
1 Cor 7:4
BODY DOES NOT BELONG = This is a basic, general principle regarding
sex within marriage.
1 Cor 7:5
DEPRIVE = Greek "apostereo" (Strongs #G650) means
"to deprive, wrong, or defraud another of what belongs to him" -- The
Complete WordStudy Dictionary" by Zodhiates. Thus sex between husband and wife is a right
and responsibility which must not be withheld "except by mutual
consent" because the spouse's "body does not belong to him/her alone
but also to his (spouse)" (see 1 Corinthians 7:5).
SO THAT SATAN WILL NOT TEMPT YOU BECAUSE OF YOUR LACK OF
SELF-CONTROL = Paul is not against sex within marriage; he is recognizing that
the sex drive can lead to fornication/adultery if it is not satisfied within
marriage because there has not been sufficient development of self-control
before marriage (see 1 Corinthians 7:9).
Even though married, a spouse may still fall to Satan's temptation
because the spouse has not developed self-control or has been "deprived"
in marriage.
1 Cor 7:6
AS A CONCESSION, NOT AS A COMMAND = In the context of the previous
verse (1 Corinthians 7:5), Paul is addressing a "lack of
self-control" existing even among the married.
1 Cor 7:7
AS I AM = In context, this indicates several characteristics: (1)
Paul had been married, but was now unmarried (see note on 1 Corinthians 7:8);
(2) He was able to control himself (see note on 1 Corinthians 7:9). Thus, for Paul, there was no need to marry
(see note on 1 Corinthians 7:9). It is
Paul's desire that all be able to follow his example, however he recognizes
that not all have the same desires and/or abilities ("one has this gift,
another has that").
1 Cor 7:8
TO THE UNMARRIED = Greek "agamos" meaning "those who
are not currently married, whether they have never been married, or were once
married and have been widowed or, by extension, divorced (see 1 Corinthians
7:8, 11, 32, 34) -- The Complete Word Study Dictionary, Zodhiates.
STAY UNMARRIED = The advice is to be taken in the context of
"the present crisis" mentioned in 1 Corinthians
AS I AM = Paul was once married and alludes to this in 1
Corinthians 9:5. Whether his wife
divorced him or died is unknown.
However, as Paul considers his experiences as a missionary who was
frequently away from home and endured unspeakable persecution and pressure (2
Corinthians 11:23-28), he recommends the unmarried life. Again, this advice must be taken in the
context of "the present crisis" (1 Corinthians 7:26) which is an
extension of the troubles he has already experienced.
1 Cor 7:9
IF THEY CANNOT CONTROL THEMSELVES = In other words they are unable
to refrain from fornicating, or they are "burning with passion." To those who are able to "control
themselves," and/or who believe marriage is wrong, Paul has other advice
in 1 Corinthians 7:37. All of this
advice is to be taken in the context of "the present crisis"
mentioned in 1 Corinthians 7:26.
THEY SHOULD MARRY = The context is "if they cannot control
themselves," and, under this circumstance, marriage is only a
"concession" (1 Corinthians 7:6).
No doubt Paul makes this concession because marriage is designed to be
more than just a legal way to satisfy sexual desire. It is a sin to fornicate, and a grave mistake
to marry solely because of physical attraction.
1 Cor 7:10
TO THE MARRIED = Paul continues addressing "the married"
in 1 Corinthians 7:12 where he speaks of them as "to the rest."
MUST NOT SEPARATE = The Greek word is "chorizo" (Strongs
#G5553) meaning "sever, pull apart, separate." In the days of Christ there was no legal
separation permitted by the law. One was
either single, married, or divorced.
Thus the term "separate" here is synonymous with the term
"divorce" in the next verse (1 Corinthians 7:11). This text must be understood in the context
of 1 Corinthians 7:1, where Paul encouraged singleness on the basis of
"the present crisis" (1 Corinthians 7:26). Apparently some Christians
took Paul's words to mean that marriage was a hindrance to spirituality and
were divorcing their spouses (see 1 Corinthians 7:17).
NOT I, BUT THE LORD = Here Paul states he is quoting a direct
command from the Lord. Thus his words
are not his alone, but the Lord's. (See
1 Corinthians 7:12 for the reverse of this situation.)
Some read 1
Corinthians 7:10 and 1 Corinthians 7:12 and conclude that these texts, speaking
about divorce, indicate two levels of inspiration: (1) a primary, inerrant,
authoritative inspiration existing in the words of our Lord; (2) a secondary,
less authoritative and possibly errant inspiration existing in the words of
Paul. This conclusion is both
unwarranted and contrary to Scripture, for there is no uninspired, errant,
nonauthoritative text in the Bible (2 Timothy
"Well then,
what did (Paul) mean by his introductory phrases? Here is what he had in mind:
"1. In verses
10-11, Paul says (in effect), 'I am repeating -- in a concrete way -- the
principles about divorce that the Lord (Jesus Christ) set forth in His teaching
when he was with the disciples and spoke about divorce among God's people.'
"2. But in
verses 12-16, (Paul) says (in effect), 'Now I am going to deal with a question
that did not arise, and, therefore, that Jesus did not mention when He lived
among us. This issue has arisen now that
the gospel has gone out among pagans, and I shall address myself to it on my
own (in an inspired way, of course, just as I have spoken of many other
questions of this sort in this very letter).'
"Paul, then,
writing as an inerrant apostle, is adding to the teaching on divorce that Jesus
gave us by dealing with an additional issue.
That is the point of the disjunction between the two groups addressed.
"But --
notice well -- sometimes when we add, we also subtract. That is to say, by distinguishing between
two groups, Paul limits the application of Christ's teaching in the gospels to
the group addressed in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11.
He makes it clear that what Jesus had to say contained not only some
general, overarching principles that are widely applicable (like 'from the
beginning it was not so,' and 'the two shall become one flesh'), but also some
that refer only to persons who fit into the group mentioned in 1 Corinthians
7:10-11).
"Because of
this distinction between two groups, 1 Corinthians 7 becomes a pivotal passage
on divorce and the logical place from which to begin a study of divorce. Not only does Paul place the Lord's teaching
in it proper setting (a fully covenantal context in which both marriage
partners are Christians), but by doing so, he structures and interprets the
Lord's teaching so that we may not go wrong by applying it wrongly or too
broadly. Many in their discussion of
divorce have almost entirely neglected the important implications of this
fact. As a result, their conclusions
have been unbiblical, and the consequences in the lives of those instructed by
them disastrous.
"I shall
consider it established, then, that not everything that Jesus said about
divorce applies to everyone -- or (at the very least) His words do not apply to
everyone in the same way. This is not to
take anything away from Christ's words; rather, it is to give them their true
and full impact." -- Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in the Bible, by
Jay E. Adams, p. 37
See commentary
notes on 1 Corinthians 7:12, 26, 40 regarding Paul's inspiration. For general information regarding the Bible's
verbal inspiration see Deuteronomy 5:5; 18:18-19; 1 Samuel 15:10; 2 Samuel 7:4;
2 Samuel 22:31; 1 Kings 13:9; 2 Kings 7:1; 1 Chronicles 22:8; 28:19; 2
Chronicles 11:2-4; 12:7; Psalm 18:30; Proverbs 30:5-6; Jeremiah 1:11, 13; 19:3;
36:27, 28; Ezekiel 20:47; Zechariah 4:6.
Regardless of whether the inspiration came verbally (2 Chronicles
11:2-4), or was the result of a vision (Micah 1:1), or written by God's own
finger (Exodus 20:1-17; 31:18), or was the result of inspired thoughts (1
Corinthians 7:12), the entire Bible is
inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21), and, according to
Jesus, is absolute "truth" (John 17:17). The Bible further affirms it's inerrancy
through the following texts: 2 Samuel 22:31; Psalm 19:7; Psalm 119:160;
Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 12:6; Psalm 19:7; Deuteronomy 32:4; Proverbs 30:5; Titus
1:2.
MUST NOT SEPARATE = This general principle is stated in the context
of a marriage between a believer and an unbeliever (1 Corinthians
1 Cor 7:11
BUT IF SHE DOES = This indicates that even though
separation/divorce is prohibited (1 Corinthians
SHE MUST REMAIN UNMARRIED = See note on 1 Corinthians 7:10. Further advice concerning divorce is given in
the following verses. All this advice is
given in the context of the persecution going on in "the present
crisis" (1 Corinthians 7:26).
HUSBAND MUST NOT DIVORCE HIS WIFE = Here "divorce" is
synonymous with "separate" (see note on 1 Corinthians 7:10). Further advice concerning divorce is given in
the following verses. All this advice is
given in the context of the persecution going on in "the present crisis"
(1 Corinthians 7:26).
1 Cor 7:12
I, NOT THE LORD = Here Paul states he is not quoting a direct
command from the Lord. Thus his words
are based upon the general principles which the Lord taught and the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit. (See 1 Corinthians
7:10 for the reverse of this situation.)
See notes on 1 Corinthians 7:10, 26, 40 regarding Paul's
inspiration. Paul's statement in no way
contradicts the many examples of verbal inspiration in the Bible: See
Deuteronomy 5:5; 18:18-19; 1 Samuel 15:10; 2 Samuel 7:4; 2 Samuel 22:31; 1
Kings 13:9; 2 Kings 7:1; 1 Chronicles 22:8; 28:19; 2 Chronicles 11:2-4; 12:7;
Psalm 18:30; Proverbs 30:5-6; Jeremiah 1:11, 13; 19:3; 36:27, 28; Ezekiel
20:47; Zechariah 4:6. Regardless of
whether the inspiration came verbally (2 Chronicles 11:2-4), or was the result
of a vision (Micah 1:1), or written by God's own finger (Exodus 20:1-17;
31:18), or was the result of inspired thoughts (1 Corinthians 7:12), the entire Bible is inspired by the Holy
Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21), and, according to Jesus, is absolute
"truth" (John 17:17). The Bible
further affirms it's inerrancy through the following texts: 2 Samuel 22:31;
Psalm 19:7; Psalm 119:160; Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 12:6; Psalm 19:7; Deuteronomy
32:4; Proverbs 30:5; Titus 1:2.
"The Lord has
given commands concerning divorce (Matthew 5:31 ff; Matthew 19:3-9); now Paul
speaks with the authority given him. He
is not drawing a line between the authoritative commands of Christ and his
own. Rather, he himself is claiming
inspiration and the authority to set forth doctrine and practice. He has "the Spirit of God" (1
Corinthians 7:40)." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 69.
SHE IS WILLING TO LIVE WITH HIM = The whole situation hinges upon
whether the unbeliever is willing to live with the believer. This whole section presents careful advice to
those in mixed marriages where the marriage occurred prior to the spouse
becoming a Christian.
1 Cor 7:13
SHE MUST NOT DIVORCE HIM = Notice the facts: (1) the marriage
occurred before the believing spouse became a Christian; (2) only one spouse
became a "believer;" (3) the unbeliever wants to continue the
marriage with the unbeliever. Under
these conditions, the believer "must not divorce" the unbeliever. The reason is the good influence the believer
can exert upon the unbeliever (see next verse 1 Corinthians 7:14).
1 Cor 7:14
HAS BEEN SANCTIFIED = The believer spreads an umbrella of
sanctifying influence over the unbeliever.
"Sanctified" (Greek "hagiazo") means here "to
be set apart." This does not mean
the unbeliever is saved because of the "righteousness" of the
believer (because no one can be saved by another's righteous life [Ezekiel
14:15-20]). Rather, the unbeliever is in
an environment in his marriage where he has been set apart from the normal
corruption of the world. Thus the
unbeliever's salvation is much more likely to occur because there is contact
between believer and unbeliever.
Sanctification is
the process of making something or someone holy. It involves being set apart from what is
common or secular.
"The most
common understanding of sanctification is the growth in holiness that should
follow conversion. ... In justification, God, at the beginning of Christian
life, declares us acquitted. In
sanctification, God accomplishes His will in us as Christian life
proceeds. Sanctification never replaces
justification. Sanctification is of the
Spirit, and is the outflow of an overflowing life within the soul, the 'fruit'
of the Spirit. How far does
sanctification go? The Greek root
'telei' does not mean 'sinless,' 'incapable of sinning, but 'fulfilling its
appointed end, complete, mature.' Such
maturity is clearly part of the Christian's goal. Paul's denial that he is already 'perfect,'
and his exhortations to ongoing sanctification, show that he does not think a
final, complete sanctification can be claimed in this life." -- The
Concise Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Walter A. Elwell, editor, page 446.
UNCLEAN = Greek "akathartes" meaning "without
cleanness, lacking purity." Here it
is meant in a ceremonial/spiritual sense rather than a physical sense.
YOUR CHILDREN ... ARE HOLY = The point Paul is making is that the
unbeliever does not defile the believer, rather the believer is a good
influence upon the unbeliever. Thus the
children also benefit from the godly influence of the believer. An example of this godly influence is seen in
the life of Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5).
1 Cor 7:15
IF THE UNBELIEVER LEAVES = In the context of 1 Corinthians
LET HIM DO SO ... LIVE IN PEACE = In other words, the believer is not
to try to force the unbeliever to stay.
The believer is to accept the divorce/abandonment without rancor and get
on with life.
NOT BOUND IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES = In this context Paul is
specifically addressing the circumstances of abandonment or divorce. A believer if freed from the marriage bond
under these circumstances. There are
other grounds for dissolving a marriage (for example see Matthew 5:32). Not being "bound"
(abandoned/divorced) indicates the believer is free to remarry because the marriage
bond no longer binds (this is more clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 7:39).
1 Cor 7:16
SAVE YOUR HUSBAND ... SAVE YOUR WIFE = The influence exerted by a
believing spouse upon the unbeliever is powerful and may result in the
unbeliever turning to Christ.
1 Cor 7:17
RETAIN THE PLACE IN LIFE THAT THE LORD ASSIGNED = Paul repeats this
injunction four times using similar words in 1 Corinthians 7:20, 24, 26. This "rule" he commands "in
all the churches" applies specifically to "the present crisis"
(1 Corinthians 7:26) and is not a general rule for all time. Paul indicates there are exceptions to this
"rule" by stating even in "the present crisis" it is good
to better one's "place in life" ("if you can gain your freedom,
do so" 1 Corinthians 7:21).
1 Cor 7:18
WAS A MAN ... = Here Paul continues to illustrate his
"rule" that all should "retain the place in life that the Lord
assigned" (1 Corinthians 7:17).
1 Cor 7:19
CIRCUMCISION IS NOTHING ... KEEPING GOD'S COMMANDMENTS = Here Paul
contrasts circumcision as “nothing” with obedience, which is
“something.” Paul’s
emphasis is on life change rather than on changing one’s body parts. In other words,
physical externals cannot negate the deceitfulness of the
heart. As James says: "Show me your
faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do" (James
2:18). Because Paul's "rules"
concerning marriage come from Christ and are inspired by the Holy Spirit (1
Corinthians
1 Cor 7:20
REMAIN IN THE SITUATION WHICH HE WAS IN WHEN GOD CALLED HIM = Paul
states this four times using similar words (see note on 1 Corinthians 7:17, 24,
26). He is not decrying marriage, but
rather asking Christians to go slow during this time of persecution ("the
present crisis" of 1 Corinthians
1 Cor 7:21
IF YOU CAN GAIN YOUR FREEDOM, DO SO = This is an exception clause
to Paul's repeated advice in 1 Corinthians
1 Cor 7:22
SLAVE = Here Paul enlarges briefly upon his statement in the
previous verse ("don't let it trouble you" 1 Corinthians 7:21) by
pointing out whatever our station in life, we are all slaves of Christ. Therefore, in context, he is saying "as
Christ's slave it is important to obey His commands even in the area of
marriage" (1 Corinthians 7:19, 24).
1 Cor 7:23
BOUGHT AT A PRICE = A reminder that we have each been bought by the
blood of Christ (Revelation 5:9).
1 Cor 7:24
REMAIN IN THE SITUATION GOD CALLED HIM TO = Paul states this four times
using similar words (see 1 Corinthians 7:17, 20, 26). He explains this is a temporary
recommendation specifically applying to the time of "the present
crisis" (1 Corinthians 7:26).
1 Cor 7:25
VIRGINS = The Greek “parthenos” (Strongs #G) means
“young unmarried women.” It
can also mean a man who is a virgin.
I HAVE NO COMMAND FROM THE LORD = Paul cannot quote a specific
command from the Lord, so he bases his recommendation upon general principles,
experience, and common sense. Also see
notes on 1 Corinthians 7:10, 12, 40 concerning Paul's inspiration.
IS TRUSTWORTHY = As one who was taught by Christ, inspired by the
Holy Spirit, and very experienced in pastoral care, Paul's words and motives
can be trusted.
1 Cor 7:26
BECAUSE OF THE PRESENT CRISIS = All the information Paul gives in
this chapter must be taken in the context of the "present crisis" the
Christians were enduring. Paul is not
speaking about a "future" crisis at Christ's second coming. In addition, one must carefully consider the purpose
and focus for all Paul writes in this chapter ("that you may live in ...
undivided devotion to the Lord" 1 Corinthians 7:35). It is likely this "present crisis"
is not a crisis of immorality in the church (because it will only last a
"short time" [1 Corinthians 7:29] and will end when the
"world" of their day passes away [1 Corinthians 7:31]). Instead, it is more likely this "present
crisis" was a persecution of Christians by the Jews and/or Romans -- a
persecution which Paul personally experienced over and over again (2
Corinthians 11:23-28) and which commenced around 30 AD and continued through 70
AD. These words were penned around 55
AD. Paul knew this persecution of Christians by the Jews would
be "short" in duration (1 Corinthians
I THINK THAT IT IS GOOD = Paul states his personal advice to
"virgins" because he has "no command from the Lord" (1
Corinthians 7:25). However, because this
advice is contained in Scripture we accept it as being inspired by the Holy
Spirit (see notes on 1 Corinthians 7:10, 12, 40 regarding Paul's inspiration).
TO REMAIN AS YOU ARE = Paul states this four times using similar
words (see 1 Corinthians 7:17, 20, 24).
One must not miss the importance of this statement and its application
to the conditions of the time ("because of the present crisis").
1 Cor 7:27
DO NOT SEEK A DIVORCE ... DO NOT LOOK FOR A WIFE = In other words
"remain as you are" "because of the present crisis" (1
Corinthians 7:26).
1 Cor 7:28
YOU HAVE NOT SINNED = Even under the "present crisis" (1
Corinthians 7:26) it is not a sin to marry.
THOSE WHO MARRY WILL FACE MANY TROUBLES = The context is
specifically addressing the troubles resulting from "the present crisis"
(1 Corinthians
I WANT TO SPARE YOU THIS = As Paul looks at "the present
crisis" (1 Corinthians 7:26), he encourages believers to "remain as
you are" (1 Corinthians 7:26) and not make any radical changes in their
lives because "the time is short" (1 Corinthians 7:29). Thus his advice is clearly governed by the
brief time of persecution that the church is undergoing.
1 Cor 7:29
TIME IS SHORT = See note on 1 Corinthians 7:28. The time of "the present crisis" (1
Corinthians 7:26) is described as "short." Paul explains the reason the present crisis
is "short" is because "this world in its present form is passing
away" (1 Corinthians 7:31). These
words were fulfilled when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in 70
AD. The troubles the Christians were
presently enduring would soon pass (in about 15 years), therefore they needed
to devote every energy into surviving the ordeal rather than becoming
"engrossed" in the "things of the world" (1 Corinthians
7:31-32).
LIVE AS IF THEY HAD NONE = This statement, the ones following in
the next two verses, are Paul's way of saying "be free from (the)
concern(s)" (1 Corinthians 7:32) of this world during this "present
crisis" (1 Corinthians 7:26) so you can survive and the church can
grow. Paul is not advocating divorce,
but rather a whole-hearted devotion to the Lord and His work (see 1 Corinthians
7:31, 35).
1 Cor 7:30
MOURN ... HAPPY ... BUY = See note on 1 Corinthians 7:29.
AS IF IT WERE NOT THEIRS TO KEEP = Here, during "the present
crisis" (1 Corinthians 7:26), Christians are to consider the things of
this world as temporary (1 Corinthians 7:31-32).
1 Cor 7:31
THINGS OF THE WORLD = See note on 1 Corinthians 7:29.
THIS WORLD IN ITS PRESENT FORM IS PASSING AWAY = See notes on 1
Corinthians 7:28-29. This does not refer
to the end of the world at Christ's second coming, but to the end of the Jewish
world at the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD (which was a "short"
time away).
1 Cor 7:32
BE FREE FROM CONCERN = This is another way of saying "don't be
engrossed in the things of this world" (1 Corinthians
UNMARRIED MAN = A man who is not currently married because he was
never married, or was abandoned or divorced.
See note on 1 Corinthians 7:8.
1 Cor 7:33
CONCERNED ABOUT THE AFFAIRS OF THIS WORLD = This is especially
important during the critical time of
"the present crisis" (1 Corinthians
HOW HE CAN PLEASE HIS WIFE = Applies during the time of "the
present crisis" (1 Corinthians 7:26).
1 Cor 7:34
UNMARRIED WOMAN = This is a woman who is currently unmarried
because she is widowed, was abandoned, or is divorced. Both unmarried women and widows are
specifically addressed in 1 Corinthians 7:8.
VIRGIN = This is a woman who has never been married (see note on 1
Corinthians 7:8).
CONCERNED ABOUT THE AFFAIRS OF THIS WORLD = See note on 1
Corinthians 7:33.
1 Cor 7:35
FOR YOUR OWN GOOD, NOT TO RESTRICT YOU = Paul is not ruling out
marriage for all time, but rather suggesting believers go easy during the
"short time" of "the present crisis" (1 Corinthians
7:26). He wants Christians to be
"undivided" in their "devotion to the Lord" because their
lives could very well be at stake during this time of persecution. All of this advice is "not to restrict
you" but to encourage "undivided devotion to the Lord." Therefore the purpose of Paul's instruction
must not be thwarted by using it to "punish" those who have divorced.
LIVE IN UNDIVIDED DEVOTION TO THE LORD = This phrase is the bottom
line, the focus and purpose for all Paul writes here in chapter 7. All of this is to be taken in the context of
"the present crisis" of his day (1 Corinthians 7:26).
1 Cor 7:36
HE IS ACTING IMPROPERLY TOWARD THE VIRGIN HE IS ENGAGED TO = The
improper behavior is not immorality or fornication, but rather the continuing
postponement of their marriage because one or the other believes it is a sin
for believers to marry (1 Corinthians 7:37).
SHE IS GETTING ALONG IN YEARS = The engagement has lasted a long
time because their marriage has been postponed.
HE IS NOT SINNING = Marriage is honorable when entered according to
Biblical principles (Hebrews 13:4).
THEY SHOULD GET MARRIED = Notice the following facts: (1) there is
a "present crisis" in which the church is being persecuted (1
Corinthians 7:26); (2) the man and women are engaged; (3) the engagement has
gone on for a long time because of an unbiblical belief Christians should not
marry; (3) the man feels he ought to marry the woman he is engaged to. Thus, even under the "present
crisis" marriages should occur if they are carefully considered and
entered into with the full knowledge of what troubles may come as a result.
1 Cor 7:37
HAS CONTROL OVER HIS OWN WILL = He is able to contain himself as a
single person, not burn with passion, and thus not fornicate (1 Corinthians
7:9).
THIS MAN ALSO DOES THE RIGHT THING = As a general principle,
singleness is appropriate for believers, just as marriage is also appropriate
(1 Corinthians
1 Cor 7:38
DOES NOT MARRY HER DOES EVEN BETTER = Under the circumstances of
"the present crisis" (1 Corinthians
1 Cor 7:39
A WOMAN IS BOUND ... AS LONG AS HE LIVES = This is a general
principle stating marriage is a life-long
commitment. Ideally only death (not
divorce) should ever separate husband and wife.
This is especially true under the circumstances of "the present
crisis" (1 Corinthians 7:26).
However, Paul is not stating here that there are never any circumstances
in which divorce would be permissible.
In 1 Corinthians
IF HER HUSBAND DIES, SHE IS FREE = If death is simply life in
another plane then the wife would not be free to marry because her husband
would still be alive. God designed
marriage to last for life.
BUT HE MUST BELONG TO THE LORD = In other words, "he"
must be a Christian. The New Testament
does not approve of believers marrying non-believers. In the next verse (1 Corinthians 7:40), Paul
gives a personal note regarding widows marrying.
1 Cor 7:40
IN MY JUDGMENT = This is Paul's personal opinion, however he
believes this opinion is guided by the Holy Spirit ("I too have the Spirit
of God"). See notes on 1
Corinthians 7:10, 12, 26 regarding Paul's inspiration.
SHE IS HAPPIER IF SHE STAYS AS SHE IS = Paul believes the ideal,
under "the present crisis" (see 1 Corinthians 7:26), is for widows to
remain unmarried (1 Corinthians 7:39).
1 Cor 8:6
ONE GOD, THE FATHER ... ONE LORD, JESUS CHRIST = Jehovah's
Witnesses say: "There is but one God, and who is he? The Father!
So, Jesus is not God."
However there is a flaw in this line of reasoning. Don't let the JW stop there, make him apply
the same line of reasoning to the rest of the verse. Ask him, "Ok, then there is but one
Lord, and who is he? Jesus Christ! So the Father is not Lord!" The JW will not want to reach this
conclusion, because he always speaks of Jehovah as "Lord." Point out that he cannot have one without the
other -- he cannot make the first half of the verse exclude Jesus from being
God, without making the second half exclude the Father from being Lord. The fact is the Bible uses the terms
"God" and "Lord" virtually interchangeably. False gods are called both "gods"
and "lords." The Father is
called both "God" and "Lord." And the Son is called both "God"
and "Lord" (see Thomas' declaration in John 20:28). Also see Genesis 21:33; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1;
John 17:3; John 20:28 and Revelation 1:7-8.
1 Cor 8:7
NOT EVERY ONE KNOW THIS = In 51 A.D., the Jerusalem Council
prohibited Gentile converts from eating food sacrificed to idols (Acts
1 Cor
NEVER EAT MEAT AGAIN = In this case vegetarianism would not be a
matter of "weak faith" (Romans 14:2) but the fruit of a loving
concern for one's brother.
AM I NOT FREE = Paul was writing to a church composed of many
slaves. So he promotes his authority by
first calling their attention to the fact that he is a free man, not a
slave. More than this, he is not a
theological "slave" bound to other men's ideas (see 1 Corinthians
SEEN JESUS = A reference back to his encounter with Christ on the
1 Cor 9:4
THE RIGHT TO FOOD AND DRINK = One of the obligations a church has
towards it's gospel workers. For a full portrayal
of the Bible's teaching about supporting Gospel workers, see Matthew 10:9-10; 2
Corinthians 11:7-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; 1 Corinthians 9:3-14; Galatians
6:6; Philippians 4:14-19; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 2 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 7:8; 2
Corinthians 9:6-11.
1 Cor 9:5
RIGHT TO TAKE A BELIEVING WIFE ALONG WITH US = Gospel workers have
the right to take their wives with them as they travel on church business, and
to have the expenses incurred paid by the local church. For a full portrayal of the Bible's teaching
concerning remuneration of Gospel workers, see Matthew 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians
11:7-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; 1 Corinthians 9:3-14; Galatians 6:6;
Philippians 4:14-19; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; Hebrews 7:8; 2 Timothy 2:6.
1 Cor 9:6
MUST WORK FOR A LIVING = The context is "work for a
living" at a trade instead of receiving one's living expenses from the
church. In the context Paul is rebuking
the Corinthian church for not supporting him through their tithes and
offerings. For a full portrayal of the
Bible's teaching on this subject, see Matthew 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 11:7-9; 2
Thessalonians 3:7-12; 1 Corinthians 9:3-14; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:14-19;
1 Timothy 5:17-18; 2 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 7:8.
1 Cor 9:7
AT HIS OWN EXPENSE = In context, Paul's rhetorical question demands
us to answer: "Of course no soldier, farmer, or rancher works without
being paid by those who benefit from his work.
Therefore the Gospel minister also has a right to receive payment from
those who benefit from his labor."
For a full portrayal of the Bible's teaching regarding paying Gospel
workers, see Matthew 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 11:7-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; 1
Corinthians 9:3-14; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:14-19; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 2
Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 7:8.
1 Cor 9:8
FROM A HUMAN POINT OF VIEW = Paul is careful here to prevent his
readers from jumping to the conclusion that he is begging for their financial
assistance. He points out that God
commands churches to provide financial remuneration for Gospel ministers (see 1
Corinthians 9:9-12).
THE LAW = The Greek word "nomos" (Strongs #G3551)
specifically means "custom, what has been parceled out, what is allotted,
law." Here, in the context of the
next verse (1 Corinthians 9:9) it refers to the "Law of Moses" -- the
first five books of the Bible written by Moses.
1 Cor 9:9
"DO NOT MUZZLE AN OX WHILE IT IS TREADING OUT THE GRAIN"
= This quotation is taken from
Deuteronomy 25:4.
IS IT ABOUT OXEN = Paul asks a rhetorical question to direct his
readers to the New Testament means of financing the Gospel through tithes and
offerings (see 1 Corinthians 9:4-12).
1 Cor
MATERIAL HARVEST = Paul is clearly stating Gospel workers are to be
paid fairly by the church receiving their ministry. For a full portrayal of Paul's teaching on
this subject, see 2 Corinthians 11:7-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; 1 Corinthians
9:3-14; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:14-19; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 2 Timothy 2:6;
Hebrews 7:8.
1 Cor
RATHER THAN HINDER THE GOSPEL = See note on 2 Corinthians 11:7-8.
1 Cor
THOSE WHO WORK IN THE TEMPLE = Paul's point here is that in the Old
Testament, priests and Levites were dedicated to ministering to the spiritual
needs of God's people, just as clergy perform the same ministry today.
GET THEIR FOOD FROM THE TEMPLE ... SHARE IN WHAT IS OFFERED ON THE
ALTAR = In the Old Testament, priests and Levites made their living from the
tithes and offerings brought to the Lord through the temple. This same principle applies to Gospel workers
in the Christian Church (see 1 Corinthians
1 Cor
IN THE SAME WAY = Christian Gospel workers are to "receive
their living from the gospel" "in the same way" that the priests
and Levites received theirs (1 Corinthians
RECEIVE THEIR LIVING FROM THE GOSPEL = Also see Matthew
1 Cor
OFFER IT FREE OF CHARGE = Paul largely supported himself by making
tents (Acts 18:3).
1 Cor
TO THOSE UNDER THE LAW = God's Moral Law (the Ten Commandments of
the Old Covenant) speaks specifically to sinners before Christ established the
New Covenant on the cross. Christians
are not immune from the requirements of God's Moral Law, however God's Moral
Law is not relevant to Spirit-led Christians.
The Ten Commandments identify wrong actions as sin. This on-going identification of sin is
necessary for the salvation of those who are murderers, liars, adulterers, and
so on. But the Spirit-led Christian is a
new creation. He walks with Jesus and
thus does not murder, lie, commit adultery, et cetera -- therefore God's Moral
Law is no longer relevant to him, for he is living on a higher spiritual
plane. Scripture is clear that the
Sabbath of the Old Covenant would be abolished (Hosea 2:11); the Ten
Commandments were only applicable to Israelites under the Old Covenant
established at Sinai (Deuteronomy 5:2-4; Deuteronomy 4:8, 13) would only be in
effect until Christ’s incarnation (Galatians 3:16-19); and by 65 A.D. was
“obsolete” and “fading away” (Hebrews 8:8-9, 13). There is no question that the Ten
Commandments written on tablets of stone were specifically the Old Covenant
(Deuteronomy
Notice, however,
that being a Spirit-led Christian does not abolish God's Moral Law, it simply
removes the Christian from being under the condemnation of the Law, and thus
the relevance of the Law. Spirit-led Christians
must recognize that the "righteous requirements of the Law" (Romans
8:4) are always in effect, for it is those who "obey the law who will be
declared righteous" (Romans
1 Cor
I AM NOT FREE FROM GOD'S LAW = The freedom (John
"The believer
has been made free from the law, but liberty does not mean license. To offset this danger of antinomianism, the
Scriptures teach that we have not only been delivered from the law, but also
'joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, that we might bear
fruit for God' (Romans 7:4). We are thus
not 'without the law of God but under the law of Christ (1 Corinthians
BUT AM UNDER CHRIST'S LAW = "For Christians, God's will is now
summed up as Christ's law (c.f. Galatians 6:2), which probably includes both
Jesus' explicit teachings as well as the laws of the Old Testament as they now
apply in the light of the work of Christ" -- The NIV Application
Commentary on First Corinthians, by Craig Blomburg, p. 184. However, note that under the New Covenant,
the Old Covenant regulations given specifically for the Israelites are no
longer in effect (see commentary on Galatians 3:16-19; Hebrews 8:8-9, 13) ) and
thus are only addressed as “examples” for us to learn by (1 Corinthians
10:6, 11).
1 Cor
BECOME ALL THINGS TO ALL MEN = Paul is not promoting pure situation
ethics here. He is not being
hypocritical, nor is he being a chameleon.
Paul was looking for common ground in order to reach lost people.
When it came to
evangelism, Jesus didn't have a "one-method fits all" approach. "He simply started wherever people
were. When He was with the woman at the
well, He talked about living waters; when He was with fishermen, he talked
about catching fish; when He was with farmers, He talked about sowing
seed." -- The Purpose Driven Church, Rick Warren, p. 197
"So we dare
not apply (Paul's) strategy of 'all things to all people' to issues of
fundamental morality or immorality. Paul
would never have said 'to the thief I become like a thief,' or 'to the
adulterer I become an adulterer.'
Conversely, he would never have stopped practicing those virtues that
are always right, for example, the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians
1 Cor
MAKE IT MY SLAVE = Here Paul is speaking about forcing his "flesh"
to submit to the Spirit. He resists
Satan's temptations, rather than allowing them to overcome him (see Romans
6:14).
1 Cor 10:4
ROCK = Greek "petra" (Strongs #G4073) meaning "a
huge stone cliff." Here it
represents Christ.
1 Cor 10:7
PAGAN REVELRY = This is defined in 1 Peter 4:3 as: "living in
debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable
idolatry." Perhaps three other
aspects of pagan revelry include: "sexual immorality" (1 Corinthians
10:8); "test(ing) the Lord" (1 Corinthians 10:9);
"grumbling" (1 Corinthians 10:10).
However these three aspects are not exclusively pagan and are found
even among professed Christians.
1 Cor 10:8
IN ONE DAY TWENTY-THREE THOUSAND ... DIED = Some suggest that since
Numbers 25:9 has 24,000 there is an error in the text. Closer examination reveals a total of 24,000
people died in the plague as Numbers 25:9 indicates (without stating how long
the plague lasted). However, 23,000 people died on just one day of the plague,
as 1 Corinthians 10:8 states. There is
no error or contradiction here.
1 Cor
NO TEMPTATION = The Greek "pierasmos" (Strongs #G3986)
means "a trial or temptation that is designed to prove, test, try,
tempt." The idea is that what you
and I call "temptations" are actually tests designed to prove our
loyalty and commitment to God. They also
include the daily trials we each encounter.
"When God is
the agent, 'pierasmos' is for the purpose of proving someone, never for the
purpose of causing him to fall. If it is
the Devil who tempts, then it is for the purpose of causing one to fall."
-- Zodhiates, p. 2235 (Strongs #3986).
HAS SEIZED YOU = The Greek "eileefen" (Strongs #G2983) is
used here in the sense of "to seize violently, to lay hold of
forcefully." Also see Romans 13:14;
2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8
EXCEPT = The Greek "eimee" (Strongs #G1508) means
"but, except."
WHAT IS COMMON TO MAN = The Greek "anthropinos" (Strongs
#G442) means "common to humans, not unusual, not out of the
ordinary." Therefore we cannot
evade our responsibility to successfully meet our temptations by claiming they
are unique or overwhelming. The
temptations we face are simply "what is common to man." So if we fail the temptation we have no
excuse for our sin.
"To be sure,
there are unique features to each problem.
No two situations are ever exactly alike. But what Paul insists upon is that beneath
these features you will find that the problems of the Jews in the wilderness,
the temptations of the Corinthians in the Roman Empire, and the frustrations of
modern day Americans are not significantly different. God has not changed … and sinful man
below his modern sophisticated exterior is still the same." -- "Christ
and Your Problems," by Jay E. Adams, page 2.
The first reason
why Paul told the Corinthians: "No temptation (trial) has seized you
except what is common to man," is: "if at bottom our problems are the
same as those faced by Christ and by other Christians, we can never plead that
we must be excused from solving problems God's way because our problems are
unique." -- "Christ and Your Problems," by Jay E. Adams, page 6.
"The second
reason why Paul told the Corinthians: 'No temptation (trial) has seized you
except what is common to man,' is that we are helped to face such problems by
the assurance that others have successfully done so before us." --
"Christ and Your Problems," by Jay E. Adams, page 6.
The third reason:
"If the problems men face are basically the same regardless of how the
details may differ, then those Christians who have discovered how to solve
their own problems according to the principles that God revealed in the Bible
already know enough to help another Christian solve his problems. If you are growing by God's grace, then to
the extent to which you have grown in knowledge and life you can help another
grow. You are already competent! In fact, you are likely to be more competent
than many of the self-styled experts." -- "Christ and Your
Problems," by Jay E. Adams, page 14.
AND GOD IS FAITHFUL = The Greek "pistos" (Strongs #G4103)
means "faithful, dependable, worthy of belief, trust and confidence, full
of integrity." This means we can
trust God to fulfill what He has promised: (1) that "He will not let you
be tempted beyond what you can bear," and (2) that "when you are
tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under
it."
Here God
"says in effect, 'Based upon My own faithfulness, i.e., upon the integrity
of My own Word and Person, I declare that there is no problem that My redeemed
sons and daughters ever face that is either unique or beyond their ability to
handle if they meet the problem in My way, using My resources.'" --
"Christ and Your Problems" by Jay E. Adams, page 19.
"God is
faithful. To you. To everyone.
All of the time. Regardless of
your faithfulness or unfaithfulness. His
character does not change in response to yours -- He is faithful because He is
faithful! He comes to your aid during
temptations with only one thing in mind: 'so that you can stand up under it.'
... He does everything necessary for you to be able to remain holy right in the
face of strong and relentless temptations.
He never lets the temptation become too strong. He always makes the way of escape." --
Personal Holiness in Times of Temptation, Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson, page 29.
HE WILL NOT LET YOU BE TEMPTED BEYOND WHAT YOU CAN BEAR = Every
time Satan comes to tempt you, he has to submit his temptation to God
first. Satan cannot tempt you without
God first reviewing the temptation for "fairness." God takes a long look at the temptation,
weighs it carefully, removes certain aspects of the temptation that would make
it too difficult for you to withstand, and then, only after God is certain that
at your current level of maturity you can successfully defeat that temptation
-- only then does God permit Satan to use it against you. This is exactly what God did in the life of
Job (see Job 1:6-12; 2:1-6).
God never sends
tests greater than a Christian can successfully vanquish, therefore "the
Christian has no right to protest, 'I can't.'
If God has sent it, he can take it!
If God has required it, he can do it!
Even though the trials we face are not unique in their basic designs,
the detailed form they take, the intensity with which they come, and the point
in life at which we must face them are all tailor made to each individual child
of God, and, don't forget, GOD is the tailor!
No trial or temptation hangs too long on us. They fit us precisely. God never allows the Devil to tempt a
Christian beyond his ability to withstand, provided that he does so in God's
way, by means of God's resources and not his own." -- "Christ and
Your Problems" by Jay E. Adams, pages 22-23.
BUT WHEN YOU ARE TEMPTED = No one is immune from temptation for
temptation will certainly come to all.
The words "but when" indicate temptation is a certainty in
this life.
HE WILL ALSO PROVIDE A ("THE") WAY OUT = The Greek
literally says "will provide the way out." God designs every test with the "way
out." No test will last forever,
and no test is unsolvable when approached in God's way using His
resources. In the context of 1
Corinthians 10:14, the "way out" is to "flee" from the
temptation.
"Every box
has its way out; every problem has a solution; every trial will come to an end
for God's children." -- "Christ and Your Problems" by Jay E.
Adams, page 28.
"God is
always there for you when you are tempted.
Always. Not passively watching,
but actively intervening. You see, the
Bible reveals that God makes something just for you: 'the way of escape.' God not only limits the strength of the
temptation, but He also provides the escape route out of that temptation."
-- Victory Over Temptation, Dr. Bruce H. Wilkinson, pages 96-97.
"Where is the
escape hatch that Paul is talking about here?
In the same place temptation is introduced: in your mind. Every temptation is first a thought
introduced to your mind by your own carnality or the tempter himself. If you ruminate on that thought and consider
it an option, you will eventually act on it, and that's sin. Instead, Paul instructs us to take every
thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). The first step for escaping temptation is to
apprehend every thought as soon as it steps through the doorway of your
mind. Once you have halted a penetrating
thought, the next step is to evaluate it on the basis of Paul's eightfold
criteria for what we should think about: 'Whatever is true, whatever is
honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
of good repute, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of
praise, let your mind dwell on these things' (Philippians 4:8). Ask yourself, 'Does this thought line up with
God's truth? Is it suggesting that I do
something honorable? Right? Pure?
If this thought becomes action, will the outcome be lovely and
contribute to excellence in my life?
Will other believers approve of my actions? Is it something for which I can praise
God? If the answer to any of those
questions is no, dismiss that thought immediately. Don't have anything more to do with it. If it keeps coming back, keep saying no. When you learn to respond to tempting
thoughts by stopping them at the door of your mind, evaluating them on the
basis of God's Word, and dismissing those which fail the test, you have found
the way of escape that God's Word promises." -- The Bondage Breaker, Neil
T. Anderson, pages 138-139.
"The precise
meaning of 'escape' ('provide a way out') in this verse is a secret pass
through the mountain, or a trap door out of a prison, or a tunnel around the
danger. The escape is a way to 'get
free, get out, break loose, etc.' Isn't
it amazing that the Lord God Almighty makes an escape route just for you and me! He's the subject of that action -- He makes
the way of escape. That same word is
used in Mark 10:6 where Christ said, 'But from the beginning of the Creation,
God "made them male and female."'
When God 'made' Adam and Eve, He Himself was directly involved with the
'making' of something that was not there before He 'made' it. Likewise, your way of escape was made for you
for that very situation." --Personal Holiness in Times of Temptation, Dr.
Bruce H. Wilkinson, page 28.
In the next verse
(1 Corinthians 10:14), Paul states that one “way out” is to
“flee” from the temptation.
Physically removing one’s self from the temptation can be
beneficial in overcoming that temptation.
The cutting off of all contact is especially important when ending
illicit or adulterous relationships.
SO THAT YOU CAN STAND UP UNDER IT = The Greek "hupophero"
(Strongs #G5297) means "to support from underneath, to underpin,"
thus to endure or bear up under.
"You can
endure anything when you know that it has an end." -- "Christ and
Your Problems" by Jay E. Adams, page 29.
"If
temptations were easy to endure, then we all would be enduring them! It is precisely because of their inherent
difficulty, distress, discouragement, etc., that we are challenged to endure
under them." -- Personal Holiness in Times of Temptation, Dr. Bruce H.
Wilkinson, page 30.
1 Cor
FLEE FROM IDOLATRY = "Fleeing" is the "way out"
mentioned in 1 Corinthians 10:13.
"Idolatry" is anything that comes between you and God, or that
take the place of God in your heart.
Physically removing yourself from “idolatry” is the way to
avoid being tempted, or to overcome the sin.
1 Cor
CUP OF THANKSGIVING = The Greek literally has "Cup of
Blessing." This is the name given
to the third cup of wine which was drunk during the Passover supper. It is also the name of the cup of wine which
was consumed at every day meals. The
Hebrew would receive the cup and immediately bless God, thanking Him for the
mercies they had received. It was a
common thought that one’s life would be shortened if he did not bless God
before drinking from the cup.
“The cup of
thanksgiving was the third cup in the Passover.
Jesus, on the night prior to His death, reinterpreted the significance
of this cup so that it pointed to the shedding
of His blood on the cross and was the means of establishing a
participation in the benefits of His death.
He did the same with the bread which was broken to express the same
participation.” – The New Bible Commentary, Wenham, Motyer, Carson,
France, IVP
Among Christians, "Cup of
Blessing/Thanksgiving" does not refer to any literal blessing inherent in
the cup, but rather to the prayer of blessing that thanks God for our Savior,
consecrates the cup and sets it apart for holy use. In the Lord's Supper it is a recognition of
the blessing we receive through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
“’Thanksgiving’
(‘eulogia’ [Strongs #G2129]) refers not to the cup but to the
prayer over it.” – The International Bible Commentary, F. F. Bruce,
Zondervan
BREAD = The Greek “artos” (Strongs #G740) is the common
word for leavened bread and means “loaf, raised bread.” Neither Christ nor Paul used the Greek word
for "unleavened bread" ("azumos" [Strongs #G106]) when
speaking about the Lord's Supper, thus any bread is acceptable.
Under the Old Covenant, the Passover celebration of
Judaism utilized unleavened bread to represent "the bread of affliction,
because you left Egypt in haste" (Deuteronomy 16:3, 4). The bread at the Exodus was normal bread with
yeast, but remained "flat" because it did not have time to rise
before it was baked. The Passover
celebration itself was a memorial of the Jew's departure from Egypt and used
unleavened bread so the bread would not rise.
However, under the New Covenant, the bread of the
Lord's Supper represents Christ's body.
The symbolism is far different from that of the Passover where it
represented the haste of the Exodus. The
Lord's Supper of Christianity is a memorial of the Lord's death (1 Corinthians
11:26), and has nothing to do with the Passover Supper of Judaism.
WE GIVE THANKS/BLESS = “’We,’ not
merely ministers, but also the congregation. The minister ‘blesses’
(that is, consecrates with blessing) the cup, not by any priestly transmitted
authority of his own, but as representative of the congregation, who virtually
through him bless the cup. The consecration is the corporate act of the whole
Church. The act of joint blessing by him and them (not ‘the cup’
itself, which, as also ‘the bread,’ in the Greek is in the
accusative), and the consequent drinking of it together, constitute the
communion, that is, the joint participation ‘of the blood of
Christ.’ Compare 1 Corinthians
10:18, ‘They who eat ... are partakers’ (joint communicants).
‘Is’ in both cases in this verse is literal, not
‘represents.’ He who with
faith partakes of the cup and the bread, partakes really but spiritually of the
blood and body of Christ (Ephesians 5:30, 32), and of the benefits of His sacrifice
on the cross (c.f. 1 Corinthians 10:18).” – Jamieson, Fausset and
Brown Commentary
A PARTICIPATION IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST = The Greek
"koinonia" (Strongs #G2842) means "communion, fellowship,
participation." It does not mean
that the cup or bread literally becomes the blood or body of Christ. Instead, those who rightly receive the cup and
bread of the Lord's Supper are bound together in fellowship and communion with
Him. See note on 1 Corinthians 10:17 and
Colossians 1:27.
The cup “is
a sign, symbol, and token of fellowship with Christ in his death; it is a means
of having communion with Him, and of enjoying the blessings of grace which come
through His blood; such as righteousness, peace, pardon, and atonement; all
which true believers are made partakers.” – John Gill’s Exposition
of the Entire Bible
THE BREAD THAT WE BREAK = In the breaking of the bread is seen a
picture of Christ’s body bruised and torn for us by His trial and
crucifixion.
A PARTICIPATION IN THE BODY OF CHRIST = The Greek
"koinonia" (Strongs #G2842) means "communion, fellowship,
participation." Through the
Lord’s Supper the believer is made aware that he is a part of the Church,
the “body of Christ” (Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 12:12, 27;
Ephesians 3:6; Ephesians 4:12; Colossians 3:15). Thus, as a member of the “body, the
believer must act to promote unity and good will among all the members.
“The
design of this verse and the following verses seems to be, to prove that
Christians, by partaking of the Lord’s Supper, are solemnly set apart to
the service of the Lord Jesus; that they acknowledge Him as their Lord, and
dedicate themselves to him, and that as they could not and ought not to be
devoted to idols and to the Lord Jesus at the same time, so they ought not to
participate in the feasts in honor of idols, or in the celebrations in which
idolaters would be engaged (see 1 Corinthians 10:21).” – Albert
Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
“By partaking of one broken loaf, the emblem of our
Savior’s broken body, who is the only true bread that came down from
heaven, we coalesce into one body, become members of him and one
another.” Those who truly partake by faith have this communion with
Christ, and one another; and those who eat the outward elements make profession
of having this communion, of belonging to God and the blessed fraternity of his
people and worshippers. This is the true meaning of this holy rite.”
– Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible
“Participation on both levels (“blood” and
“body” of Christ) may be expressed in terms of identification, or
association of oneself with the object defined.
Their very act of participation in the cup declared their association
with the sacrificial death of Christ.” – The International Bible
Commentary, F. F. Bruce, Zondervan
1 Cor
ONE LOAF ... ONE BODY = The Greek "heis" (Strongs #G1520)
means "one" in the sense of composite unity. The believer participated in the "one
loaf" by breaking off a piece and eating it. Thus the symbol stresses the unity of the
Lord's Supper (where each person is a part of the whole Church: "one
body"). See note on John 17:11.
“Paul’s
point in these verses about the Lord’s Supper was like that made earlier
(1 Corinthians 5:6-8). The collective
worship of Christians at the Lord’s Supper expressed the unity among the
members and their participation (‘koinonia’:
‘fellowship’) in the blood of Christ and in the body of
Christ. The one loaf of bread, of which
all partake, pictured their unity as members of the one body of Christ.”
– The Bible Knowledge Commentary, Walvoord & Zook, Victor Books
“Paul’s
concept of the unity of the body of Christ is clearly expressed through the
analogy of the one loaf, a symbol preserved by many churches at the
Lord’s Supper. … In diversity there is unity.” – The
International Bible Commentary, F. F. Bruce, Zondervan
“The fact
that Christians partake of one loaf at the Lord’s Supper points to the
fact that they all belong to
Christ, that they are one body in Christ.” -- The New Bible
Commentary, Wenham, Motyer, Carson, France, IVP
It is worthy of
notice that while the Scripture states there is only “one loaf,” it
does not state that there is only “one cup.” To suggest that there was only one common cup
at the original Lord’s Supper, therefore we must use one common cup in
our celebration of the Lord’s Supper, is not warranted by this Scripture.
LOAF = The Greek "artos" (Strongs #G740) means
"bread." This text is clear
that the bread ("loaf") of the Lord's Supper is simply bread and not the literal body of
Christ. See commentary on 1 Corinthians
10:16.
1 Cor
PARTICIPATE IN THE ALTAR = Here Paul continues to teach that
participation in the Lord’s Supper integrates the believer into the
“body of Christ.”
“A
part of the sacrifice was eaten by the offerers and their friends, and as a
part was burnt on the altar, as an offering to God, they were supposed to be
partakers with God in the feast. So, too, those who partook of an idol feast,
would be worshipers of the idol.” – The People’s New
Testament
1 Cor
THE LORD'S TABLE = This phrase is used three times in Scripture:
Malachi 1:7; Malachi 1:12; and 1 Corinthians 10:21. In the Old Testament this can refer to the
altar of sacrifice, from which the priests received their food (Ezekiel 41:22);
the table of showbread (1 Kings 7:48; 2 Chronicles 29:18), or the tables upon
which sacrificial animals were laid and butchered (Ezekiel 40:39). In the New Testament it refers to the table
which holds the Lord's Supper.
1 Cor
HIS OWN GOOD, BUT = The grammatical construction of this verse is
that of an absolute ellipsis in which the accusative has been omitted. If corrected, it would read: "Nobody
should only seek his own good, but also the good of others." See Paul's similar statement in 1 Corinthians
10:33.
1 Cor
MEAT MARKET = Here meat was sold for human consumption. The broad concept in this injunction is that
whatever is sold in the meat market is commonly accepted as "food"
(see 1 Corinthians 10:31).
1 Cor
UNBELIEVER = The "Greeks" (pagans) of 1 Corinthians
10:32.
1 Cor
IF ANYONE SAYS TO YOU ... THE MAN WHO TOLD YOU = This would
correspond to the "Jews" or new Christians in the church (see 1
Corinthians 10:32). The
"Greeks" and/or Pagan diet is addressed in the previous verse (1
Corinthians 10:27).
1 Cor
CONSCIENCE = The literal sense is "why is my freedom of action
to be unfavorably judged by another man's scruples?"
1 Cor
WHY AM I DENOUNCED = see note on 1 Corinthians 10:32.
1 Cor
WHETHER YOU EAT OR DRINK = See 1 Corinthians 10:27.
1 Cor
DO NOT CAUSE ANYONE TO STUMBLE = The potential for
"stumbling" is in the context of what a Christian eats and drinks (1
Corinthians 10:27-31).
WHETHER JEWS, GREEKS OR THE CHURCH OF GOD = Jews would be offended
by a Christian diet that included "unclean" foods (see Mark 7:19;
Romans 14:17). The Greeks would be
offended by a Christian diet that excluded "unclean foods" (see
Leviticus chapter 11). The church of
God, composed of both former Jews and pagans, would tend stumble not matter
which diet the Christian followed. This
is the reason for Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 10:33, "I try to
please everybody in every way, for I am not seeking my own good but the good of
many."
FOLLOW MY EXAMPLE = The Greek "mimetes" (Strongs #G3402)
means "imitator, follower, disciple."
It is interesting,
that in Scripture, Jesus does not ask us to lead -- rather He asks us to
follow. Even leaders of the church, like
the Apostle Paul, are called to follow.
The strange thing about leadership is that a Christian leader is only as
good as his ability to follow the Lord.
His influence on others is proportionate to the influence Christ has on
him. Thus an effective Christian leader is
a good follower -- and that makes him safe to be followed.
1 Cor 11:3
HEAD OF EVERY MAN ... HEAD OF THE WOMAN ... HEAD OF CHRIST =
"These three statements express partnership as clearly as subordination
(see 1 Corinthians 11:11). -- The International Bible Commentary, F. F. Bruce,
Zondervan, pp. 1370-1371
HEAD OF CHRIST IS GOD = A general statement made in the context
that God has set up guidelines concerning authority and headship. This is not an indication of the eternal
subjugation of Christ to "God."
In the Godhead the Father acts as head without diminishing the full deity
of the Son. In addition the roles played by the various members of the Godhead
are interchangeable. See Ephesians 1:9, 10 and Philippians 2:9-11. There is nothing here to support the
Jehovah's Witness doctrine that Jesus was an angel created by God. Neither does this passage mean that women are
somehow inferior to men or a lower form of life than men.
All that is
expressed here is the principle of headship.
Biblical headship is not dictatorship, it is not a license for
tyranny. Biblical headship is a
definition of one's role and responsibilities so that there is order rather
than chaos. Here, Biblical headship is
expressed as: God's role is to be responsible for the well-being of Christ;
Christ's role is to be responsible for the well-being of men (husbands); and
men's (husband's) role is to be responsible for the well-being of their
wives. One result of sin is that
husbands at times become tyrannical dictators, but that is not part of God's
plan (see Ephesians 5:25, 28).
1 Cor 11:4
EVERY MAN = The Greek "aner" (Strongs #G435) means
"man, husband." It is the
normal Greek word for "husband."
The Bible student must carefully study the context to determine if
"man" or "husband" is meant by this word.
WITH HIS HEAD COVERED = The Jewish custom was for men to worship
and pray with prayer shawls or yarmulkes covering their heads. Here a clear distinction is made between the
customs of Judaism (praying with head covered) and Christianity (praying with
head uncovered).
"The
uncovered (male) head was contrary to Jewish custom, although, in fact, it was
an optional matter at the time." -- The International Bible Commentary, F.
F. Bruce, Zondervan, p. 1371
DISHONORS HIS HEAD = In the context of the previous verse (where
Paul explained the "head of every man is Christ") "head"
refers to Jesus Christ. Thus, for a
Christian man to cover his head like a Jew, when praying, is to suggest he is a
Jew who has rejected Jesus Christ.
"In corporate
worship the male has no visible superior.
Therefore a head covering would be improper. It is not suggested that men were acting in
this way; the statement gives point to the censure on women who were acting as
men." -- The International Bible Commentary, F. F. Bruce, Zondervan, p.
1371
1 Cor 11:5
WOMAN = The Greek "gunee" (Strongs #G1135) means
"wife, woman." It is the
normal word for "wife." The
Bible student must carefully consider the context to determine whether a wife
or a female is meant, and whether these statements regarding
"covering" are cultural issues rather than universal specifics. This distinction is very important, because 1
Corinthians 14:34 states that women are to remain silent in church -- which
would prevent women from praying or prophesying and thus make the command here
in 1 Corinthians 11:5 meaningless (see commentary notes on 1 Corinthians
14:34).
WHO PRAYS OR PROPHESIES = This suggests that women took an active
part in the public worship services of the early Christian church.
"Paul makes
no comment concerning the practice; he is dealing with the veil, not the
ministry of women (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:34; 1 Timothy 2:12). There is nothing in the text to indicate that
they took part only in informal meetings, in sisters' meetings, or in family
prayers and not in the general meetings of the church. Feeling the compulsion to pray or prophesy,
the women would find it easier to take part without the encumbrance of a veil
and might be tempted to throw it aside." -- The International Bible
Commentary, F. F. Bruce, Zondervan, p. 1371
WITH HER HEAD UNCOVERED = In context, this refers to a veil, not to
a modern hat.
"Within the
context of our contemporary culture, the modern western hat -- decorative,
attractive and often obstructive -- cannot be said to compare with the veil,
either in appearance, function, or purpose.
At best it is a token veil. Its
significance when taught in the church is valuable, but in common thought the
hat is no longer the local means of expressing subordination. To what extent must local churches modify
their traditional modes of worship in the light of a changing culture? Western culture has no readily recognizable
means of expressing woman's subordination, having largely abandoned the
concept. Although this particular symbol
has lost its meaning, the truth of a woman's divinely appointed status need by
no means be lost; it finds its natural and proper place in the normal course of
biblical exposition. Truth is not
dependent on cultural forms." -- The International Bible Commentary, F. F.
Bruce, Zondervan, p. 1370
DISHONORS HER HEAD = In the context of 1 Corinthians 11:3, the
"head" of the woman is man, thus for a Christian woman to pray with
her head uncovered dishonors men (or more accurately, dishonors her husband).
"Either
shames her own head, or dishonors her husband.
In either case she abandons that expression of subjection which
contemporary custom demands of her.
Ordinarily, in any public place a woman was veiled. In an immoral society like Corinth any act of
impropriety must be sternly checked." -- The International Bible
Commentary, F. F. Bruce, Zondervan, p. 1371
HER HEAD WERE SHAVED = In the day of Paul, it was a sign of sexual
promiscuity for a woman to remove her head covering in public. Shaving off a
woman's hair was the penalty for rebelling against authority or committing a
shameful act, and thus was a way of subjecting her to public disgrace (see 1
Corinthians 11:6).
Grammatically this
is phrase is literally "the shaven."
"The definitive article ("the") denotes the class to
which such a woman would belong. This
may refer to her putting herself in the same category as a male, or, as David
Smith renders it, being 'the same thing as the shaved adulteress'." -- The
International Bible Commentary, F. F. Bruce, Zondervan, p. 1371
"Paul's
message to (wives) was: Show your respect for and submission to your husband by
covering your head during public worship." -- NIV Study Bible Notes on 1
Corinthians 11:5-6.
1 Cor 11:7
HE IS IN THE IMAGE AND GLORY OF GOD = This cannot be referring back
to creation, for both male and female are created in the image of God (Genesis
1:27). Instead it refers back to the
headship principle outline in 1 Corinthians 11:3, where Christ is the head of
every man, and man is the head of the woman.
Thus man "is the image and glory of Christ" (who is here
called "God") and "the woman is the glory of man."
1 Cor
BECAUSE OF THE ANGELS = The Greek "angelous" (Strongs
#G32) means "messenger, one sent to announce, proclaim, or teach something, also an angel." The "angels" here, and of the seven
churches of Revelation, probably are the pastors of the churches (see
Revelation 1:20; 2:1, 8, 12, 18; Revelation 3:1, 7, 14).
1 Cor
LORD'S SUPPER = The Christian community utilized the Greek words
"Kuriakos deipnon" (Lord's Supper) to distinguish the communion
service from the everyday meals referred to as "breaking bread" (Acts
2:46; 20:7, 11). In the context of 1
Corinthians 11:21, we see that Christians continued the Jewish Passover concept
of eating a full fellowship meal prior to
partaking of the bread and cup of the Lord's Supper. Because the fellowship meal had become so
unspiritual and so contrary to the principles of loving self-denial, Paul
scolded the Corinthians by saying "it is not the Lord's Supper you
eat."
1 Cor
GET DRUNK = "There is no chance that unfermented wine was
poured into the cup, since some who drank excessively were getting drunk"
-- NIV Application Commentary, 1 Corinthians, p. 230.
1 Cor
HOMES TO EAT AND DRINK IN? = Paul is not prohibiting fellowship
dinners in a church -- in fact he does not address that issue. Instead, he is speaking about a perversion of
the Lord's Supper in Corinth (1 Corinthians 11:20-21) which changed it from the
agape love feast into a raucous drunken banquet. Paul's suggestion is that they
would be better eating their main meal
privately in their own homes than to spoil the Lord's Supper (which was
associated with a fellowship meal at church).
Then he goes on in the next verses to remind them of the sacred
simplicity of the Lord's Supper as instituted by Christ. To suggest that Paul was hereby ruling
against the eating a fellowship dinner in church is to ignore the context and
the practice of the early Christian church (see note on 1 Corinthians 11:20).
1 Cor
RECEIVED ... PASSED ON = This is standard terminology for the
transmission of oral tradition. Paul
could be referring to what he received from Christ through direct revelation
(Galatians 1:11-12, 16-20), or to the teachings of the Apostles which had been
widely repeated. It is more likely this
information came directly from the Lord Himself.
BETRAYED = The Greek word
"paradidomi," meaning "to deliver over, to deliver up,"
occurs twice in this verse. Once it is
translated here as "betrayed," and once as "passed on to
you." Thus Paul has a play on words
which help the Corinthians to understand that they are "betraying"
the Lord in the very supper that is meant to focus their gratitude on the
Lord's death which resulted from His betrayal (1 Corinthians 11:27).
BREAD = Breaking and distributing bread was a regular part of the
Passover celebration of Judaism.
Unleavened bread represented "the bread of affliction, because you
left Egypt in haste" (Deuteronomy 16:3, 4). The Passover celebration itself was a
memorial of the Jew's departure from Egypt.
However, in the Lord's Supper, the bread represents Christ's body. Thus the symbolism is far different from that
of the Passover. The Lord's Supper of
Christianity is a memorial of the Lord's death (1 Corinthians 11:26), and thus
has nothing to do with the Passover Supper of Judaism. The Greek term "artos" (Strongs
#G740) means "bread, a loaf of bread." It is the normal word for
leavened/risen bread and is used when speaking of the leavened showbread
("Bread of the Presence") in the Holy Place of the temple (see
Matthew 12:4; Hebrews 9:2; and the LXX Greek version of Leviticus 24:7-9). Thus, in the Old Testament, leavened bread
routinely represented the divine presence of our sinless God. At the Lord's supper Christ avoided using the
Greek word for "unleavened bread" ("azumos," [Strongs
#G106), therefore it may be reasoned that any bread, including risen bread, is
permissible at the Lord's Supper for both leavened and unleavened bread are
used in Scripture to represent the presence of deity. Never is there a statement in the Bible
requiring unleavened bread at the Lord's Supper.
"After the (Passover) meal a half
'matzah' (unleavened bread) that had been hidden away was brought out and
eaten. This will have been the bread of
Matthew 26:26." -- The International Bible Commentary, edited by F. F.
Bruce, page 1148.
1 Cor
DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME = This is what the Greek literally
says, however it would be better translated: "Do this as my
memorial."
1 Cor
AFTER THE SUPPER = The emblems of the new covenant were given after
the Passover meal had concluded. Thus
the Lord's Supper is not a continuation of the Passover into the Christian era. Also see Luke 22:20.
THE CUP = A technical reference to the cup passed at the Lord's
Supper. This is also known as "the
cup of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 10:21; 11:27). Christ never refers to the beverage as
"wine," but always speaks of it as the "the fruit of the
vine" or the "cup," evoking the Old Testament concept of
suffering the "cup" of God's wrath (see Psalm 75:8; Isaiah
51:17). That the cup at the Lord's
Supper contained fermented wine is beyond dispute because those who drank too
much got drunk (1 Corinthians 11:21).
However, there is no Bible command to use fermented wine at the Lord's
Supper, therefore unfermented grape juice is just as suitable, without the
possibility of causing alcoholics to stumble.
1 Cor
WHENEVER = The Greek words
"hosakis ean" (Strongs #G3745 + 302) mean “as often,
whenever,” and denotes
indefiniteness and uncertainty.
Unlike the Passover, which God specified was to always occur on the 14th
day of the first Jewish month (14th of Abib [Leviticus 23:5; Numbers 28:16]),
the Lord's Supper may be celebrated "whenever" (as frequently or as
infrequently) as Christians desire.
"Hosakis"
... There is no implication of urgency or frequency. It rather means that each and every time you
do so, no matter whether frequently or otherwise, the Lord's table must be a
reminder of Christ's death until He comes back." -- The Complete Word
Study Dictionary, New Testament, Zodhiates, page 1063.
BREAD = See note on 1 Corinthians 11:23.
CUP = Christ never used the word "wine" or its Greek
equivalent ("oinos" [Strongs #G3631]) during the Lord's Supper. Instead, He always referred to the drink the
cup contained as the "fruit of the vine" (Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25;
Luke 22:18). Paul refers to it here
simply as the "cup" (1 Corinthians 11:26, 27).
YOU PROCLAIM = Greek "kataggellow" (Strongs #G2605)
meaning "to plainly tell, declare, announce, celebrate." The Lord's Supper must not become a funeral
dirge, for it the celebration of our glorious salvation through Christ's death on
the cross.
THE LORD'S DEATH = The Greek word "thanatos" (Strongs
#G2288) is the common word for death.
UNTIL HE COMES = A reference to Christ's Second Coming. Christians will continually celebrate and
witness Christ's finished work on the cross "until He comes."
1 Cor
BREAD = See note on 1 Corinthians 11:23.
FRUIT OF THE VINE = Christ never used the word "wine" or
its Greek equivalent ("oinos") during the Lord's Supper. Instead, He always referred to it as the
"fruit of the vine" (Matthew 26:29; Mark 14:25; Luke 22:18). Paul refers to it here as the "cup"
(1 Corinthians 11:26, 27). It is a
reference to the "cup" of God's wrath against sinners (Revelation
14:10).
UNWORTHY MANNER = The Greek is "anaxiows" (Strongs #G371)
meaning "unworthily, in an improper manner." Paul did not use the adjective
"unworthy" (which would refer to a person's character). Instead he used the adverbial form meaning "unworthily,
in an improper manner" to indicate their actions were not
appropriate. Thus he references the
unchristian behavior exhibited by believers partaking of the Lord Supper (see 1
Corinthians 11:18, 21-22). His warning
is not for those who lead unworthy, sinful lives and come to the Lord's Supper
for Christ's forgiveness, but for those who by their gluttony and selfish
behavior make a mockery of Christ's self-sacrificing love on the cross. The main point here is to share with one
another rather than to satisfy one's own needs.
Notice the result
when Judas, who was planning to betray Christ, took the bread in an
"unworthy manner" (see notes on Luke 22:3; John 13:27).
AGAINST THE BODY AND BLOOD OF THE LORD = The symbols of the bread
and grape juice are inclusive in nature (John 3:16). By their exclusive and selfish behavior at
the Lord's Supper, these "unworthy' believers were sinning against the
meaning of those very inclusive symbols.
1 Cor
EXAMINE HIMSELF BEFORE HE EATS = "The Eucharist should be a
time of self-examination, not so much for past sins, though repentance from
them is always appropriate. Rather,
Christians should consider their present attitudes toward those more needy than
themselves. This would lead to a
radically different group of people who ought to refrain from the Lord's Supper
than usually appears. All repentant
sinners are welcome, no matter how far away from God they may have recently
felt. All professing believers who are
unprepared to give generously of their wealth to help the poor in their midst,
or who treat people of lower classes as second-class citizens, or who simply
remain unreconcilled with fellow celebrants, should refrain (see Matthew
5:23-24)."--The NIV Application Commentary, by Craig Blomberg, page
234-235.
BREAD = See note on 1 Corinthians 11:23.
1 Cor
DRINKS JUDGMENT ON HIMSELF = The "judgment" Judas
received for taking the bread of the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner was to
be possessed by Satan (see note on Luke 22:3 and John 13:27).
WITHOUT RECOGNIZING THE BODY OF THE LORD = The Greek literally
says: "not discerning the body."
A misunderstanding of this key phrase has given rise both to the
Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation, and the Protestant fear that one who
eats the bread and drinks the cup while unconfessed or unforgiven sin is
present brings illness and/or death upon himself. In context, the phrase "discerning the
body" is not proof of the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation (where
the bread and wine is said to literally change into the actual body of Christ). Instead, in the context of 1 Corinthians 10:17
(one "loaf" equals one "body," the church); 1 Corinthians
11:18 (divisions in the church); 1 Corinthians 11:21 (gluttony at the table
when the church has love feasts); 1 Corinthians 11:22 (despising and
humiliating one's brothers and sisters in Christ), "discerning the
body" means recognizing that all of us are one in Christ -- that we
collectively are His body, the Church, and thus are all equal before Him. As such, we are all heirs of God's kingdom on
account of His "new covenant" with us (1 Corinthians 11:25). To act in an exclusive manner is to sin
against the inclusive meaning of these symbols (bread and grape juice), and
thus to be worthy of God's judgment (see notes on 1 Corinthians 11:31, 32).
1 Cor
THAT IS WHY = A reference back to 1 Corinthians 11:29 (see notes
there).
MANY AMONG YOU ARE WEAK AND SICK = Not because of God's specific
judgment upon their sin of exclusiveness, but because by excluding the needy
from the necessities of both spiritual and physical life, poor believers were
suffering and rich believers were paying the consequences of their gluttony (1
Corinthians 11:21).
1 Cor
BUT IF WE JUDGED OURSELVES = Here Paul points out the necessity of
recognizing our excesses and refraining
from self-indulgences, particularly at the Lord's Supper (see notes on 1
Corinthians 11:29).
1 Cor
JUDGED BY THE LORD ... DISCIPLINED ... NOT CONDEMNED = For a
Christian, the Lord's judgment is on-going and revealed in His daily
discipline. By heeding and growing under
His discipline we are being sanctified and thus avoid condemnation when the
world is judged. In context, the
Corinthian Christians are being "judged by the Lord" through Paul's
letter so that they will change their behavior at their "agapay"
feasts connected with the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:33).
JUDGED = The Greek "krino" (Strongs #G2919) means
"to judge in a judicial sense with the idea of punishment, to separate
good from evil, to select." God
judges the wicked by punishing them, but He judges the righteous by
disciplining them so they will not be punished.
DISCIPLINED = The Greek "paideuo" (Strongs #G3811)
meaning "instruct, teach, nurture, train up a child, discipline."
1 Cor 12:3
GOD ... JESUS ... HOLY SPIRIT = These are the three members of the
Trinity. The three members of the
Trinity are mentioned in Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 3:16; Matthew 28:19; Luke 1:35;
Luke 10:21; John 3:5; Acts 7:55; Acts 10:38; Romans 1:4; Romans 15:16, 30; 1
Corinthians 6:11; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:6;
Ephesians 1:17; Philippians 3:3; Hebrews 10:29; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 4:2.
Contrary to the
Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active
force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the
idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the
Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C.
Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.
1 Cor 12:9
FAITH BY THE SAME SPIRIT = The Greek "pistis" (Strongs
#G4102) means: "to win over, to persuade," and therefore, "to
have a strong belief, a strong faith in something." Here "faith" is listed as a gift of
the Holy Spirit -- something that is given instantly to empower a person to
"move mountains." It's given
when God needs something done immediately, for example when Moses parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16),
or when Peter raised Dorcas to life (Acts 9:40). - These are what JESUS
referred to as "MOUNTAIN-MOVING" situations (see Matthew 17:20; 1
Corinthians 13:2). This type of faith
could be called "emergency faith."
However, Galatians 5:22 speaks about a "faith" that is a fruit
of the Holy Spirit -- something that grows over a period of time, and thus is
distinct from the instant "gift" of faith. The classic definition of faith is found in
Hebrews 11:1.
1 Cor
PROPHECY = The Greek "propheteia" (Strongs #G4394) means
"predictions, exhortations, warnings." Here this gift refers to the work of the
prophet, or the prophetic office, which is contrasted to the work of pastors,
administrators, deacons, and so forth (see Ephesians 4:11; et cetera). This
gift of "prophecy" is in a different category from that of the Bible
prophets who wrote Scripture. The Bible
prophets wrote down the very words of God (2 Timothy 3:16) to guide all His
people for all time. Extra-Biblical
prophets such as Agabus, the four daughters of Philip, Nathan, John the
Baptist, and those who minister in the Church, apply God's Word to specific
people in limited situations and are subject to apostolic authority: 1
Corinthians 14:26-40. Their words are
not Scripture, do not take the place of Scripture, must always agree with
Scripture, and do not apply beyond the local situation.
TONGUES = The "tongues" of Acts 2:8-11 were not
unintelligible ecstacisms, but genuine languages. The land of Israel was a multi-lingual area
as evidenced by the sign placed above Christ's head on the cross (John 19:20)
and the many languages spoken by Jews who gathered at Jerusalem for Pentecost
(Acts 2:8-11). Sometimes the gift of
tongues is manifested in the speaking (or hearing). At other times, an individual is given the
gift of interpreting for the listeners when someone else is speaking in a
foreign language. This gift of tongues
is primarily for believers, although it does have a convicting power when heard
by unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22).
INTERPRETATION OF TONGUES = The Greek "hermeneia"
(Strongs #G2058) means "to interpret, explain." Even this gift of "interpretation"
was regulated in the interest of order and decorum (see 1 Corinthians
14:26-28).
1 Cor
ONE BODY = Here, as in the Biblical teaching on the Trinity, the
word "one" is used in a composite sense: "one" body made up
of many "parts" (1 Corinthians 12:14). See note on Mark 12:32.
1 Cor
ARE INDISPENSABLE = "The inconspicuous members of the church
are essential--those who pray, those who work with their hands and bring their
meager tithes into the church, et cetera. As the humbler parts of the body are
given special attention by covering them with appropriate clothing and, as in
the case of the digestive organs, providing them with food, so the
inconspicuous members of the church--the poor, the despised, the less
prominent--are to be cherished and nurtured." -- NIV Bible Commentary,
Zondervan
1 Cor
IN THE CHURCH = The existence of the gifts of the Spirit in the
church dates back to the ministry of Christ.
These gifts are neither hierarchical, nor extraordinary in the sense
that they are to be present "in the church" (i.e. they are to exist
in each Christian Church just as "God has appointed"). Jus as we expect to find people with the gift
of teaching, the gift of helps and/or the gift of administration in each
Christian Church, so there are also people with the gifts of healing, tongues,
and miracles. But above, below, and
permeating each of these spiritual gifts must be the supreme gift of love (1
Corinthians 13:1).
GOD HAS APPOINTED = Not through the election process involving
committees and boards, but rather God has personally appointed individuals to
receive needed gifts through the Holy Spirit (who gives these spiritual
gifts/ministries "just as He determines": 1 Corinthians 12:11). These
gifts are discovered through the on-going guidance of the Holy Spirit (see
notes on Acts 1:24-26).
APOSTLES = The Greek term "apostolos" is a naval term
referring to a ship which is commissioned and sent out. Here Paul states the gift of
"apostle" is give to one Jesus Christ has commissioned to proclaim
the Gospel.
TONGUES = Genuine earthly languages (Acts 2:8-11). The land of Israel was a multi-lingual area
as evidenced by the sign placed above Christ's head on the cross (John 19:20),
and in the many languages spoken by the crowds of Jews who came to Jerusalem
for Pentecost (Acts 2:8-11) -- thus the need for Christians who could speak and
interpret various languages. If this
text was referring to a "heavenly" language, then there would not be
"different kinds of tongues" (plural).
1 Cor
APOSTLES = See verse 28.
1 Cor
TONGUES = Genuine earthly languages (see Acts 2:8-11). The land of Israel was a multi-lingual area
as evidenced by the sign placed above Christ's head on the cross (John 19:20),
and in the many languages spoken by the crowds of Jews who came to Jerusalem
for Pentecost (Acts 2:8-11).
The obvious answer
to Paul's rhetorical question, "Do all speak in tongues?" is,
"No." Even in Corinth, where
"tongues" was excessively emphasized, not all Christians were
involved. Thus the modern charismatic
claim that salvation is linked to "speaking in tongues", is simply
contrary to Scripture.
TONGUES OF MEN AND OF ANGELS = This is a reference to the
worthlessness of even great oratory skills unless accompanied by love. Genuine languages are meant here (see Acts
2:8-11).
Whenever angels spoke with people in the Bible, the angels always
spoke the common language of the day.
Their words were clearly understood without the need for any
interpretation. According to the Bible,
there is no secret or heavenly language spoken by angels. The land of Israel was a multi-lingual area
as evidenced by the sign placed above Christ's head on the cross (John 19:20),
and the many languages spoken by Jews who gathered at Jerusalem to celebrated
Pentecost (Acts 2:8-11).
A RESOUNDING GONG ... CYMBAL = "Christian maturity is Christ
like character. If you know all the
principles but don't have the character, than you are only a 'resounding gong
or a clanging cymbal' that is without love." -- Victory Over Temptation,
Wilkinson, (Neil Anderson), page 35.
1 Cor 13:2
PROPHECY = This gift is in a different category from that of the
Bible prophets who wrote Scripture. The
Bible prophets wrote down the very words of God (2 Timothy 3:16) to guide all
His people for all time. Extra-Biblical
prophets such as Agabus, the four daughters of Philip, Nathan, John the
Baptist, and those who minister in the Church, apply God's Word to specific
people in limited situations and are subject to apostolic authority: (1
Corinthians 14:26-40). Their words are
not Scripture, do not take the place of Scripture, must always agree with
Scripture, and do not apply beyond the local situation.
FAITH THAT CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS = See note on 1 Corinthians 12:9.
1 Cor 13:4
LOVE = Greek "agapay" (Strongs #G26) meaning the highest
form of self-sacrificing love.
PATIENT = Greek "makrothumeo" (Strongs #G3114) meaning
"patient, long-suffering, exercising understanding and patience toward a
person, to put up with things or circumstances, to endure patiently."
KIND = Greek "christeuomai" (Strongs #G5541) meaning
"kind, willing to assist, helpful."
NOT ENVY = Greek "zeloow" (Strongs #G2206) meaning
"zealous, to profess affection in order to gain someone as a follower, to
be jealous, to be filled with envy."
NOT BOAST = Greek "perpereuomai" (Strongs #G4068) meaning
"to brag, to boast."
NOT PROUD = Greek "phusioow" (Strongs #G5448) meaning
"to blow, to puff up, inflate with pride, to be haughty."
1 Cor 13:5
NOT RUDE = Greek "aschemoneo" (Strongs #G807) meaning
"indecent, to behave in an ugly, unseemly or unbecoming manner."
NOT SELF-SEEKING = Greek "zeteow heautou" (Strongs #G2212
+ 1438) meaning "to focus on oneself, to be self-seeking, to elevate
oneself."
NOT EASILY ANGERED = Greek "paroxunow" (Strongs #G3947)
meaning "to incite or provoke to anger."
KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS = Greek has literally "ou logizetai
kakon" (Strongs #G3049 + 2556) meaning "does not keep record of
evil."
1 Cor 13:6
DOES NOT DELIGHT IN EVIL = Greek "adikia" (Strongs #G93)
meaning "injustice, injury, what is wrong, what should not be." Thus love delights in truth, and justice.
REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH = Greek "aletheia" (Strongs
#G225) meaning "truth, reality."
1 Cor 13:7
ALWAYS PROTECTS = Greek "stego" (Strongs #G4722) derived
from a roof or covering. Meaning
"to cover over in silence."
Similar to "long-suffering."
See note on Philemon 1:15.
ALWAYS TRUSTS = Greek "pisteuow" (Strongs #G4100) meaning
"to have faith, to trust, to be firmly persuaded about something."
ALWAYS HOPES = Greek "elpizow" (Strongs #G1679) meaning
"to hope, to expect with great desire, to confide in."
ALWAYS PERSEVERES = Greek "hupomenow" (Strongs #G5278)
meaning "to persevere, bear up under, to remain."
1 Cor 13:8
LOVE = Greek "agapay" (Strongs #G26) meaning the highest
form of self-sacrificing love.
NEVER FAILS = Greek "pipto" (Strongs #G4098) meaning
"to fall to a lower place, to fall down, to fall in ruins."
PROPHECIES = No matter how crucial the gift of prophecy to the life
of the church, still it is of limited scope and we "prophesy in part"
(1 Corinthians 13:9).
TONGUES = See note on 1 Corinthians 13:1. Even the gift of "tongues" is
flawed if we are only "speaking into the air" (1 Corinthians 14:9).
KNOWLEDGE = No matter how essential knowledge is it is not
exhaustive. We only "know in
part" (1 Corinthians 13:9).
CEASE ... STILLED ... PASS AWAY = When will these gifts cease? Paul is certain that spiritual gifts continue
and are to be sought and developed on through to the second coming of Christ (1
Corinthians 1:7-8). It is a "major
theological error to believe that any or all of the gifts of the Spirit have
already ceased. This violates every
sensible reading of verse 12, and it has to distort the actual record of events
throughout church history. Neither
tongues nor prophecy nor miracles ceased at the end of the first century --
they continued at least into the third century and have recurred sporadically
if not consistently ever since" -- NIV Application Bible.
Why will the gifts
cease? It is because they are imperfect
provisions for an imperfect world, rendered unnecessary when 'perfection comes'
(1 Corinthians 13:10) -- NIV Application Bible.
In the case of "tongues," the whole world will speak the same
language after Jesus comes, just as the whole world spoke the same language
from Creation until the Tower of Babel. Thus there is no need for
"tongues" nor for the "interpretation of tongues."
1 Cor
PERFECTION = Greek "teleios" (Strongs #G5046) meaning
"maturity" (see Paul's metaphor of a child growing up in 1
Corinthians 13:10). "Neither
perfection nor consistent maturity has yet come to the church of Jesus
Christ. When we recall that 1
Corinthians 1:7 pointed out the ongoing role of the gifts until the return of
Christ, there can be only one possible interpretation of 'perfection' -- it is
the life in the world to come after Jesus reappears on earth (Ephesians
4:13)" -- NIV Application Commentary.
1 Cor
MIRROR = The city of Corinth was famous for its bronze mirrors.
1 Cor
THESE THREE REMAIN = If "faith" means our belief in
Christ and our faithful service for him; and "hope" means our joyful
anticipation of the good things God has in store for us throughout all
eternity, then "faith, hope and love" will never end.
ESPECIALLY THE GIFT OF PROPHECY = Greek "propheteuo"
meaning "to foretell things to come, to proclaim God's message and
will." The purpose of the gift of
prophecy is to "strengthen, encourage and comfort" believers (1
Corinthians 14:3), not to build up oneself.
This gift is in a different category from that of the Bible prophets who
wrote Scripture. The Bible prophets
wrote down the very words of God (2 Timothy 3:16) to guide all His people for
all time. Extra-Biblical prophets such
as Agabus, the four daughters of Philip, Nathan, John the Baptist, and those
who minister in the Church, apply God's Word to specific people in limited
situations and are subject to apostolic authority: (1 Corinthians
14:26-40). Their words are not
Scripture, do not take the place of Scripture, must always agree with
Scripture, and do not apply beyond the local situation.
1 Cor 14:2
TONGUE DOES NOT SPEAK TO MEN BUT TO GOD = In other words, a person
speaking a foreign language is only understood by God when no interpreter is
present (interpreters were required to be present when tongues were spoken in
church - see 1 Corinthians 14:4-6, 9, 19, and especially 1 Corinthians 14:27-28). Alternately, one who is involved in the personal emotional experience of
"tongues" cannot benefit others -- only God can understand.
UTTERS MYSTERIES WITH HIS SPIRIT = The Greek literally reads
"but in spirit he speaks mysteries."
This does not suggest that the charismatic practice of tongues is a
mysterious communication with God, but rather an emotional expression directed
to God -- as in a shout for joy.
Alternatively, the "babbling" is not a genuine language, but
rather the expression of deep emotions.
1 Cor 14:4
TONGUE EDIFIES HIMSELF = A person with the gift of tongues who
spoke without the benefit of an interpreter (1 Corinthians 12:10; 14:5) would
build up his own ego at the expense of the others in the church. However, the Holy Spirit does not give
spiritual gifts for personal exaltation (1 Corinthians 12:7), thus the gift of
"tongues" here was self-centered and spiritually counter-productive.
1 Cor 14:5
SPEAK IN TONGUES = A literal earthly language (see Acts
2:8-11). Charismatic babbling is ruled
out by Paul's further distinction in 1 Corinthians 14:6-10. The land of Israel was a multi-lingual area
as evidenced by the sign placed above Christ's head on the cross (John 19:20),
and in the many languages spoken by the crowds of Jews who came to Jerusalem
for Pentecost (Acts 2:8-11).
1 Cor 14:6
SPEAK IN TONGUES = See note on 1 Corinthians 14:5.
WHAT GOOD WILL I BE TO YOU = In other words, "What good is it
if I babble in some foreign language you don't understand?" Alternatively, "What good is it if I
babble emotionally -- how will that help you grow as a Christian? What is needed is intelligible speech that
imparts knowledge." Regardless what
position one takes on "tongues," the point Paul makes is that
unintelligible sounds or a sermon preached in a language one cannot understand,
is of no value (see 1 Corinthians 14:9).
PROPHECY = This gift is in a different category from that of the
Bible prophets who wrote Scripture. The
Bible prophets wrote down the very words of God (2 Timothy 3:16) to guide all
His people for all time. Extra-Biblical
prophets such as Agabus, the four daughters of Philip, Nathan, John the
Baptist, and those who minister in the Church, apply God's Word to specific
people in limited situations and are subject to apostolic authority: (1
Corinthians 14:26-40). Their words are
not Scripture, do not take the place of Scripture, must always agree with
Scripture, and do not apply beyond the local situation.
1 Cor 14:9
INTELLIGIBLE WORDS WITH YOUR TONGUE = Paul's emphasis here is to
downplay charismatic babble and focus on intelligible languages which the
listeners can understand.
SPEAKING INTO THE AIR = Notice these babblers are not speaking to
God. Their babbling is worthless.
"Various
pagan Greco-Roman religions were well-known for their outbursts of ecstatic
speech and unintelligible repetition of "nonsense" syllables. This is precisely what Paul wanted to avoid
(in the Christian church)" -- The NIV Application Commentary, p. 273.
1 Cor
ALL SORTS OF LANGUAGES IN THE WORLD = The Greek is
"phonay" (Strongs #G5456) means "sound, noise, voice." It is used here metonymically to mean
"speech, language, dialect."
Here Paul indicates he is clearly speaking about common languages --
through which a speaker conveys meaning to a listener.
NONE OF THEM IS WITHOUT MEANING = In other words, charismatic
babble does not qualify as a legitimate language because it has no meaning and
is just a repetitious series of sounds.
The entire context of Paul's message here is that charismatic babble
must be put aside in favor of language which has meaning.
1 Cor
PRAY THAT HE MAY INTERPRET = If a person who speaks a foreign
language believes God has given him a message for the congregation, he is to
pray for the gift of interpretation. The
implication is, if God does not give him the ability to interpret his message
into the language of the listeners, he is to keep silent.
1 Cor
SPIRIT PRAYS ... MIND IS UNFRUITFUL = Even if the person
"praying in a tongue" means well, it is still simply the edification
of the individual (1 Corinthians 14:4-5).
Paul states in the next verse (1 Corinthians
1 Cor
PRAY WITH MY SPIRIT ... PRAY WITH MY MIND = Here Paul clearly
states that whether speaking in a tongue, praying in the spirit, or even
praising God with our spirit, the mind is to be in control over our
emotions. It is not wrong to have
emotions, but those emotions must be under the control of intelligent thought
processes. Mere "babble" does
not produce the clear instruction and edification Christianity requires (1
Corinthians
SPIRIT = The Greek "pneuma" (Strongs #G4151) means
"blowing, breathing, wind, breath, life-spirit, soul, that which gives
life to the body." Here it
specifically refers to Paul's "soul" - the conscious part of every
human which survives death and enables a person to communicate with God.
1 Cor
HE DOES NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SAYING = Here Paul lays down the
basic principle that is to be followed in public worship: whatever is said must
be said in the language which all can understand so that all can be
"edified" (1 Corinthians
1 Cor
IS NOT EDIFIED = The Greek "oikodomeitai" (Strongs
#G3618) literally means "building a house." Thus by extension it means "to
construct, build up, edify."
Grammatically it is a present passive indicative meaning continuous
action: "he is not being built up."
Thus the person who is "giving thanks" with his spirit has
excluded others from the blessings God desires all the worshipers to
receive. In others words, charismatic
"babbling" is a manifestation of personal pride and selfishness.
1 Cor
I SPEAK IN TONGUES = Not unintelligible babbling, but a genuine
language (see Acts 2:8-11; 1 Corinthians 14:5-9). In 1 Corinthians 14:14-19 Paul stresses the
importance of intelligible words. In
this context, unintelligible words would be words spoken in a foreign language
that the church congregation did not understand. Thus the words of the foreigner would have no
edifying effect on the church unless an interpreter was present. Evidence is clear from the sign placed above
Christ's head on the cross that the
King David spoke
"by the Holy Spirit" (Mark
Mary, the mother
of Jesus, had the "Holy Spirit upon her" (Luke
Simeon had the
"Holy Spirit upon him" (Luke
Jesus was
Spirit-filled (Mark
John the Baptist
was Spirit-filled from birth (Luke
Elizabeth, John's
mother, was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke
Zechariah, John's
father, was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:67) but never spoke in
"tongues."
All the disciples
were filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4) but never spoke in charismatic
babbling. Instead, when they spoke in
"tongues" they spoke in some 13 different dialects and languages
which every listener clearly understood to be their own common language (Acts
2:5-11).
Peter was filled
with the Holy Spirit (Acts 4:8), but never spoke in "tongues"
(charismatic babbling).
All the Christians
at a prayer meeting (Acts
Paul was filled
with the Holy Spirit (Acts
Barnabas, along
with all the disciples, was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts
MORE THAN ALL OF YOU = Paul was multi-lingual, able to speak Hebrew
(Philippians 3:5), Aramaic (Acts
1 Cor
FIVE INTELLIGIBLE WORDS ... TEN THOUSAND WORDS IN A TONGUE = Paul's
overwhelming recommendation is to speak to listeners in church in their common
languages so they can be instructed and edified. Notice the ratio: 5 to 10,000. There is no question that Paul had very
little regard for charismatic "babble," or for foreigners speaking in
languages the congregation did not understand.
1 Cor
STOP THINKING LIKE CHILDREN = In the context of the previous
verses, Paul is saying: "Grow up on this issue of charismatic
'babbling!' Be adult Christians and get
away from that nonsense - its childish!"
1 Cor
TONGUES = This quotation is from Isaiah 28:11 (see note
there). Also see note on 1 Corinthians
14:18.
1 Cor
TONGUES ARE A SIGN = In the context of the previous verse,
unbelievers are those who refuse to listen to the Lord. When these unbelievers hear charismatic babbling
in the church they are convinced the church is "out of your mind" (1
Corinthians
PROPHECY = Taken in the context of 1 Corinthians
This gift is in a
different category from that of the Bible prophets who wrote Scripture. The Bible prophets wrote down the very words
of God (2 Timothy
1 Cor
TONGUES = See note on 1 Corinthians
OUT OF YOUR MIND = In other words, charismatic "babbling"
only drives away the very people the church is trying to evangelize.
1 Cor
UNBELIEVER = This is an apparent contradiction of 1 Corinthians
1 Cor
A TONGUE OR AN INTERPRETATION = Here Paul returns from his
dissertation on charismatic "babbling" to the genuine spiritual gift
of tongues evidenced by speaking genuine, common languages.
1 Cor
SOMEONE MUST INTERPRET = Even if a person is a foreigner and wants
to address the congregation with a legitimate message in his native language,
he is to be quiet unless an interpreter is present to interpret his message into
a language the listeners can understand (1 Corinthians 14:28).
An interesting
experiment can be done by recording a modern person speaking in
"tongues," and then playing the recording to isolated individuals who
claim to possess the gift of interpretation.
Without fail, when asked for a specific, detailed interpretation, each
interpretation will differ significantly from the others. One can only conclude that there is much in
the modern tongues movement which falls
far short of the Biblical teaching.
1 Cor
SPEAK TO HIMSELF AND GOD = Not that charismatic
"babbling" is "speaking to God," but that a foreigner can
get some benefit out of the worship service (even when he can't understand the
native language) if he communes silently with God.
1 Cor
IN ALL THE CONGREGATIONS OF THE SAINTS = Not all the churches
around the world, but all the congregations in
1 Cor
WOMEN SHOULD REMAIN SILENT .. THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO SPEAK = The
issue here is disorderly conduct in the church (1 Corinthians 14:9, 23, 27, 31,
32). In 1 Corinthians 11:3-16 Paul
states that the "churches of God" have "no other practice"
than when a woman prays or prophecies she is not to have her head
"uncovered." The implication
is that she is praying and prophesying in church since this is a church
policy. If Paul was against women
praying and prophesying in church, he would not have taken most of chapter 11
to instruct women on what they were to do with their heads -- he would have
simply forbidden them to pray or prophecy in church. The Bible is clear that the Holy Spirit calls
both men and women to pray and prophecy, publicly and in church (Joel
Does this mean
that women must always be silent and cannot even speak in tongues in the
church? No, verses 39 and 40 state that
the church is not to forbid speaking in tongues, but that it must be done in an
orderly manner.
However, if disorder occurs, women are to be silent, rather than to
spur on the confusion. Verse 36 points
out that these disorderly women were acting as if they had all the spiritual
knowledge and thus were running roughshod over the established male church
leaders. Verse 37, makes it clear that
all who claim to be spiritually gifted are to submit to Paul's command as
coming directly from the Lord. A
similar situation and command is in 1 Timothy 2:11-12.
1 Cor
INQUIRE = The issue here concerns the argumentative asking of
questions. In the interest of order,
Paul commands rebellious women to remain silent in church and submit to the
Biblical principle of male spiritual headship in their own families (1
Corinthians 11:3; Ephesians
DISGRACEFUL = Same word used in 1CO 11:6. If their inquiries are argumentative in
nature and designed to create disorder or usurp the spiritual leadership of the
church, then they are to remain quiet rather than be a disgrace.
1 Cor
THE WORD OF GOD = This phrase is used throughout Scripture to mean:
(1) a prophecy or
directive from God to a prophet [1 Chronicles 17:3-4; Luke 3:2];
(2) the entire
cannon of Scripture [Proverbs 30:5; Matthew 15:6];
(3) the spoken
word/preaching [Acts
(4) the
"sword of the Spirit" [Ephesians
(5) "Christ
in you, the hope of glory" [Colossians
(6) literally the
word from God [1 Thessalonians
(7) In John 10:35,
"the word of God" is synonymous with "the Scripture."
(8) In Acts 6:7;
8:14, "the word of God" is synonymous with Christianity.
(9) In Revelation
19:13 "the Word of God" is a title for Jesus Christ.
YOU = Greek "Humone" and "Humas" meaning
"you" in the genitive plural form ("you-all"). The question Paul asks here is addressed to
both the disorderly women in 1 Corinthians 14:33-35, and the waffling male
leadership of the church. Their
contention and pride had caused women to usurp proper male authority in the
local church, so Paul reminded them that they are recent converts and ought to
listen to the more mature male leaders.
The male
leadership was puffed up and setting their own rules which were
contrary to Scripture. Paul reminded
them that they did not originate the Bible and were to come under its authority
by listening to him as an Apostle.
1 Cor
MY BROTHERS = Paul is writing to the male leadership of the church
concerning a number of critical situations that had developed (see commentary
on 1 Corinthians
DO NOT FORBID SPEAKING IN TONGUES = In the context of this chapter,
Paul has declared the futility of charismatic "babbling" (1
Corinthians 14:2-20). But he recognizes
the legitimacy of foreign languages, and states that when an interpreter is
present, natives of foreign lands are not to be prevented from addressing the
congregation in their own foreign language.
1 Cor 15:2
ARE SAVED, IF = Our salvation is secure in Christ. Nevertheless we retain free choice. At any point as "saved believers"
we may choose to surrender our salvation and leave the family of God. The power
to choose right or wrong and to reap the reward or consequences was given to
humankind by God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis
1 Cor 15:3
CHRIST DIED FOR OUR SINS = If Christ merely lived on, then He did
not truly died for our sins. The fact
"Christ died" destroys any arguments that He merely fainted on the
cross.
1 Cor 15:4
HE WAS BURIED = This statement refutes any arguments that the
disciples stole His body, or that the women went to the wrong tomb. Had either of those things happened, His
enemies could have simply produced Christ's body and proven the disciples'
belief in Jesus' resurrection to be false.
ON THE THIRD DAY = Paul is using inclusive reckoning here. Thus Good Friday, the "Preparation
Day," is day one. Saturday, the
"Sabbath," is day two. Sunday
morning, Resurrection Day, is day three.
For more information see the note on Matthew 12:40.
ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURES = The Messianic prophecy of Hosea 6:2
was fulfilled here. Some Jews try to
discount Paul's inspiration by claiming there is no Old Testament Scripture
stating Christ would be raised on the third day. Contrary to their assertions, the Old
Testament Scriptures not only predicted the work of the Messiah but also the fact that He would die and be
raised again to life (Psalm 16:8-11; Isaiah 53). Peter understood Christ's resurrection on the
third day fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies (see Peter's comments in Acts
1 Cor 15:5
HE APPEARED = The Greek "ophthe" (Strongs #G3700) means
"to see with one's eyes" as opposed to "horama" (Strongs
#G3705) which refers to a vision (i.e. "seeing" with one's
mind). Thus the grammar, and the
frequency of post-resurrection sightings, refutes the idea of mass
hallucinations.
Some Jews argue
that there is no mention of Christ appearing to Peter after His resurrection,
therefore, they claim, Paul is manipulating Scripture here and is
untrustworthy. The Greek text literally
says: "he was seen of Cephas then of the twelve." Notice Paul is not giving a comprehensive
list in chronological order of all the people who saw Jesus after His
resurrection - if Paul was attempting to do so, he forgot to mention the Roman
soldiers witnessed Jesus' resurrection (Matthew 18:11); that Mary was the first
Christian to see Jesus (John 20:16-18), a group of Christian women saw Jesus
(Matthew 28:8-10) and that the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus also saw Him
before He appeared to the twelve (Luke 24:13-16 ff.). Rather, Paul is simply indicating that as
time passed, Christ's post-resurrection appearances widened from Peter, the single
most prominent disciple, on out to a numerous group of 500 disciples. And in doing this, Paul placed himself as a
"Johnny come lately" who saw himself as having little importance as
an eye-witness (1 Corinthians 15:8-9).
1 Cor 15:7
JAMES = In the record of post-resurrection appearances Paul lists
in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8, Paul apparently works from the most inner circle of
Christ's disciples out to "greatest of sinners": Paul himself. Thus,
because James is not included in the inner circle with Peter and "the
Twelve" and not included in the wider group of believers ("five
hundred brothers") it is very likely that this James is one of Christ's
unbelieving half-brothers (Matthew 13:55).
The fact neither James nor Paul previously believed in Christ -- and
were converted as a result of these post-resurrection appearances -- is strong
evidence against the idea that the apostles were hallucinating, or "that
the appearances were the projections of individuals who had so much personally
invested in Christ that they simply couldn't imagine Him remaining dead."
-- The NIV Application Commentary on First Corinthians, Craig Blomberg, page
302.
ALL THE APOSTLES = A wider group than just the eleven surviving
disciples, all of these had seen the resurrected Christ (1 Corinthians 9:1).
This appearance was some time before Christ appeared to Paul on the road to
1 Cor 15:8
LAST OF ALL HE APPEARED TO ME = Paul placed this appearance long
after Christ's post-resurrection appearances which occurred during the
"forty days" (Acts 1:3). This
was when Jesus appeared to Paul on the road to
1 Cor 15:9
PERSECUTED THE CHURCH = See Acts 8:3; Acts 26:10-11; 1 Corinthians
15:9; Galatians
1 Cor
RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD = "Not
once in all of Scripture is the word 'raised' or 'resurrection' used of the
soul or spirit. It always strictly
refers to the resurrection of the body." -- Death and the Afterlife, Dr.
Robert A. Morey, Bethany House, p. 115.
The implications
of this are very important: the human physical body dies and must be
resurrected, however the human
"spirit/soul" which returns to God, does not die and thus is
able to return to the physical body without requiring a resurrection of itself.
1 Cor
RESURRECTION ... RAISED = Resurrection is the antidote for death,
not transmigration of an "immortal" soul.
"Heart and
body are both two and one. They are two
in that body cannot be reduced to heart or spirit, and heart cannot be reduced
to body. But they are mutually
interdependent. They need each
other. Human life cannot even be
imagined without both the inner and outer person. Paul's discussion on the resurrection of the
body follows from this. In the context
of 1 Corinthians 15, the apostle cannot think of the person as one substance or
the other; man is both body and soul. If
there is a death of the body, there must also be a resurrection of the body in
order to have eternal life." -- Blame It on the Brain?, Edward T. Welch, p.
47
1 Cor
DEAD ARE NOT RAISED = "Not
once in all of Scripture is the word 'raised' or 'resurrection' used of the
soul or spirit. It always strictly
refers to the resurrection of the body." -- Death and the Afterlife, Dr.
Robert A. Morey, Bethany House, p. 115.
The implications
of this are very important: the human physical body dies and must be
resurrected, however the human
"spirit/soul" which returns to God, does not die and thus is
able to return to the physical body without requiring a resurrection of itself.
1 Cor
DEAD ARE NOT RAISED = "Not
once in all of Scripture is the word 'raised' or 'resurrection' used of the
soul or spirit. It always strictly
refers to the resurrection of the body." -- Death and the Afterlife, Dr.
Robert A. Morey, Bethany House, p. 115.
The implications
of this are very important: the human physical body dies and must be
resurrected, however the human
"spirit/soul" which returns to God, does not die and thus is
able to return to the physical body without requiring a resurrection of itself.
1 Cor
YOU ARE STILL IN YOUR SINS = This means you are still under the
power, guilt, and punishment that comes along with sinning.
1 Cor
IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe
the Gospel (Ephesians
1 Cor
THE FIRSTFRUITS = The resurrection of Christ was a fulfillment of
the OT practice of "firstfruits" (Exodus 23:16, 19; Leviticus
23:10-14). Also see note on Revelation
14:4.
1 Cor
RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD = "Not
once in all of Scripture is the word 'raised' or 'resurrection' used of the
soul or spirit. It always strictly
refers to the resurrection of the body." -- Death and the Afterlife, Dr.
Robert A. Morey, Bethany House, p. 115.
The implications
of this are very important: the human physical body dies and must be
resurrected, however the human
"spirit/soul" which returns to God, does not die and thus is
able to return to the physical body without requiring a resurrection of itself.
1 Cor
IN ADAM ALL DIE = Death is biological, passed on through
genetics. Thus Adam passed death on to
his descendants, not his "sin" (Ezekiel
IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe
the Gospel (Ephesians
ALL WILL BE MADE ALIVE = In context, "all" only means
those who are "in Christ" -- who "belong to Him" (1
Corinthians
1 Cor
EACH IN HIS OWN TURN = The subject here is that "in Christ all
will be made alive" (1 Corinthians
THOSE WHO BELONG TO HIM = The impact is that at Christ's coming
there are "those who belong to Him" (i.e. who are "in
Christ" [1 Corinthians
THE FIRSTFRUITS = The resurrection of Christ was a fulfillment of
the OT practice of "firstfruits" (Exodus 23:16, 19; Leviticus
23:10-14). It also includes the 144,000
of Revelation 14:3-4 (see commentary on Ephesians 4:8).
1 Cor
THEN THE END WILL COME = Context is in verses 22-23 which plainly indicate Christ's Second Coming and the resurrection of the saved. The "end" includes the destruction of the "last enemy" deat